Overview

About Us

The Consortium on Sensing, Energy-efficient Electronics, Photonics with 2D materials and Integrated Technologies (SEEP-IT) is an Engineering and Science (E&S) Center funded by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP). The SEEP-IT Consortium is led by the University of North Texas (UNT), and the other academic collaborating sites include the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Arkansas, Pine-Bluff. This Consortium in E&S enables the SEEP-IT faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows from UNT, UTA and UA-PB to collaborate with scientists and engineers from DOE/NNSA Labs, specifically Sandia National Labs (SNL) and Argonne National Labs (ANL). The cross-cutting research involves the use of Si photonics and emerging materials to develop devices and systems for innovations towards Sensors, Electronics and Photonics technologies beneficial to the DOE/NNSA. These technologies include the detection of ionizing radiation with Si photonics and two-dimensional layered materials, developing ultra-low power lasers with material engineering and interface engineering, and using photonic cavities to unveil unique phenomena in 2D layered materials.

Besides the cutting-edge research being carried out within SEEP-IT, an equally important goal of SEEP-IT is to integrate this research with education, training and outreach initiatives. Through this, SEEP-IT will engage students across the education pipeline, including from groups traditionally underrepresented in the STEM disciplines, within the North Texas and the Central Arkansas regions. Our Consortium will contribute to national efforts which are aimed at maintaining a robust STEM workforce in the US including positioning the SEEP-IT trained students for DOE/NNSA careers, the defense and industrial sectors, as well as pursuing more advanced STEM degrees.

Mission and Vision

The vision and mission for the SEEP-IT Consortium is to establish itself as a leader in Electronics, Photonics and Sensing Technologies using Si and emerging materials by engaging researchers with interdisciplinary backgrounds from the University of North Texas, University of Texas, Arlington, and University of Arkansas, Pine-Bluff, and establishing strong partnerships with DOE/NNSA National Labs to train and educate the next-generation of students and leaders for workforce development regionally, nationally and globally.  

The DOE NNSA MSIPP has a strong commitment to STEM outreach through its educational programs and for workforce development including programs for students who are traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields. More information can be found here: https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/nnsa-minority-serving-institution-partnership-program-msipp.