Semiconductor Stars
The Semiconductor Stars program is a four-week summer internship that invites rising 9th-12th grade high school students to explore cutting-edge semiconductor technology and advanced manufacturing. Participants will spend four days a week at Wayne State University, engaging in hands-on research and engineering projects alongside faculty, graduate, and undergraduate mentors in state-of-the-art electrical and mechanical engineering labs.
We offer two tracks: Semiconductor Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, each with a capacity of 10 students. We also offer a weekly stipend of $200 to students admitted to the program.
Details
- Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
- Days: Monday - Thursday
- Dates: July 28 - August 22, 2025
- Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Location: Wayne State University
Benefits
- Stipend of $200
- Lunch provided
Application requirements
- Recommendation letter (from teacher or principal)
- Resume
- Short statement outlining why student is interested in the Semiconductor Stars Program
- GPA
Apply by: June 15, 2025
Semiconductor Engineering track
Under the guidance of Dr. Gozde Tutuncuoglu and Dr. Dimitrios Sounas, students will explore how computer chips are made, gaining hands-on experience in designing and building them while learning about the sophisticated processes involved in their manufacturing.
Students will learn:
- Semiconductor fabrication and characterization equipment
- How to print electronic circuits
- How to work in a cleanroom environment
- How to prototype and test microelectronic devices
- How to use optical microscopes for device characterization
- How to work in a group to solve scientific challenges
Advanced Manufacturing track
Led by Dr. Yara Almubarak, students will explore mechanical engineering and prototyping techniques essential for careers in manufacturing and product design. By integrating semiconductor engineering with advanced manufacturing, they will engage in the full product development lifecycle—combining printed electronics with mechanical fabrication—while gaining insight into the interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering and manufacturing.
Students will learn:
- Principles of mechanical design, materials selection
- Coding and robotics
- Hands-on experience in advanced fabrication tools such as metal 3D printing, 4-axis CNC machining, and laser cutting
- How to work in a group to solve scientific challenges
Questions? Reach out
Semiconductor engineering
Gozde Tutuncuoglu, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dimitrios Sounas, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advanced manufacturing
Yara Almubarak, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering