OSU RET Site empowers Okla. teachers to inspire future semiconductor talent

OSU RET Site empowers Okla. teachers to inspire future semiconductor talent

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | [email protected]

When a teacher learns something new, hundreds of students benefit. By equipping Oklahoma educators with cutting-edge skills in photonic microchip fabrication, Oklahoma State University is multiplying the impact of semiconductor technology across classrooms and communities.

Regents Professor Dr. Weili Zhang and assistant professor Dr. John Hu, from the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are leading a new Research Experiences for Teachers Site that will immerse high school and community college educators in photonic microchip fabrication, addressing urgent workforce needs in STEM and semiconductor industries.

The RET Site: Photonic Microchip Fabrication Experiences for Oklahoma Educators will host eight educators each year for a six-week program at CEAT's Advanced Technology Research Center cleanroom. Participants will gain hands-on experience in photolithography, thin-film deposition, plasma etching, microchip design and terahertz spectroscopy. Working alongside OSU researchers and graduate students, they will conduct cleanroom-based projects such as fabricating photonic microchips, characterizing terahertz devices and exploring optical sensing applications.

Terahertz technology could unlock breakthroughs in faster communications, improved security and advanced medical tools, while microchip fabrication is central to building a stronger, more independent semiconductor industry. Together, they stand at the forefront of innovation with the potential to change how we live and work.

"This program was inspired by the urgent national need to prepare a skilled workforce in semiconductors, combined with expertise at OSU in microchip fabrication and the unique capabilities of the ATRC Cleanroom," Zhang said. "Photonic microchip fabrication was chosen because it is one of the fastest-growing areas in advanced communications and sensing technologies, and it provides an accessible, hands-on platform for educators to engage their students and spark interest in STEM careers."

By training teachers, the program creates a multiplier effect that can reach thousands of students across Oklahoma. Each participant will develop classroom-ready modules aligned with STEM standards, translating advanced concepts in microelectronics and terahertz photonics into accessible lessons.

Zhang notes that they have partnered with Oklahoma school districts, such as Stillwater Public Schools, the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, career tech centers, such as Meridian Technology Center, and community colleges, such as Northern Oklahoma College and Oklahoma City Community College, to identify motivated educators with a strong interest in STEM.

"Educators play the key role in motivating students at the high school and community college levels toward STEM careers," Zhang said. "By experiencing terahertz photonics as an emerging field firsthand, teachers can show students that they can also be part of groundbreaking research and industries shaping the future."

The RET Site also supports national workforce goals. The initiative complements the federal CHIPS and Science Act and Oklahoma's statewide efforts to expand semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics.

Zhang and Hu are working to build lasting partnerships with Oklahoma industries, schools and state STEM initiatives to secure ongoing support for the program.

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