In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dr. Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor at the University of Arkansas and a leading figure in power electronics and semiconductor innovation. Fresh off a milestone week for the university, Alan gives Daniel an inside look at MUSIC — the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Laboratory — a first-of-its-kind facility designed to bridge the long-standing gap between R&D and low-volume silicon carbide production. Together, they explore how this new national asset is reshaping semiconductor access, accelerating innovation, and preparing the next generation of engineers and technicians.
In the conversation, Daniel and Alan dig into the acute challenges facing the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem—from limited access to silicon carbide prototyping, to workforce shortages created by mass retirements and shrinking STEM enrollment. Alan explains why MUSIC fills a critical national void and how its design, educational mission, and partnerships position it as a backbone for future military, commercial, and research advancements. Ultimately, the episode reveals how MUSIC delivers a solution: a fully accessible, production-capable SiC fab that empowers students, startups, researchers, and established manufacturers alike. With hands-on learning, nation-spanning training programs, and compatibility with high-volume foundries, MUSIC stands as a transformative model for U.S. semiconductor resilience and growth.