Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Washington

The University of Washington is beginning a process of realigning its educational and research programs to address a cluster of related technologies that will dominate industrial growth in the next century. We name this diverse cluster of engineering and scientific sub-disciplines "microtechnology," in that they share a focus on the manipulation of matter at the micrometer scale. This new discipline of microtechnology embraces both the existing microelectronics industry and exciting emerging research and development fields such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The opportunity for UW to take up a leadership role in this field is driven by recent increases in electronics and semiconductor industries in Washington State and by dramatic research breakthroughs in the application of MEMS-based technologies to biology, chemistry and medicine.

Through seed funding from the College of Engineering at UW we have established the Center for Applied Microtechnology (CAM). It is planned as a permanent entity that will strive to accomplish the goals of the UW and of its vital partner, the Washington Technology Center (WTC). It has a four-fold mission:

(1) To provide flexible and pertinent education for the growing microtechnology workforce of Washington State.

(2) To provide support for cutting edge microtechnology-based research at the UW.

(3) To promote new and support existing Washington State microtechnology-based industry.

(4) To become a national resource for the application of microtechnologies to meet scientific and technical challenges.

These mission goals will be met using both traditional and non-traditional means of education, continuing education, and industrial partnering. CAM's four-fold mission reflects the central role of educational institutions in a time of rapidly evolving technology.

CAM is initially headed by co-directors Paul Yager and R. Bruce Darling and administered by Mary Smith. Directors serve for finite terms and are appointed by the Deans of Engineering, Medicine, and Arts and Sciences. The co-directors oversee the operations of CAM, coordinate the changes in the educational programs suggested, and act as the interface between the program and the industrial community. The offices for CAM are sited in Fluke Hall on the UW campus. Administrative decisions will be made in consultation with a managing board to be chosen from the participating personnel and industrial representatives.

In the period leading up to the Fall 1998 academic quarter, CAM will focus on the following tasks:

• Establish (and advertise) an infrastructure that will create a dialog with all regional industrial clients of microtechnology education. CAM will set up a WWW site, telephone access, and send out informational mailings on CAM strategy and upcoming events.
   
• Establish a regular seminar series of internal and external speakers of national stature in the microtechnology area. The announcements of these seminars will be made accessible both on and off campus via the web and e-mail.
   
• Conduct minisymposia with industrial and academic participants aimed at updating the UW curriculum for microtechnological education. The microtechnology employers of our students will be at the center of the upcoming curriculum revision process.
   
• Enhancing the MEMS research infrastructure through the acquisition of equipment in the WTC microfabrication facility. UW and federal resources will be used, and plans will be made for future equipment acquisitions.
   
• Establishing CAM as a resource for industrial and academic microtechnology research. A primary activity will be establishing a student-staffed consulting service that will help corporate and academic clients to find solutions to microtechnological problems.