UA Power Group

Honors students got an inside look at the future of semiconductor innovation during our tour of the MUSiC Facility at the University of Arkansas. ⚡🔬

The group explored cutting-edge silicon carbide research and fabrication technology while capturing content to help create a virtual training experience for future students and researchers.

A huge thank you to the MUSiC team for showing us how innovation, research, and education come together to shape the future of technology.

Ethan’s innovative research on securing distributed energy resources and decentralized data sovereignty is an incredible accomplishment. We’re excited to see him continue his journey in the RIOT Lab as he pursues his Master’s degree! ⚡🔐

Huge congratulations to Zachary Harris on successfully defending his Master’s Thesis! 🎓👏

Your hard work, dedication, and innovative research in cyber threat modeling and power systems have paid off. We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what you do next! ⚡🔐

Congratulations to our UA Power Group faculty member, Dr. Wan Shou, on his NSF CAREER Award! 🎉

Dr. Shou has been awarded a prestigious NSF CAREER Award, a five-year, $550,000 honor recognizing his innovative research in high-resolution microscale and nanoscale metal 3D printing. His work could drive exciting breakthroughs in microelectronics, microrobotics, and advanced manufacturing.

As an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, Dr. Shou continues to advance cutting-edge research while inspiring the next generation of engineers. 💡

Great work, Dr. Shou! 👏

Read the full article here 👉 https://news.uark.edu/articles/81149/mechanical-engineer-awarded-nsf-career-award

What will lead the future of AI in power electronics: generative AI or predictive AI? ⚡

At APEC 2026, Alan Mantooth facilitated a debate session exploring a key question facing the field. Should the future be driven by generative AI that can design converters end to end, or predictive AI that enhances performance through data driven insight?

With over 400 attendees, the session brought together diverse perspectives on how AI is reshaping power electronics, from design and optimization to reliability and control.

As AI continues to evolve, conversations like these are critical in shaping the direction of the field. 🤖

Thanks to Arturo Núñez and Michael Powell from Southwire for visiting our facilities recently! 🎉

As a leader in wire and cable solutions supporting power transmission, grid modernization, and electrification, Southwire plays an important role in advancing the infrastructure behind today’s rapidly evolving energy systems. It was great to share the work happening here and discuss opportunities shaping the future of power electronics and energy innovation.

We appreciate the visit and the conversation around advancing next-generation energy technologies, and we look forward to staying connected! 🤝

Curiosity was in full power at Holcomb Elementary’s STEAM Night! ⚡🤩

NCREPT brought the Wonders of Wattage (W.O.W.) Mobile Lab back to the school, giving students and their families a chance to explore hands-on demonstrations that bring science and engineering to life.

From Jacob’s ladder to electromagnetic force experiments, kids experienced firsthand how powerful—and fun—science can be when you see it in action. 😎

Events like this are a great reminder of why outreach matters. You never know which experiment might spark the curiosity that leads to the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. ✨

We’re excited to welcome Matthew Leftwich to the UA Power Group! 👏

Matthew joins us as the inaugural Director of Business Development, bringing a strong mix of technical leadership and executive experience to the team.

In this role, he will help strengthen industry partnerships and work across our facilities to support collaboration, innovation, and growth within the UA Power Group. ⚡

We’re looking forward to the impact he will make as we continue expanding our work across research and workforce development.

Welcome to the team, Matthew! 🎉

From one Outstanding Senior to the next!

Forty years ago, Alan Mantooth was named Outstanding Senior at the University of Arkansas while studying electrical engineering. Today, he is a distinguished professor and the founder and director of the UA Power Group.

This year, Aidan Donoho earned that same honor. Aidan will receive his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in May, and continue pursuing his master’s degree in electrical engineering right here at the U of A.

This full-circle moment is a proud reminder of the strength of our electrical engineering program—and the people who make it exceptional.

Congratulations, Aidan! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish. If history is any indication, the future is in great hands. 🫶

How do we expand access to semiconductor innovation in the U.S.? ⚡

In this recent podcast, Dr. Alan Mantooth shares insights on the vision behind the new National Multi-User Silicon Carbide (MUSiC) Research and Fabrication Laboratory and how it’s helping address a key challenge in the semiconductor ecosystem—access to silicon carbide prototyping.

The conversation highlights how MUSiC is supporting research, accelerating development, and strengthening the future of power electronics and semiconductor innovation.

Take a listen and learn more about the impact of MUSiC 👉
https://youtu.be/_LrHo2tSuaw?si=kbUWMpTR_zbXARcN