UA Power Group

We were pleased to welcome representatives from Senator Tom Cotton's office for a tour of MUSiC and HiDEC at the University of Arkansas.

From semiconductor research and fabrication to advanced electronics innovation, our visitors got a firsthand look at the groundbreaking work happening in our labs and the impact these technologies have on Arkansas's growing high-tech workforce.

⚡ Congratulations to Dr. Xiaoqing Song on receiving a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award!

This five-year, $500,000 award will support research aimed at developing smarter, more efficient power conversion systems that can help modernize the electric grid. As electricity demand continues to grow through data centers, renewable energy, transportation electrification, and emerging technologies, this work will help create a more reliable and energy-efficient future.

Dr. Song's research focuses on advancing wide bandgap semiconductor technologies to improve power system performance, reliability, and efficiency—helping pave the way for the next generation of energy infrastructure.

The NSF CAREER Award is the foundation's most prestigious award for early-career faculty and recognizes those who demonstrate exceptional potential in both research and education.

Join us in celebrating this outstanding achievement! 🎉

Behind the scenes at MUSiC 🎥⚡

The University of Arkansas Global Campus recently filmed inside the Multi-user Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Laboratory (MUSiC). This footage will be used in courses being developed for Arkansas 11th- and 12th-graders to help them earn certifications to work in a lab like MUSiC. The courses will also help others who want to shift job focus towards a technician position.

MUSiC is advancing power electronics research and helping train the next generation of engineers through innovative virtual learning experiences.

Powering the future with innovation! ⚡🔬 Today, representatives from Southern States, LLC visited the University of Arkansas to tour several cutting-edge research facilities shaping the next generation of energy and semiconductor technologies.

Our guests from Southern States—an industry leader in high-voltage switching and power solutions—explored the groundbreaking work taking place across campus:

🔹 National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT) with Yue Zhao
Research focused on improving the reliability and efficiency of electric power transmission systems.

🔹 National Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research Fab (MUSiC) with Matt Leftwich
A state-of-the-art silicon carbide fabrication facility supporting next-generation semiconductor innovation.

🔹 High Density Electronics Center (HiDEC) with Errol Porter
Developing advanced electronics and packaging technologies for high-performance systems.

🔹 Engineering Research Center Labs with Xiaoqing Song and Yue Zhao
Showcasing collaborative research spaces where innovative engineering solutions come to life.

Thank you to Southern States for visiting and learning more about how University of Arkansas researchers are advancing the future of power systems, semiconductors, and energy technologies.

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! 🤝