Page 3 - ARCS Oregon Case Statement

In 2025, the technology may look different, but the compe66on is as fierce as ever . For example,
the surprise launch of Chinese AI Start-Up DeepSeek (touted as a lower-cost, higher performing
AI alterna6ve) has renewed our urgency around U.S. compe66veness in the global tech sector.
This renewed competitive spirit has the potential to catalyze breakthroughs that benefit
humanity as a whole, much as the Space Race ultimately advanced science, technology,
and international cooperation.
To address this challenge there will be an increased demand for STEM professionals in ar6ficial
intelligence/machine learning, cybersecurity, clean energy & ba]ery technology, quantum
compu6ng, biomedical engineering & public health, advanced manufacturing/semiconductors.
Why Suppor6ng PhD Students MaKers: Fueling Discovery, Innova6on, and Impact
Inves6ng in STEM PhDs is paramount for fueling economic growth, driving innova6on,
addressing global challenges, enhancing na6onal security, and strengthening educa6onal
ins6tu6ons.
• PhD students play a cri6cal role in preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Through their
research they can directly influence workforce development by crea6ng new career
paths and expanding exis6ng ones, especially in cukng-edge fields like ar6ficial
intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology. Their work leads to prac6cal
solu6ons that benefit local and global communi6es.
• PhD STEM students are integral to the university's research ecosystem. They work on
groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of knowledge.
• PhD students frequently engage in collabora6ons with industry partners, nonprofit
organiza6ons, or governmental bodies. By par6cipa6ng in internships, workshops, and
professional development programs, PhD students help industries adapt to changing
demands.
• As emerging leaders in their fields, PhD students embody the commitment to
intellectual growth and societal improvement. Whether serving as project coordinators,
advisors, or consultants, PhD students oXen ini6ate dialogues that challenge
conven6onal prac6ces and pave the way for transforma6ve change.
• The role of PhD students is set to expand even further as the world con6nues to
embrace interdisciplinary approaches and digital transforma6on. From applying ar6ficial
intelligence in classroom sekngs to addressing global challenges like climate change,
public health crises, and technological inequi6es, PhD students will likely become even
more cri6cal to shaping the future of educa6on and workforce dynamics.
ARCS Oregon’s STEM PhD scholars are engaging in today’s most cri6cal issues. Their discoveries
have the poten6al to transform industries and improve lives, but without adequate financial
support, their ability to con6nue this crucial work is at risk.
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