Meharry SACS is participating on an innovative initiative designed to transform semiconductor research and education at HBCUs. Bishnu Sarker, Ph.D., assistant professor, computer science and data science, and Sajid Hussain, Ph.D., chair and professor, computer science and data science, are serving as PI and co-PI on the effort, respectively.
The project, Partnerships for Advancing Research Capacity in Semiconductors at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (PARCS-HBC), will enhance faculty expertise, improve facilities, and provide students with unparalleled access to advanced technologies and training.
PARCS-HBCU includes four research thrusts or areas.
“Meharry will focus on exploring the integration of AI with quantum materials to revolutionize semiconductor material design and manufacturing processes. Once successful, this will have far-reaching impact in healthcare including designing nanomaterials for personalized medicine ,” says Dr. Sarker. “We will also host a K-12 outreach program on semiconductors and AI that we hope will inspire future scientists.”
The other areas will address:
- Biomimetic waste remediation in semiconductor manufacturing
- Wide-bandgap inorganic semiconductors
- Organic/inorganic semiconductor integration and packaging
PARCS-HBCU is funded by a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The project is a collaboration among seven HBCUS: Central State University, the lead institution, Alabama A&M University, Coppin State University, Fayetteville State University, Hampton University, Meharry Medical College, and North Carolina A&T State University.
