Awards Propel A&M to Forefront of Semiconductor Innovation and HBCU Research

Alabama A&M University Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Clyde Varner, has received two first-of-their-kind National Science Foundation (NSF) grants. On September 11, 2024, Varner and colleagues secured $457,000 for the “NSF Ideas Lab Award: Collaborative Research on Semiconductors and Research Capacity,” and an additional $126,059 for the “HBCU Research and Collaboration Exchange.” These prestigious awards position the University as a key player in semiconductor research and national HBCU collaboration efforts.

NSF Ideas Lab Award: Elevating Semiconductor Research

“This NSF Ideas Lab grant elevates both Alabama A&M University and Hampton University as pioneering institutions in semiconductor research, fostering collaboration across multiple HBCUs,” said Varner.

Awarded through NSF’s Ideas Lab initiative (NSF 23-626), the grant aims to expand research capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through innovation and collaboration. Partnering with Hampton University, Central State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and other HBCUs, this project will enhance semiconductor research over the next three years, from September 2024 to August 2027. The initiative focuses on developing shared resources, advancing research, and building a skilled STEM workforce.

With the grant, Varner says Alabama A&M University will establish the Organic Electronics Semiconductor Fabrication and Characterization Lab, equipped with state-of-the-art tools like the nanosecond transient absorption spectrometer. The new facility will solidify Alabama A&M’s position at the cutting edge of semiconductor research and technology development.

“This lab is a game-changer,” said Varner. “It not only boosts our research infrastructure but also transforms A&M into a hub for advanced electronics and materials science. The facility will attract future funding, create new industrial partnerships, and expand our research collaborations.”

The project’s goal is to strengthen HBCU contributions to semiconductor science, with students at Alabama A&M gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment, preparing them for careers in the global electronics industry.

HBCU Research and Collaboration Exchange: Uniting Institutions for Future Impact

In addition to the semiconductor award, Varner leads the HBCU Research and Collaboration Exchange, an innovative NSF initiative designed to foster knowledge sharing and resource optimization among HBCUs. The $126,059 grant aims to build a collaborative research network that enhances the research output of underrepresented institutions.

“This initiative connects researchers across multiple HBCUs to increase collective capabilities and research contributions to national scientific goals,” said Varner. Faculty members from Virginia State University, North Carolina Central University, the University of the Virgin Islands, and others will join forces in this two-year project, which runs from September 2024 to August 2026.

The exchange promotes resource sharing and joint research initiatives, offering students access to a broader range of academic perspectives and methodologies. These collaborations not only benefit participating institutions but also prepare students to excel in STEM careers through exposure to interdisciplinary research.

“The HBCU Research and Collaboration Exchange strengthens Alabama A&M’s leadership role in national research collaborations,” Varner added. “It’s a model for future efforts to increase the research capacity of HBCUs and will benefit both faculty and students for years to come.”

Varner, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Tulane University. His research focuses on materials science, computational methods, and strengthening research infrastructure at HBCUs.