Electrical and Computer Engineering

Oregon State University is leading two large consortiums that aim to boost innovation and commercialization for advanced technologies to stimulate economic development in Oregon and beyond. The FAST Regional Innovation Engine and Corvallis Microfluidics Tech Hub proposals have broad support from small and large companies, startups, government agencies, universities, venture capitalists, and community groups — 65 members in CorMic and 95 members in FAST. 

The race is on to bring back semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. The industry got a huge boost from the federal CHIPS and Science Act in 2022, which invested $52.7 billion in the industry. Oregon followed with its own CHIPS Act in 2023, adding another $240 million. These investments are anticipated to spur rapid growth of the state’s semiconductor industry.
 

As autonomous systems become more prevalent in daily life, engineers face an enormous challenge. It’s not enough for these human-scale systems to complete tasks safely; they also need to abide by the social considerations we humans rely upon to guide and regulate our interactions.

Beloved teacher left legacy of inspiration

Roger Traylor, senior instructor of electrical and computer engineering, lived a life of meaning and purpose. He died Oct. 8, leaving a legacy of inspiration for more than 10,000 students and many colleagues through his teaching, mentorship, and friendship.

Grounded in a long history of excellence in analog integrated circuits, Oregon State University is one of only a handful of universities with several faculty members in integrated electronics. Innovative research led by faculty in the integrated electronics group has thrived with support of leading semiconductor companies.

For anyone working in the semiconductor industry in Oregon, it is no surprise that a recent report estimated a need for a 24% increase in semiconductor-related credentials. Meeting those needs is a focus for the State of Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, which requested the assessment. It is part of the State’s broader efforts to reinvigorate the semiconductor industry supported by the federal CHIPS and Science Act and Oregon’s CHIPS Act.

In 2023, wind turbines generated upwards of 425,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity in the United States, enough to run more than 39 million average American homes. Wind is the country’s largest renewable energy source, representing about 10% of all electricity production.