The Five Colleges of Ohio is expanding opportunities for students to learn about Ohio’s growing semiconductor industry through an Intel-funded collaboration with The Ohio State University. The Ohio Five is part of a broader statewide initiative led by Ohio State to enrich semiconductor education, develop talent, and strengthen Ohio’s leadership in the industry.
Through the Semiconductors and the Ohio Five Integrated Curriculum (SOIC) initiative, faculty are developing semiconductor content that can be integrated into existing science courses, expanding opportunities for liberal arts students to explore semiconductor science, design, production, and manufacturing.
Led by Denison Professor and Wickenden Chair of Chemistry Joe Reczek, the cross-campus faculty team is developing curriculum, hands-on laboratory experiences, and faculty training to bring the new content into classrooms.
“Semiconductors touch nearly every aspect of modern life and sit at the intersection of science, technology, and business,” Reczek said. “By integrating semiconductor concepts and hands-on experiences into existing introductory science courses, we can engage more students in this critical area while drawing on the curiosity, creativity, and broad perspective that are hallmarks of a liberal arts education.”
Beginning in fall 2026, semiconductor content will be introduced in at least one introductory science course at each Ohio Five institution.
By working collectively, the Ohio Five is expanding student access to an emerging field, connecting liberal arts education with evolving workforce needs, and contributing undergraduate teaching expertise to Ohio’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
The Five Colleges of Ohio is a consortium connecting Denison University, Kenyon College, Oberlin College, Ohio Wesleyan University, and The College of Wooster. Together, these five leading colleges maximize resources, expand opportunities, and create greater impact through strategic partnerships, undergraduate research and experiential learning, and collaboration that advances student success and institutional excellence.