In 2000, the University of Michigan joined with Michigan State University and Michigan Technological University to form the Engineering Research Center for Wireless Integrated MicroSystems (WIMS ERC). This partnership combines Michigan's programs in sensors and microsystems with Michigan State's leadership in materials, especially in diamond and in carbon nanotubes, and Michigan Tech's capabilities in packaging, micromilling, and hot embossing. Funded by the National Science Foundation, with additional support from the three partnering core universities, other federal agencies, and a consortium of some twenty companies, the WIMS ERC has merged micropower circuits, wireless interfaces, MEMS, and advanced packaging to create microsystems that will have a pervasive impact on society during the next two decades.

An important part of the WIMS ERC is its work to develop interdisciplinary educational programs in microsystems. This includes pioneering programs in K–12 education, led by Michigan State, that use MEMS to illustrate scientific principles and highlight the exciting careers that can be had in engineering. Some 72 pre-college short courses have enrolled over 2,700 students to date (51% underrepresented minorities and 43% women). Over 60% of these students have gone on to college majoring in science and engineering, helping address an increasingly critical national priority. At the college level, the multi-year Integrated Microsystems Enterprise program at Michigan Tech has now enrolled nearly 200 students, producing datagathering modules that have been delivered to high-school students throughout the Upper Peninsula to facilitate a variety of exciting science experiments. Twelve new college courses in microsystems have been created by the ERC, including five at the University of Michigan that are the core of a Master of Engineering degree in Integrated Microsystems and a new Certificate program. The “Introduction to MEMS” course is now offered internationally. These innovative educational programs are helping train the engineering leaders that will be needed in the twenty-first century.

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