IUP is expanding opportunities for students to enter the growing microelectronics and semiconductor workforce through its nanotechnology specialization, partnership with Penn State’s CNEU, and connection to the NNME Northeast/NEXUS network. The 18-credit Penn State summer capstone provides hands-on nanofabrication and microelectronics training, with potentially reduced housing costs making this experience more accessible to IUP students.
The Madia Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics has strengthened its connection to the rapidly growing microelectronics and semiconductor workforce ecosystem through its collaboration with Penn State’s Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization (CNEU) and the NEXUS Northeast Regional Node.
In May 2026, the SEMI Foundation announced the launch of the first four Regional Nodes of the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), a national initiative designed to connect education, workforce development, and industry in response to the growing demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor and microelectronics fields. The NNME Northeast Regional Node, led by NY CREATES, serves Pennsylvania and 11 other states from Maine to Virginia.
At IUP, students can prepare for careers in these emerging technology fields through the nanotechnology specialization (within the Physics, BS program). The specialization combines a strong foundation in physics with an 18-credit capstone semester at Penn State, where students receive intensive hands-on cleanroom-based training in nanofabrication and microelectronics technologies. The capstone experience provides practical training in areas such as semiconductor and micro-processing technologies, nanofabrication, materials characterization, packaging, and testing.
In recent years, IUP students have completed the capstone experience during the summer at Penn State’s advanced nanofabrication facilities. With newly awarded funding supporting the expanding microelectronics workforce network, there is also the potential for reduced housing costs for students attending future Penn State summer capstone programs, making this valuable hands-on educational experience more accessible to IUP students. All students accepted into the summer 2027 capstone program will be guaranteed a multi-thousand-dollar stipend to offset program costs.
Through IUP's nanotechnology specialization and its continuing partnership with Penn State’s CNEU and the NEXUS Northeast network, IUP students are gaining access to advanced training and expanding career pathways in nanotechnology, semiconductor manufacturing, and the rapidly growing microelectronics industry.