Track: PV/Semiconductor
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA - Chemistry
Internship: Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon (CAMCOR)
Current Job Title: Surface Chemist/FIB Microscopist at Analytical Answers
How did you find yourself at Oregon? What about the program attracted you?
I came to Oregon specifically for the Semiconductor/PV track. After doing undergraduate research that focused on charge transfer in novel molecules inspired by biology, I found myself more interested in the long term goal of microelectronic applications. The semiconductor track seemed like an ideal place to learn about one aspect - microelectronics.
What was the intensive summer like for you?
It was a steep learning curve with a chemistry background that emphasized chemical concepts on the border of chemistry and biology. Semiconductor physics was difficult to grasp at first but I enjoyed working in the lab where the theory taught in class was reinforced. Working as a team to create devices and analyze our errors with little to no guidance proved to be an invaluable experience.
Where did you do your internship?
I did my internship at CAMCOR- the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon.
Without giving away any proprietary info, what was your internship like? What were you responsible for? What was a typical day like?
At CAMCOR I learned how to use tools that would help clients characterize materials and complete a failure analysis. Information from tools such as XPS (ESCA), TOF- SIMS and a dual beam FIB can provide valuable information about composition and physical characteristics of any sample.
A typical day would include maintenance of the XPS and ToF SIMs, analyzing samples, and having meetings with clients about their data and how to interpret the results in the proper context. Eventually I also trained users on the ESCA.
Did you feel the program prepared you for the internship? In what ways?
The program provided a knowledge base to understand my clients’ issues which helps me to tailor the interpretation of their results and anticipate other issues. This was useful during my internship and is still helpful at my current job.
I understand the semiconductor process as well as process control, which enables me to readily help my clients through the failure analysis process with their products. They trust that I have the expertise to help them find the right tool to solve their problems. One of the embedded skills of the program was key to my success: 1)Quickly evaluating a situation and what needs to be done- by asking the right questions and knowing/figuring out the right tools to use.