Intel Corp. Grants Funds to YSU for Scholarships

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University, a member of the Ohio TechNet Northeast Ohio Semiconductor Workforce Consortium, has received funds for scholarships from Intel Corp. as its latest initiative toward major investments in the state. 

Vamsi Borra, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been leading efforts to bring more programming to YSU as the principal investigator of the grant.

Intel recently announced plans to invest $20 billion in the state for a new semiconductor manufacturing site that is set to generate 7,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent positions in engineering and manufacturing. The facility aims to support Intel’s upcoming products and is coupled with initiatives, including funding for the Ohio Semiconductor Education and Research Program, to nurture a skilled talent pool.

Borra, in collaboration with YSU’s Financial Aid and Scholarships office and STEM Professional Services, worked in identifying the awardees of the scholarships. Four students were selected out of 44 applicants, and each student received $1,000 in scholarship funds.

Awardees include:

• Alexander Corley, a veteran and current student, envisions a future where the semiconductor industry thrives domestically. Corley advocates for reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign suppliers, with the aim of positioning the country at the forefront of innovation within the semiconductor sector.

• Cynderila Patrick, an active member of both the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers, aims to create revolutionary technology that enhances the quality of life for all individuals.

• Anthony Spear, a former research intern at the UTEP Aerospace Center, has identified a concern in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis: the supply chain issues that have revealed flaws in technology provisioning. Spear’s perspective emphasizes optimizing firmware efficiency, recognizing the constraints imposed by the limitations of Moore’s Law on hardware development.

• Madison Wigley, a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, holds a vision for the future of manufacturing. Wigley promotes a shift toward prioritizing recyclable and reusable materials, with the aim of reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the manufacturing process.

Pictured at top: From left are Alexander Corley, Anthony Spear, Cynderila Patrick and Madison Wigley.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.