Author Archives: Christof Teuscher

Applications open for DISC Peer Mentor

Provide mentorship to students in the Diverse Internships for Semiconductor Careers (DISC) program, including one-on-one support and co-leading sessions. One open position.

Learn more and apply on Handshake at https://portlandstate.joinhandshake.com/emp/jobs/9230667

Applications are now open for the DISC internship program

Applications for the new Diverse Internships for Semiconductor Careers (DISC) program are now open.
DISC is a National Science Foundation-funded, paid internship experience for undergraduate students. The program provides monthly stipends (9 months; total amount $10,750) for part-time work (10-12 hrs/week) and participation in professional development training and mentoring activities (~30 total hours). DISC participants will conduct research and development work with our partners in the local semiconductor-microelectronics industry. DISC will match interns with one of our local industrial partners: Intel, Siemens, Moses Lake Industries, ams-OSRAM, and Andes Technology.

Apply at https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/disc/apply-for-disc

Application deadline: Thu, Aug 29th at 8:59pm

New NSF award funded: Diverse Internships for Semiconductor Careers in the Portland Metro Area

Portland State University received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish an innovative program aimed at preparing diverse cohorts of students for careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry.

The launch of the Diverse Internships for Semiconductor Careers, or DISC, program reinforces Portland State’s commitment to equity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and its role as a key player in Oregon’s thriving Silicon Forest ecosystem. As the program develops, it aims to serve as a model for other institutions seeking to bridge the gap between academia and industry while promoting diversity in high-tech fields.

The DISC program will be led by Andrea Goforth, professor of chemistry, Christof Teuscher, professor in the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, and Jennifer Lindwall, associate director of the Center for Internships, Mentoring, and Research (CIMR). The trio brings a combined expertise in nanomaterials research, computational modeling, and student success initiatives that will guide the program’s development and implementation.

This program will provide 56 high-quality, paid internship placements over three years for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields. This effort directly addresses the critical workforce shortages and lack of diversity in the semiconductor industry, aligning with national goals of restoring American leadership in microchip development and manufacturing.

DISC will collaborate with major industry partners, including Intel, Siemens EDA, Andes Technology, Moses Lake Industries, and ams-OSRAM USA. These partnerships ensure that internships are aligned with current industry needs and provide students with real-world experience in cutting-edge semiconductor technology. DISC will be looking for additional partners as the program progresses.

Press release: https://www.pdx.edu/news/psu-awarded-nsf-grant-launch-innovative-semiconductor-internship-program

For more information about the DISC program and how to apply, please visit the program’s web page or email disc@pdx.edu.