Design and Successful Implementation of an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates site in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Abstract

During 1999 and 2000, a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored site was established for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Each year, the REU program exposed 10 undergraduate students to educational and research experiences in such areas as robotics/automation, nonlinear modeling and advanced control, image processing, computer-aided integrated circuit designs, and computer networking. The REU participants undertook intensive study in their focus subject and under the supervision of their faculty advisors, conducted fundamental research, and interacted with our industrial partners toward implementing their ideas in the real world. A total of 20 projects were performed together with support from industrial and governmental agencies. This paper outlines the program, educational components, research outcomes, and experiences gained.