About Us

MEST (Microelectronics Security Training) is a U.S. Department of Defense–funded education and workforce initiative focused on preparing the U.S. workforce to design, use, and protect secure and trusted microelectronics across the full hardware–software stack.

History & evolution: MEST began as a response to growing national security concerns around microelectronics supply chains and hardware assurance and has evolved in step with rapid technological advancements. Over multiple phases, it expanded from foundational training modules into coordinated curricula, micro-certificates, and research-informed educational interventions, engaging universities, industry partners, and government stakeholders to build a sustainable microelectronics security workforce.

Distinctive aspects of the MEST program include:

• Collaboration between multiple universities.
• Establishing an ecosystem of training modules and options to suit the need for diverse government and industry employees.
• Strong emphasis on hands-on learning. This includes teaching state-of-the-art computer-aided design tools (CAD) and hands-on hardware design, hacking, and countermeasure tools.
• Major courses and certificate programs
• Comprehensive coverage of all security topics – from devices, architectures, to integrated circuits, to platforms, and to large systems.
• Offering major courses and certificate programs, unique in the nation.
• Self-learning kits for hardware and systems security topic available for remote training and busy professionals.
• Training materials are securely available through nanoHUB.

Co-Directors

Dr. Mark Tehranipoor, University of Florida and Dr. Waleed Khalil, Ohio State University