Boise State University has landed a $7.4 million federal grant for semiconductor research. The money, the largest U.S. National Science Foundation award in university history, will go toward the creation of a campus semiconductor center. Dubbed AWESOME — short for the Center for Advancing Workforce Experience through Semiconductors, Outreach, and Mentoring Excellence — the new program will have three goals. It will work on research designed to reduce the energy cost of artificial intelligence, position Boise State as a national leader in semiconductor research and education and provide new opportunities for students pursuing a career in semiconductor industries. “This historic award marks a proud and defining moment for Boise State,” Interim President Jeremiah Shinn said in a news release.