Advancing Semiconductor Education through Expansion and Diversification (ASEED)

ASEED is a collaborative effort among three HBCUs—Alabama A&M University (AAMU), Central State University (CSU), and Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU, the lead organization)—aiming to address and find solutions for the challenges minority-serving institutions face in semiconductor research and education, including limited access to proper technical training and state-of-the-art facilities. ASEED is committed to bridging the gap in the semiconductor workforce by training graduates in cutting-edge technologies and industry-relevant skills. By fostering a diverse and innovative semiconductor sector, we aim to increase nationwide awareness and participation in this critical field. ASEED concentrates on comprehensive research and education across all aspects of chip manufacturing. Our three primary focus areas are:

1. 2D Semiconductor materials: Exploring advanced materials for next-generation semiconductor devices.
2. AI Chip Design: Developing integrated circuits optimized for artificial intelligence applications.
3. GaN-Based Ultra-Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Devices: Advancing high-performance devices for power electronics and communication systems.

Each partner institution leads one of these research areas while contributing to the collective goals of ASEED. This decentralized execution with centralized synthesis allows for scalability and the inclusion of additional partners in the future. Results from our research efforts will directly enhance academic offerings by introducing new technical certifications at both undergraduate and graduate levels, developing specialized academic tracks enriched with hands-on lab experiences and practical industry-aligned projects, equipping faculties with the latest industry technologies through collaborative research projects, and facilitating smooth transitions for students entering the semiconductor workforce. Our collaboration with leading semiconductor firms enriches our students with real-world experience through internships and collaborative projects, offers direct pathways to employment, and ensures our programs align with current and future industry needs by working closely with industry experts.

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Scholarship Opportunity: Online Semiconductor Processing Certificate at Central State University!

We are excited to announce that Central State University is now offering scholarships for our Online Semiconductor Processing Certificate, which offers in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the semiconductor industry.

Scholarship Details:

• The scholarship will cover tuition fees up to a maximum of $5,000 per selected applicant.
• This scholarship applies to our Online Semiconductor Processing Certificate

How to Apply: To apply for the scholarship, please complete the application form available at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/Z2rjs7PpNX

Suxia Cui¹, Satilmis Budak², Mohammadreza Hadizadeh³, Mubbashar Altaf Khan³, Zhigang Xiao², Shujun Yang², Qunying Yuan², Lujun Zhai¹, Xiang Zhao²

¹Prairie View A&M University 

²Alabama A&M University

³Central State University

Suxia Cui, Ph.D. (Lead PI, PVAMU)

Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

EE Building room 334, Prairie View A&M University
O: 936-261-9917 
E: sucui@pvamu.edu

W: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suxia-cui-7703b951/

Satilmis Budak, Ph.D. (Co-PI, AAMU)

Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
202, A. J. Bond Hall, Alabama A&M University
O: 256 372-5894
E: satilmis.budak@aamu.edu

W: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=z4Hlc7oAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Mohammadreza Hadizadeh, Ph.D. (PI, CSU)

Associate Professor of Physics
CENS 264, Central State University
O: 937 376-6273
E: mhadizadeh@centralstate.edu
W: https://people.ohio.edu/hadizadm/

Mubbashar Altaf Khan, Ph.D. (Co-PI, CSU)

Research Assistant Professor
Jenkins 114I, Central State University
O: 937 376-6327

E: mkhan1@centralstate.edu
W: https://www.centralstate.edu/profiles/mubbashar-khan

Zhigang Xiao, Ph.D. (PI, AAMU)

Professor of Electrical Engineering
203 A. J. Bond Hall, Alabama A&M University
O: 256 372-5679
E: zhigang.xiao@aamu.edu

W: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8nKgekkAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra

Shujun Yang, Ph.D. (Co-PI, AAMU)

Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering
205 A. J. Bond Hall, Alabama A&M University
O: 256 372-5561 
E: shujun.yang@aamu.edu

Qunying Yuan, Ph.D. (Co-PI, AAMU)

Associate Professor of Physiology
307 Carter Hall, Alabama A&M University
O: 256 372-4241 
E: qunying_yuan@aamu.edu

Lujun Zhai, Ph.D. (Co-PI, PVAMU)

Postdoc Researcher in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Alabama A&M University
E: lzhai@pvamu.edu

W: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=OwHV6h0AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Xiang Zhao, Ph.D. (Co-PI, AAMU)

Professor of Computer Science
312 A. J. Bond Hall, Alabama A&M University
O: 256 372-8466
E: xiang.zhao@aamu.edu

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