A central feature of Kent State University’s Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Summer Institutes is the opportunity for participants to engage in applied learning experiences that mirror real semiconductor manufacturing environments.
Rather than learning about semiconductor manufacturing only through lectures, participants engage with the technologies, tools, and environments used across the semiconductor ecosystem through a combination of hands-on activities, industry engagement, and immersive learning experiences.
Layered Semiconductor Learning Environments
Participants experience semiconductor manufacturing concepts through a layered learning model that exposes them to multiple types of semiconductor manufacturing environments.
This includes learning experiences connected to:
• Kent State University’s Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute (AMLCI), where participants gain exposure to cleanroom environments and research facilities used in semiconductor and advanced materials development.
• Partner cleanroom facilities, including visits to the Lorain County Community College (LCCC) cleanroom, where participants can observe semiconductor fabrication environments and learn how academic training connects to workforce development.
• Simulated cleanroom environments, where participants engage in guided activities that illustrate key steps involved in semiconductor device fabrication.
• Virtual reality cleanroom environments, which allow participants to explore semiconductor fabrication facilities and processes in immersive digital environments.
Together, these environments provide participants with a deeper understanding of how semiconductor devices are designed, manufactured, and tested across different stages of the semiconductor ecosystem.
Industry Engagement and Professional Exposure
Participants also have opportunities to interact directly with professionals working across the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
These experiences may include:
• Guest speakers from industry and research organizations who share insights about semiconductor technologies, career pathways, and emerging innovations.
• Industry site visits, where participants observe advanced manufacturing environments and learn how semiconductor technologies are developed and produced in real-world settings.
• Networking opportunities with engineers, technicians, researchers, and industry professionals, providing participants with insight into the diverse roles that support the semiconductor workforce.
Career Academy and Professional Development
Participants also take part in the program’s Career Academy, which provides structured opportunities to develop professional skills and explore career pathways.
Career Academy activities may include:
• resume and professional profile development
• LinkedIn profile building and networking preparation
• discussions with professionals from semiconductor and related industries
• exploration of career pathways across engineering, manufacturing, and technology fields
Collaborative Projects and Capstone Experience
Throughout the institutes, participants work collaboratively on applied technical activities and projects that connect course concepts with real semiconductor manufacturing systems.
The experience culminates in a capstone project, where participants work in teams to apply semiconductor manufacturing concepts and present their work to peers, faculty, and industry professionals.
These activities help participants understand how interdisciplinary teams of technicians, engineers, and scientists work together to develop, manufacture, and improve semiconductor technologies.