Abstract:
Every great innovation begins with a spark — an idea, an opportunity, a door that opens to the
future. In this talk, I will share how his journey in microelectronics led to the creation of
vFabLab (a virtual fabrication lab with thousands of global users), the Mobile Fab (a lab-on-
wheels that makes semiconductor learning hands-on and portable), and the Semiconductor 101
series (a foundational entry point for anyone, anywhere, to step into this exciting world).
I will also introduce the STARS program (Summer Training on Awareness and Readiness for
Semiconductors) READI (Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative), and
VICTORS (Veterans Inclusion and Competency Toward Semiconductors) – three
groundbreaking initiatives that are expanding the ecosystem of opportunities for learners across
the country. Together, these platforms demonstrate how access, curiosity, and persistence can
turn today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders.
Students will discover how semiconductors power everything from smartphones to space travel,
why they are central to America’s future, and how young innovators can begin their journey
now. By exploring real stories of students who turned curiosity into invention, this session will
ignite a sense of possibility: that anyone, with the right spark, can lead the next revolution in
technology.
Bio: Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Hussain is a global pioneer in adaptive, sustainable, and resilient
electronics. A Professor at Purdue University and Fellow of IEEE, APS, and IoP, his research
bridges flexible 3D-ICs, liquid metal systems, bio-integrated sensors, and recyclable chip
packaging. He has authored over 450 publications, holds 50+ patents, and founded multiple
global education and training programs on semiconductor technology and microelectronics. His
work is enabling next-generation electronics for extreme environments, healthcare, and defense
applications. A passionate mentor and visionary technologist, Dr. Hussain is redefining the
future of electronics—where intelligence, adaptability, and sustainability are no longer trade-offs
but foundational truths.