AI Driven Advancement of Microelectronics
A Morgan State University and Johns Hopkins University Venture
Positioned at the crossroads of chemistry, physics, and chemical engineering, the semiconductor (microelectronics) industry plays a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable, intelligent, and interconnected world. This field is essential for driving technological breakthroughs and tackling global energy challenges through innovations in microprocessors, solar cells, LEDs, and power transistors.
Reaching the Future
For students passionate about staying connected, semiconductor advancements have fueled the rise of the internet, 5G networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Tech enthusiasts fascinated by smart devices—such as iPhones, Fitbits, and autonomous vehicles—will find this industry brimming with exciting possibilities. As a highly complex yet forward-thinking sector, its ongoing success is vital to maintaining U.S. economic and technological leadership, offering rewarding and well-compensated career opportunities for those who step into this dynamic field.
Mission
This joint program between Morgan State University and Johns Hopkins University is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders in microelectronics by integrating cutting-edge research and education in artificial intelligence and semiconductor materials and devices. Rooted in the vision of the CHIPS and Science Act, our mission is to train a diverse and forward-thinking workforce prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Through a shared, interdisciplinary curriculum, NRT trainees—whether pursuing an MSEM or PhD—gain a strong foundation in both AI and semiconductor technologies. Our program ensures all participants develop a common technical language and core competencies, while maintaining the flexibility to tailor their training to individual career paths. By bridging disciplines and institutions, we prepare our students to innovate across academic, industry, and government sectors.
What are “microelectronics”?
Microelectronics is a branch of electronics that deals with the design, development, and manufacture of very small (micro-scale) electronic components and systems. These components are typically measured in micrometers or nanometers and are used in a wide range of devices, from smartphones and computers to medical instruments and automobiles.
Vision
Our vision is to become a nationally recognized hub for interdisciplinary innovation and workforce development at the intersection of artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies. By leveraging the combined strengths of Morgan State University, Johns Hopkins University, and our regional academic and research partners, we aim to lead transformative advances in microelectronics that power the next generation of intelligent systems.
We envision a future where our graduates drive technological breakthroughs, contribute to a resilient and inclusive semiconductor ecosystem, and shape the ethical and equitable application of AI in society. Through collaborative research, inclusive education, and strategic industry engagement, we are committed to building a diverse, agile, and future-ready talent pipeline inspired by the spirit of the CHIPS and Science Act.
History
Johns Hopkins University has a long-standing legacy in microelectronics research, rooted in its strengths in physics, electrical and computer engineering, and materials science. Since the mid-20th century, faculty and researchers at Hopkins have contributed to foundational advancements in semiconductor materials, device fabrication, and nanoengineering. The university has been a key player in developing technologies for aerospace, defense, and biomedical applications—fields that demand high-performance microelectronic systems. With the growth of AI and data-driven applications, Johns Hopkins has increasingly integrated microelectronics with machine learning and computational modeling, positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation chip design and smart device innovation. Through interdisciplinary collaborations and state-of-the-art research facilities, Johns Hopkins continues to be a vital contributor to the national microelectronics ecosystem.
ADAM is sponsored by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NSF NRT) program is designed to prepare graduate students for successful careers in both academia and the broader workforce by fostering interdisciplinary research and innovative, evidence-based training. Through the NRT, students engage in cutting-edge research while developing key professional skills, including communication, collaboration, and ethical leadership. NRT programs are uniquely structured to address national priorities, such as artificial intelligence and microelectronics, and to promote inclusive, cross-disciplinary training environments. At our institution, the NSF NRT supports a collaborative ecosystem that brings together faculty, students, and industry partners to drive innovation, build community, and cultivate a diverse and agile microelectronics workforce.
Learn more about AI-Driven Advances in Microelectronics
What we do
Research Areas
The research team integrates expertise across AI/ML, computational modeling, material discovery, and semiconductor processing. Areas of focus include integrated photonics hardware, parametric nonlinear optics, and novel photonic materials, as well as AI/ML-driven multiscale modeling and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics. Additional strengths include nanomaterials synthesis, operando spectroscopy, and device integration. Research spans secure autonomous systems, computer vision, IoT, and emerging non-von Neumann computational architectures. Innovation in leadership and technology design further supports the initiative, alongside expertise in wide bandgap, 2D/3D materials, quantum and low-dimensional materials, optoelectronics, and advanced optical modeling.
How we work
Research Labs
- The Clancy Group
- Integrated Photonics Laboratory
- The Hernandez Lab
- The Kempa Group
- Data Engineering and Predictive Analytics (DEPA) Lab
- The Computation, Circuits, Cognition and Cybernetics Laboratory (The C4 Lab)
- The Cybersecurity Assurance & Policy (CAP) Center
- The Center for Leadership Education
- The NanoEnergy Laboratory
Who we are
People
The collaborative research team, led by PI Paulette Clancy in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, integrates expertise across AI/ML, computational modeling, material discovery, and semiconductor processing. Co-PI Amy Foster (Electrical & Computer Engineering, JHU) contributes leadership in integrated photonics hardware and nonlinear optics, while Co-PI Rigoberto Hernandez (Chemistry, JHU) focuses on AI/ML and multiscale modeling of nonequilibrium molecular dynamics. Co-PI Thomas Kempa (Chemistry, JHU) brings strengths in nanomaterials synthesis, operando spectroscopy, and device integration. From Morgan State University, Co-PI Kofi Nyarko (Computer Science) advances AI/ML, computer vision, IoT, and TinyML, while Co-PI Onyema Osuagwu (Electrical & Computer Engineering) leads research in secure autonomous systems and emerging computational architectures. Co-PI Michael Spencer (Electrical & Computer Engineering, MSU) specializes in wide bandgap and 2D/3D materials for power and microwave electronics. Additional leadership comes from Co-PI Pam Sheff (Center for Leadership Education, JHU), with expertise in innovation and design for technology, and Co-PI Susanna Thon (Electrical & Computer Engineering, JHU), whose work centers on quantum and low-dimensional materials, optoelectronics, and optical modeling.
ADAM is sponsored by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NSF NRT) program is designed to prepare graduate students for successful careers in both academia and the broader workforce by fostering interdisciplinary research and innovative, evidence-based training.
