Outreach
2024 Semiconductor REU Program
July 31, 2024
Daniel Houf, an undergraduate student from Texas A&M University at Kingsville, joined our research team through the Semiconductor Research Experience for Undergraduate Student (REU) program, sponsored by the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute, during the summer of 2024. In this 8-week program, Daniel worked on a project under the supervision of Prof. Lin and mentored by graduate student Enzi Zhai. This summer research program provides a unique opportunity for talented undergraduate engineering students from a variety of universities to work with professors, post-docs, and senior graduate students in laboratories at Texas A&M University. Through this program, students not only get a taste of graduate student life, but also lay the groundwork for their careers.
In this project, Daniel focused on the simulation of the optical response of distributed Bragg reflective cavities for application to spectral sensing calculations. By using the transmission matrix method, he simulated the stacked structure of multilayer materials and tuned the response matrix to resolve the unknown incident light spectrum. At the conclusion of the program, he conducted a poser presentation on July 31, 2024 about his findings that contributed to further understanding and optimization of optical structures for use in spectral sensing calculations.
Texas A&M Engineering Project Showcase
April 26, 2024
Prof. Lin and his Senior Capstone Design team, Colton Brietzke, Juan Bustos, Phillip Starnes, Samuel Njoroge, and Carter Lucas presented a poster at the Texas A&M College of Engineering Project Showcase. The team has been working on a two-semester project titled: "Finite Element Analysis of Transistor Geometry and the Effects of Plasma and Thermal Considerations". The project was sponsored by Samsung Austin Semiconductor (SAS), mentored by Prof. Lin and three engineers at SAS. In the project, the students developed a finite element analysis model based on COMSOL Multiphysics to study the thermal stress of a back-end-of-line semiconductor manufacturing process that involves plasma etching, thin film deposition, and thermal treatment. Possible weak points in the device geometry with high stress were identified, which could lead to severe mechanical failure. The outcome of this project has been helpful to the SAS team in their process development. All the Capstone design team members will graduate within half a year. Three of them have found jobs in semiconductor industry, and one has accepted an offer to pursue a Master's degree.
The Engineering Project Showcase is an annual celebration of the technical accomplishments of our engineering undergraduates. Over 1,250 students representing 277 engineering capstone design teams from all engineering departments will participate and present their team projects through posters and prototypes. This diverse showcase offers students an opportunity to network with industry people and show off their projects, which are solutions to tangible problems faced in industry.
Samsung Austin Semiconductor Facility Tour
April 19, 2024
Prof. Lin and his team members, Mr. Farhan Zahin, Mr. Matthew Cupich, Ms. Rachel Lee, Mr. Dhruv Nandwani and Mr. Christian Schade, joined a team of 41 students and 4 faculty members from Texas A&M University for an exclusive tour of the Samsung Austin Semiconductor facility in Austin, Texas for the 2023-2024 Samsung Fellows. Students were given opportunities to learn the cutting-edge semiconductor foundry facility, and to interact with current engineers at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. More information can be found at:
https://engineering.tamu.edu/news/2024/04/samsung-fellows-explore-austin-semiconductor-facility.html
Aggieland Saturday 2024
February 10, 2024
During Aggieland Saturday 2024 at Texas A&M University's Zachry Engineering Education Complex, the College of Engineering showcased its diverse departments and cutting-edge endeavors. This key outreach event highlighted the College's commitment to innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Prospective students and families explored a dynamic array of engineering fields, illustrating the vibrant opportunities and academic excellence within the College of Engineering at Texas A&M Universirty.
Event Highlights:
Our group's presentation, led by Enzi, offered an in-depth look at the principles and applications of carbon nanotubes. One of the event's standout moments was a live demonstration of extracting fibers from a carbon nanotube substrate, captivating the audience with the tangible potential of these materials. Farhan, served as the MSEN Department's photographer.
This participation underlined the importance of Aggieland Saturday in sparking interest in materials science among young students, particularly in the realm of low-dimensional materials. By providing a hands-on learning experience and showcasing real-world applications, the MSEN Department's involvement exemplified the event's role in fostering curiosity, encouraging exploration, and promoting STEM education. Through such impactful initiatives, Texas A&M University continues to nurture the next generation of engineers and scientists, ready to contribute to the advancements in technology and society.