GFP Fellowships 

GFP Program Description

The Graduate Fellowship Program (GFP) addresses the issues of improving educational opportunities at the doctoral level and supplying a relevantly educated workforce for the semiconductor industry. The objectives of the program are: 1) to encourage academically gifted U.S./permanent resident students to pursue doctoral degrees in research areas consistent with SRC program goals, and 2) to develop a cadre of the highest quality doctoral graduates for member companies and U.S. universities.

The GFP was created in 1986 to attract exceptionally talented students with U.S. citizenship to academic areas of interest to SRC members. The program has since been opened to students holding permanent resident, refugee, or political asylum status in the U.S.

The Fellows are encouraged to conduct research leading to novel, high-payoff solutions for the technology challenges faced by the semiconductor industry. Graduating Fellows facilitate the transfer of new science and technology from the participating universities to the supporting and hiring organizations. Fellows joining faculties at universities worldwide carry with them the expertise to stimulate new research activities and to encourage additional student interest in semiconductor-related fields. 

Recipients of a company-named fellowship award will be assigned and mentored for the term of the award by an industry advisor from the sponsoring company.

Named Fellowships

The Company-Named Fellowships were created to recognize outstanding academic and research achievements and to increase the number of Graduate Fellows in research areas of special interest to the sponsoring companies. These fellowships are named for the companies providing funding. The Fellows are chosen from the applicants for the Graduate Fellowship Program based on the eligibility requirements used to select the GFP Fellows and on the match between the student's proposed research and the sponsoring company's research interests.

The recipient of a company-named fellowship will be mentored for the term of the Fellowship by an industry advisor from the sponsoring company.

Support & Eligibility

All Fellowships and Scholarships provide:

• Full tuition and university required fees
• A competitive stipend

GFP – Fellowship tenure is for up to 3 years (36 mos) of doctoral study. Fellowships will continue to completion of the degree program, but for no more than four years. Continuation of the Fellowship will be contingent only upon satisfactory progress in the proposed course of study and research as determined by the faculty advisor and SRC.

The Fellowships are open to students who:

• are U.S. citizens or have permanent resident, refugee, or political asylum status in the U.S.;
• are pursuing or planning to pursue a Ph.D. degree with research relevant to microelectronics and associated technology under the guidance of an SRC-approved faculty member and with at least two years to completion of the doctoral degree;
• will be performing research under a program approved by SRC; and
• are willing to provide a copy of his/her Ph.D. dissertation to SRC for potential publication to the SRC website.

It is expected that all Fellows will complete their Ph.D. degrees in an area relevant to microelectronics and that upon completion of the program, are encouraged to secure employment within the semiconductor industry or at a U.S. government agency or a faculty position in an accredited four-year U.S. college or university.

Applicants for the program must provide information about persons in their direct lineage (grandparents, parents, spouses, or children) that are children and spouses of employees working at SRC or SRC subsidiaries are not eligible. 

Industry Advisors

Industry advisors are a vital element of the GFP. Industry advisors are part of a research team that includes the student, the faculty advisor, and, perhaps, other industrial advisors. The goal of the team is to provide the student with 1) knowledge of the industry environment in general, 2) an indication of the potential applications of his/her research, and 3) professional collegian contact that will foster the student's ability to function effectively in a competitive global economy.

Industry advisors help the student make contact with knowledgeable industry people and explore ways in which his/her doctoral research is relevant to industry by sharing a firsthand view of the current and next-generation needs of the industry. The Industry advisor should be able to help the student look beyond the achievement of the degree to the application of the research in the work place. The Graduate Fellows are beginning to take their places in the industry arena by presenting their research at technical conferences and workshops, as well as through publication. The industry advisor can enhance this process by providing experiences within his/her own company and contact with professionals throughout the industry to help the student develop a network of colleagues that will foster professional growth long after the degree is completed. SRC makes every effort to consider each student and prospective industry advisor individually, and recommendation is sought from the faculty advisor.

Criteria that are considered in the selection of industry advisors include: participation in the research as a liaison or industry mentor; enthusiastic desire to participate in the education of young men and women who are the next generation of scientists and industry leaders; area of technical interest compatible with that of the student's research; and convenience of and availability for interaction with the student.

It is suggested that the industry advisor make at least four personal contacts with the student during the course of the academic year. These meetings might take place: twice at the university to review the student's research, e.g., the annual research program review; once at the industry advisor's company, perhaps to present the student's research and/or to meet with others at the company who have similar interests; and once at TECHCON, SRC's annual technical conference.

How to Apply

GFP and MSP applications are accessible on the SRC website. Notice of fellowship competition is through universities having GRC-sponsored research contracts, and other sources as appropriate.

Completed applications must include

• Resume  
• Faculty Advisor Reference 
• Two additional References – (from scientists, engineers, or faculty members who have recent or current knowledge of the applicant's academic accomplishments and professional or research experience)
• Official transcripts of all accredited baccalaureate and graduate work completed, including the first semester or quarter of the current academic year. Transcripts may be sent directly to SRC from the college or university registrar to: Semiconductor Research Corporation Graduate Fellowship Program, 4819 Emperor Blvd., Suite 300, Durham, NC 27703

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is recommended for all GFP applicants (SRC Institution Code 2800).

Application to this program does not obligate a candidate to accept the award if selected. Prior to a candidate's agreement to enter into this program, SRC will supply complete details regarding the terms of the award. SRC reserves the right not to make awards if candidates of sufficiently high quality are not found.

All inquiries should be directed to apply@src.org or SRC at 919.941.9400.