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É«ÖÐÉ« Receives Almost $1 Million to Close Skill Gap in Semiconductor Manufacturing

The U.S. Congress has finalized Community Project Funding of $950,000 for É«ÖÐÉ« secured by in the 2024 appropriations bills. The funding supports innovation in semiconductor manufacturing through research at É«ÖÐÉ«’s state-of-the-art semiconductor innovation and workforce development center.

É«ÖÐÉ« faculty, students and semiconductor manufacturers are collaborating to improve production processes and meet workforce needs in the industry. The center’s innovations help advance innovative technologies in Illinois and boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing, which is critical to domestic economic growth and national security.

“This initiative would not have been possible without the incredible undergraduate and graduate researchers; I have had the opportunity to collaborate with since 2009. Their success in presenting at domestic and international conferences led to collaborations with key industry partners, which was essential to advancing our work,” Dr. Jason Keleher, chair and professor of the É«ÖÐÉ« Chemistry Department, commented.

The Keleher Research Group (KRG) at É«ÖÐÉ« is considered a leading driver for fundamental research in ultra-clean processing and surface preparation technology. The research group is widely published in international journals and highly sought-after presenter at international conferences. More than 25 É«ÖÐÉ« graduates have careers at leading-edge research and manufacturing sites with Intel Corporation, Entegris Corporation, and Applied Materials Corporation. Additionally, many of the graduates attended PhD programs for advanced studies in the areas of semiconductors, polymers, and materials science.

The Keleher Research Group is collaborating with the É«ÖÐÉ« Office of Sponsored Programs to secure more resources for students conducting this valuable and respected research.

É«ÖÐÉ« is an innovative Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, É«ÖÐÉ« is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, and globally-connected graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit for further information.