A generous $100,000 donation from the Diodes Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Diodes Incorporated, is powering a hands-on educational initiative for graduate students at Texas A&M University. The contribution supports advanced research and workforce training in semiconductors, focusing on areas such as chip design, machine learning, and semiconductor fabrication.
The initiative is led by Dr. Pao-Tai Lin, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and involves both master’s and Ph.D. students pursuing interdisciplinary research that bridges electrical engineering, industrial engineering, physics, and biomedical applications.
This effort allows students to engage in hands-on learning. It’s also a bridge between our university and the semiconductor industry,” said Dr. Lin.
Equipping Future Engineers for Industry Impact
The funding enables students to access real equipment, run simulations, design printed circuit boards (PCBs), and translate theoretical knowledge into practical, real-world solutions. The goal is to accelerate student development and prepare them to make meaningful contributions to the tech workforce from day one.
Supporting students’ skill development enhances their capabilities as future engineers and researchers,” said Gary Yu, CEO and President of Diodes Incorporated. “It also strengthens their ability to produce quality innovations earlier, which we believe is important for both the individual and the profession.”
Hands-On Learning, Real-World Results
Graduate student William Noxon, studying electrical engineering, highlighted the program’s impact on his academic and professional growth.
I’ve designed and printed electronic circuits and programmed microcontroller boards to run specific tasks,” Noxon said. “The most rewarding part has been seeing all these pieces come together into one functioning system.”
Under Dr. Lin’s mentorship, Noxon has been building circuit boards, programming embedded systems, and working closely with peers from diverse academic backgrounds.
It’s fascinating to see how people from different fields approach the same problem in unique ways,” Noxon added. “Collaboration helps us solve roadblocks more quickly and efficiently.”
Since joining the initiative in May, Noxon has gained a deeper understanding of nanoscale electron behavior and the integration of materials science with circuit design—experience that will serve him well in the semiconductor industry, where cross-functional collaboration is essential.
Strengthening the Semiconductor Pipeline
Dr. Lin emphasized that the program’s structure supports three critical pillars of the industry:
- Cutting-edge technology
- Workforce development
- University-industry collaboration
- “This initiative hits all three,” Lin said. “Students are gaining real skills, producing real results, and entering the workforce with a competitive edge.”
Looking ahead, both Texas A&M and Diodes Incorporated are optimistic about expanding the partnership.
We’ve seen what’s possible with this level of support,” Lin said. “We’re hopeful this collaboration continues to grow, giving even more students the opportunity to gain experience that benefits them—and their future employers.”
