The Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program (KCGIP) hosted two immersive experiences last term for prospective students interested in pursuing master’s degrees in bioinformatics or semiconductors. Known as the Launch programs, the experiences are awarded through a competitive application process and allow students to gain insights into these specialized fields and imagine themselves at the Knight Campus. Bioinformatics Launch took place at the end of January and Semiconductor Launch at the end of February 2025.
“The goal of the Launch programs is to open doors for students who may not have access to these kinds of immersive, career-focused experiences,” said Allison Fujinaga, KCGIP recruiter and advisor and Launch planning lead. “By bringing together hands-on learning, mentorship, and community, we aim to empower students to envision their future in fields like bioinformatics and semiconductors — and to see themselves thriving here at the Knight Campus.”
Piloted in 2022 with generous support from Chris and Fenella Raymond, the Bioinformatics Launch Program has welcomed 22 prospective students to the Knight Campus. Participants attend the Genomics in Action conference, receive guidance on applying to graduate school, connect with bioinformatics alumni and other professionals, and experience the University of Oregon and the city of Eugene. The program covers round-trip travel and private hotel accommodations for all students. Additionally, participants who are later admitted to the KCGIP are eligible for a scholarship.
Modeled after the successful Bioinformatics Launch program, Semiconductor Launch began this year with generous support from a grant provided by Micron. The program welcomed 12 students and four faculty members from universities across the country, all eager to learn about opportunities for a career in the semiconductor industry. Participants took part in a full-day microfabrication workshop held in the state-of-the-art Knight Campus Clean Room and the semiconductor lab within the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization of Oregon (CAMCOR). The experience also included a hands-on Lego lithography activity, a resume-building session, and networking opportunities with alumni from the KCGIP semiconductor and optics programs. As with the Bioinformatics Launch program, participants received round-trip travel, private hotel accommodations and an honorarium for their time.
For Trevor Martinez, a student studying at the University of LaVerne in California, Semiconductor Launch wasn’t just a weekend getaway, it was a chance to see what his future could look like. Over the course of a few days, Martinez and fellow participants dove headfirst into the world of semiconductors.
“It was a fruitful condensing of weeks’ worth of semiconductor knowledge in a few days,” Martinez said. “I’m sure everybody gained knowledge of the program and field that they can use to launch forward with semiconductor careers.”
Graham Thomas, a faculty participant from Texas Southern University, came to campus looking for ways to engage and connect students with potential professional opportunities.
“This event provided me with the chance to explore opportunities for students, which would enhance their skills and broaden their horizons,” Thomas said.
Deciding to pursue a master’s degree can be a daunting step, but the Launch Programs are designed to demystify the process and empower students with a clearer vision of their future. Through immersive experiences in bioinformatics and semiconductors, participants gain firsthand insight into potential career paths. They leave with new connections, increased confidence, and a stronger sense of direction for their educational and professional journeys. Additionally, they receive valuable training delivered by the multidisciplinary team: Felix Deku from the Department of Bioengineering, Maryam Jahangiri from KCGIP, Mark Lonergan from the UO Department of Chemistry, as well as Knight Campus student success team members, and KCGIP alumni.
“The program organizers did an amazing job,” said Yunxiang Gao, a faculty participant from Prairie View A&M University. “We did not just learn about the great opportunities in the semiconductor industry, but also how to organize a very immersive and educational workshop.”