From classroom to cleanroom: Students gain skills through CNSI and UCLA Samueli’s semiconductor program

Offered by the California NanoSystems Institute, CNSI, and the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, the Semiconductor Microelectronics Training Program is preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists for careers in one of the most in-demand industries. Through focused, hands-on training, the program, now in its second year, equips community college students with practical skills while supporting workforce development across California.

Six progressive microcredential modules are offered in partnership with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Modules include introductions to semiconductor fabrication, lithography, deposition, etching, metrology and process controls, and CAD for integrated circuit design. By combining learning with cleanroom training, the program aligns with current industry needs while offering valuable networking with peers and industry leaders.

For Gabriel Alfaro, a first-year computer science student at Santa Monica College, the program offered a chance to expand his skill set and connect his background in software with hands-on training in hardware. “I applied because I wanted to push myself into a new area of technology and learn directly from people in the field,” Alfaro said.

Alfaro spent his summer interning at the UCLA Nanofabrication Lab, where he gained confidence working with new tools and processes. “The process taught me to slow down, focus on the details, and value each step,” he said. “Most of all, I built confidence working with tools and processes that were completely new to me.” Looking ahead, Alfaro hopes to pursue work in chip design, AI, and cloud computing—fields where he sees opportunities to use technology to “create practical solutions that have a real impact.”

Electrical engineering student Andres Tafoya, entering his third year at Rio Hondo College, discovered the technology training program after a previous research opportunity fell through. “To be honest, I feel like this is the best thing that could have happened to me,” he said. “This program better fit my interests as an electrical engineering major. I have always wanted the chance to learn about lithography and the chip manufacturing process as a whole.”

Taught by Professor Marko Sokolich, the program’s summer module introduced Tafoya to the fundamentals of semiconductor fabrication, from thin film deposition to lithography and etching. “One of the most fascinating pieces of equipment was the Ultratech Simply ALD,” he recalled. “On the last day of the program, we had the opportunity to produce our own layer on a silicon substrate.”

Offered by the CNSI and UCLA Engineering, the Semiconductor Microelectronics Training Program equips community college students with practical cleanroom skills and industry connections for careers in microelectronics.

Tafoya then completed an internship at UCLA’s Center for High Frequency Electronics, where he worked on wafer dicing, wire bonding, and equipment debugging. “Overall, I got to work with people from many different disciplines and backgrounds, which showed me how broad the industry truly is.”

For Yanilette Montano, a computer engineering student who interned at HRL Laboratories, the program served as a gateway to understanding the bigger picture of semiconductor manufacturing. “The course prepared me well to understand the overall process of wafer manufacturing for my internship,” Montano said. “I especially appreciated learning about the entire flow since it gave me context for the importance of photolithography.”

During her internship, Montano said she not only strengthened her problem-solving and communication skills, but she also found inspiration in observing other roles within the cleanroom. “I really enjoyed HRL’s research-oriented environment and how their work supports partner companies,” she said. “While I interned as a photolithography process engineer, I was also intrigued by the system integration engineers I encountered, who oversee all the processes involved in creating a product wafer.”

Montano credited HRL’s professional development workshops, such as résumé-building sessions, with helping her prepare for industry opportunities. “Overall, this internship prepared me to confidently apply for industry positions and solidified my interest in pursuing a career in the semiconductor industry as a computer/electrical engineer.”

All the students emphasized their gratitude for the opportunity to access such specialized training as community college students. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone, built my confidence, and showed me how much can be achieved by fully committing to learning something new,” Alfaro said.

Tafoya added, “I just want to take the time to appreciate all the coordinators of the program, as these opportunities are not common for community college students.”

With the global demand for microelectronics talent continuing to rise, UCLA’s Semiconductor Microelectronics Training Program provides a vital bridge between education and industry—helping students like Alfaro, Tafoya, and Montano build the skills, confidence, and professional networks to thrive in a rapidly evolving field.