Denton, TX — The University of North Texas (UNT) has announced the establishment of the Center for Microelectronics in Extreme Environments (CMEE), a new research initiative aimed at advancing the development of next-generation semiconductors. The center will support efforts at both regional and state levels to bolster the semiconductor industry and train future professionals in the field.
Semiconductors are vital components in a wide range of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, smartphones, medical devices, autonomous vehicles, and defense systems. As the demand for advanced electronics continues to grow, the need for more resilient and high-performance semiconductors has become increasingly critical.
CMEE, a collaborative effort between UNT’s College of Engineering and College of Science, will focus on creating semiconductors designed to operate in extreme environments, such as high radiation, extreme temperatures, and high-pressure conditions. This research is particularly important for applications in commercial high-power electronics, as well as for specialized uses by government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Energy, and NASA.
Nigel Shepherd, associate professor of materials science and engineering, will serve as the center’s director, with Usha Philipose, professor of physics, as co-director. Shepherd emphasized the importance of understanding the performance limits of semiconductor materials, noting that the knowledge gained through the center’s research will contribute to the development of devices capable of withstanding harsh operating conditions.
The center will leverage UNT’s advanced research facilities, including the College of Science’s ion beam accelerator lab and the Materials Research Facility at UNT’s Discovery Park. These resources will enable researchers to simulate extreme conditions and conduct in-depth analyses of semiconductor materials and devices.
The launch of CMEE comes at a time of heightened focus on the semiconductor industry in the United States. The federal CHIPS Act, passed in 2022, allocated $280 billion to support domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing. Texas, the nation’s largest semiconductor exporter, has also taken steps to strengthen its position in the industry with its own CHIPS Act and the formation of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC), which includes representation from UNT.
UNT Vice President for Research and Innovation Pamela Padilla highlighted the center’s role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and driving technological innovation. She also noted the center’s commitment to building a sustainable workforce pipeline for the semiconductor industry, both in Texas and beyond.
By bringing together expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines, CMEE aims to contribute to the growth of the semiconductor ecosystem at UNT and ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.