Terry Alford
Professor, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy
Terry Alford received his doctorate in materials science and engineering from Cornell University in 1991. He joined the Arizona State University faculty in 1993 and is currently a professor and associate director of the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering.
Professor Alford has been a principal architect and instructor of graduate-level and professional courses in semiconductor processing and microelectronic packaging, with a focus on industry-relevant skills, scalable delivery, and workforce readiness. He teaches and coordinates graduate courses in semiconductor and microelectronic packaging, thin-film processing, materials characterization, and advanced semiconductor manufacturing, delivered in in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats. These courses are designed for graduate students, working engineers, and mid-career professionals and are aligned with the needs of the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
In support of national and regional workforce initiatives, Professor Alford created and oversees ASU’s online graduate Certificate in Semiconductor Processing and has led the development of faculty training courses and modular curricula in collaboration with industry partners, including Intel. These efforts support workforce development across multiple levels (community colleges, university graduate programs, and professional upskilling) and address critical gaps in semiconductor processing and packaging education.
His research expertise spans semiconductor metallization (Ag, Cu), diffusion barriers, low-temperature and microwave processing, transparent and flexible electrodes, and thin-film characterization, bridging traditional integrated circuit technologies with advanced and flexible electronic systems. He is a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors and a Fellow of the African Scientific Institute. He is recognized for excellence in graduate mentorship and leadership in engineering education.
Professor Alford is a principal architect and instructor of graduate and professional courses in semiconductor processing and microelectronic packaging, emphasizing industry-relevant skills, scalable delivery, and workforce readiness. He teaches and coordinates graduate courses in semiconductor packaging, thin-film processing, materials characterization, and advanced manufacturing across in-person, hybrid, and online formats, serving graduate students, working engineers, and mid-career professionals aligned with U.S. semiconductor workforce needs.
He created and oversees ASU’s online graduate Certificate in Semiconductor Processing and has led the development of faculty training courses and modular, industry-partnered curricula, including collaborations with Intel, supporting workforce development from community colleges to professional upskilling. His research spans semiconductor metallization (Ag, Cu), diffusion barriers, low-temperature and microwave processing, transparent and flexible electrodes, and thin-film characterization, bridging conventional IC technologies with emerging electronic systems. He is a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors and a Fellow of the African Scientific Institute, recognized for excellence in graduate mentorship and leadership in engineering education.