Graduate Opportunities

Power Semiconductor Device Modeling

The University of Arkansas seeks highly motivated students at the M.S. and Ph.D. level for graduate study in power semiconductor device modeling. This research will involve developing an understanding of semiconductor device physics at both the classical microelectronic and power electronic levels, use of modern TCAD tools for device analysis, use of modern modeling tools for model creation, validation and parameter extraction, and use of laboratory equipment (e.g., curve tracers, probe stations, etc.) to obtain experimental measurements against which models are validated. Research will involve both silicon and silicon carbide semiconductor technology and may expand to other materials as projects require. Simple power electronic circuit design concepts will be mastered and accompanied with board-level prototyping for thorough understanding device, parasitic and circuit interactions. The expected level of contribution is commensurate with the degree being sought, with excellent employment opportunities available at either the master’s or doctoral level. People with baccalaureate degrees in physics or electrical engineering are encouraged to apply.

Power Electronics Design

The University of Arkansas seeks highly motivated students at the M.S. and Ph.D. level for graduate study in power electronics. This research will involve developing an understanding of standard power electronic circuit topologies for a variety of power conversion and motor control applications. Students will learn the basics of semiconductor device technology for choosing the appropriate devices for a given design, learn how to perform power electronic circuit and module design, and learn state-of-the-art CAD tools for electrical and thermal analysis as well as board and module layout. Students will have a unique laboratory environment within which to evaluate their prototype designs. The National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission is home to a unique 7000 ft2 test facility capable of 6.5 MVA power levels (13.8 kV/300 A). This highly reconfigurable, programmable test facility enables the testing of a huge variety of power electronic systems under rated conditions within the confines of a very safe environment. The expected level of contribution is commensurate with the degree being sought, with excellent employment opportunities available at either the master’s or doctoral level. Internship opportunities are readily available with NCREPT industrial partners. People with baccalaureate degrees in electrical engineering are encouraged to apply.

Power Electronics Packaging

The University of Arkansas seeks highly motivated students at the M.S. and Ph.D. level for graduate study in power electronics packaging. This research will involve investigations into new materials for solders, die attach, contacts, chip passivation, thermal management, and reliability. Students will learn the basics of thermal and mechanical design for electronics that must survive extreme environments (hot, cold, corrosive, vibration) in discrete packaging and module packaging scenarios. They will also learn how to perform power electronic circuit and module design within the context of actual applications involving transportation or the electric power grid. Students will learn state-of-the-art CAD tools for electrical, thermal, and mechanical analysis for appropriate board and module design. Students will have a unique laboratory environment within which to create their prototype designs. The National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission is home to excellent power packaging facilities with additional world-class processing facilities at the High Density Electronics Center (HiDEC – http://hidec.uark.edu). The expected level of contribution is commensurate with the degree being sought, with excellent employment opportunities available at either the master’s or doctoral level. People with baccalaureate degrees in physics, mechanical, or electrical engineering are encouraged to apply.

Power Systems

The University of Arkansas seeks highly motivated students at the M.S. and Ph.D. level for graduate study in power systems. This research will involve developing an understanding of control, power flow, and power quality at both the transmission and distribution levels. The power systems engineer graduating from the UA will be unique in his/her understanding of new power electronic technologies emerging in the electric power sector as a result of the emphasis at NCREPT on advanced power electronics. Students will learn the state-of-the-art power analysis and visualization tools and develop a solid understanding of power systems as a whole. The National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission is home to a unique 7000 ft2 test facility capable of 6.5 MVA power levels (13.8 kV/300 A). This highly reconfigurable, programmable test facility enables the testing of a huge variety of power distribution systems under rated conditions within the confines of a very safe environment. This will enable the student to perform an actual experiment on a distribution level not typically available in a university setting. The expected level of contribution is commensurate with the degree being sought, with excellent employment opportunities available at either the master’s or doctoral level. Internship opportunities are readily available with NCREPT industrial partners. People with baccalaureate degrees in electrical engineering are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates, please send an email to Dr. H. A. Mantooth and keep the subject of the email as the position you are interested in.