Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is proud to welcome the second cohort of Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) students to the Semiconductor Scholars Program, an initiative supported by NORDTECH DoD Microelectronics Hub. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural class, this unique program provides HVCC students the opportunity to participate in an immersive summer filled with experiential learning, engagement with RPI faculty and facilities, and opportunities for networking and career development in upstate New York’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry. 

This year’s cohort includes Marwarn Mohmood, Klay Collari, Sameer Abbaszadeh, Chris Bachorik, and Ezden Koopman—all promising STEM students from HVCC eager to deepen their exposure to semiconductor technologies. 

The program officially kicked off on April 21, 2025, with a welcome event hosted by Shekhar Garde, Ph.D., the Thomas R. Farino Jr. ’67 and Patricia E. Farino Dean of the School of Engineering at RPI.  Students were joined by Hector Rodriguez, Ph.D., dean of STEM at HVCC, Darrilyn Di Nardo, NORDTECH workforce development coordinator, as well as RPI faculty, staff, and researchers who will serve as mentors throughout the scholars’ yearlong journey.

The experience begins with an industry site visit to GlobalFoundries in Malta, NY—one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers—where students will get a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge chipmaking processes in an advanced fabrication facility.

Following the site visit, students will participate in a six-week summer immersion program at RPI, led by Muhsin Celik, Ph.D., professor of practice in the department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering.  This intensive experience will provide exposure and hands-on training in modern semiconductor technologies that are shaping the future of the chip industry.

Students expressed a range of motivations for joining the program:

“I wanted to gain real-world experience and work with advanced technology.”

“This program helps me explore engineering and figure out the right path for my future.”

“It’s a great opportunity to prepare for a four-year degree and immerse myself in the field.”

“I’m excited to grow, make connections, and challenge myself.”

RPI faculty leaders underscored the importance of the program and the impact it has on both students and the broader semiconductor ecosystem:

“RPI is deeply committed to building a strong semiconductor workforce pipeline,” said Garde. “This RPI-HVCC collaboration creates access, affordability, and opportunity for community college students.  We believe that with appropriate support this model can be replicated and scaled nationally.” 

“As someone who began her academic journey at HVCC, I have a deep appreciation for the transformative potential of this program,” said Lucy Zhang, Ph.D., associate dean for Research Innovations, Partnerships, and Workforce Development, and professor of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering. “The students in the RPI-HVCC Semiconductor Scholars Program are bright, driven, and hardworking. When I meet them, I see the future leaders of the tech industry.”

Funded by NORDTECH, the Semiconductor Scholars Program is a powerful example of collaboration between an R1 STEM institution and a strong community college, working together to prepare a highly skilled workforce for the growing demands of the U.S. semiconductor sector.

For more information, visit https://chips.rpi.edu