Graduate Research
The Radiation Effects and Reliability group within the Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate program at Vanderbilt University prepares students for careers at the forefront of microelectronics research and development. With a strong foundation in radiation effects and reliability engineering, our graduates have gone on to work at leading organizations such as NASA Goddard, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Intel, AMD/Xilinx, Microchip, and Sandia National Laboratories. The program has graduated over 100 PhD students, with more than 200 alumni contributing to the semiconductor industry and defense industrial base. Through cutting-edge research and hands-on experience, students gain the expertise needed to address the challenges of modern electronics in extreme environments. Doctoral candidates are awarded full financial assistance in the form of teaching or research positions. This support typically includes a full-tuition scholarship, monthly stipend, and paid health insurance
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate students at Vanderbilt have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research through the Institute for Space and Defense Electronics (ISDE). Our research spans radiation effects, reliability, and advanced microelectronics, providing hands-on experience in an environment that bridges fundamental science and applied engineering. Students work alongside graduate researchers and faculty, contributing to real-world projects with industry and government relevance. Many participants go on to publish research, present at conferences, and gain valuable skills for careers in aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries. Whether through independent study, summer research, or structured programs, ISDE offers Vanderbilt undergraduates a unique pathway into high-impact engineering research.
Vanderbilt undergraduates can participate in research for course credit during the semester, gaining hands-on experience while applying their engineering knowledge to real-world challenges. This allows students to integrate research with their academic coursework and develop skills in radiation effects and reliability engineering.
For those looking for full-time research opportunities, the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program (VUSRP) provides funded summer positions to work on advanced projects alongside faculty and graduate students.
SCALE for Vanderbilt Students
Eligible Vanderbilt students can also join SCALE, a national program dedicated to microelectronics workforce development. SCALE provides specialized training, hands-on research experiences, and direct engagement with industry and government partners, preparing students for careers in semiconductor and defense-related fields.
Training and Workforce Development
The Institute for Space and Defense Electronics supports workforce development through specialized training programs for industry professionals and government program officers.
We offer in-depth sessions on radiation effects, reliability engineering, and microelectronics for extreme environments. Our programs include live training sessions tailored to specific needs, as well as a library of prerecorded lectures for flexible learning. By combining expert instruction with real-world applications, ISDE helps organizations build the technical expertise needed to address challenges in aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries.
For more information about the lectures offered on radiation hardening visit the workforce development link below.