Tract: Molecular Sensors and Probes (2022)
Undergrad: Eastern Washington University
Internship: Validation & Integration Engineer at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Hillsboro, OR (Semiconductor Industry)
Current Job Title: Field Applications Engineer at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Hillsboro
I was part of the Molecular Sensors and Probes track in 2021, and I am currently working in Hillsboro, Oregon.
What about the program intrigued you and why did you choose this path?
After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I was having a hard time finding a position in science (the pandemic had just started). When I first heard about this program, I thought it was too good to be true. It intrigued me because I would be able to gain skills and concepts that are valued by industry. I was also very interested in the personal/ professional developmental aspect of the program because it wasn’t something typically taught at the undergrad or even high school level, but I think it is so important.
What was the intensive summer like for you?
The work done in the summer was intense by very achievable. The expectations were clear from the beginning of the program so there weren’t any surprises. I really enjoyed working in the lab because I got to focus on my communication skills when working with a partner or in a larger group. It was comforting to know that everyone around me was going through the same stressful time and if I felt myself getting unorganized or overwhelmed, I knew I could always talk to some of the program leaders (track lead, staff).
Where did you do your internship?
I did my internship at Thermo Fisher Scientific located in Hillsboro, OR as a validation and integration engineer. In my position, I would test and verify new programs and software on the tools in the research & development lab before they were sent out to our tools in the field. The Thermo Fisher site I work for is dedicated to the semiconductor industry, and we make and sell high-tech microscopes to customers interested in inspecting their company’s creations on the nanometer scale. These include scanning electron, dual-beam, and transmission electron microscopes.
Without giving away proprietary info, what was your internship like?
Early on in my internship, I was very dependent on my mentor, and I didn’t have any of my own projects. Over time, I took on more responsibilities and oversaw more projects. My team trusted me to make day-to-day decisions about my projects with weekly check-ups. A typical day was mostly spent with the microscopes testing new software or trying to replicate an issue that was happening in the field on our own tools. I collaborated with my co-workers a lot to try and solve issues with the tools and I really expanded my network using the communication skills learned in the master’s program.
Did you feel the program prepared you for the internship? For your current position/career?
Overall, I do believe the program prepared me well for my internship in many ways. For example, being an engineer in the semiconductor industry involves a lot of troubleshooting and communication and I felt the program really focused on methods of solving issues and how to communicate effectively and professionally. I learned how to approach a problem in a calm and collected manner and this skill has served me well many times. Another aspect of the program that helped prepare me was the professional development course. I learned how to write a proper resume and how to conduct a successful interview. But the best part was the self-confidence I gained after learning these skills.
What is your current job like?
I am now a full-time field applications engineer at Thermo Fisher. I will be traveling to customer factories to support new product introductions at customer sites, working with their engineers to integrate our technology into their workflow in the lab and fab for failure analysis, characterization, and metrology.
How have you evolved in your career since you started? What do you enjoy about what you do and what makes it a good fit for you?
If you ended up going a different direction, did your experience in the program help you figure that out?
My career path has taken some twists and turns since I graduated from undergrad. I think it is important to keep an open mind with it comes to education and your career. When I came into this master’s program, I was determined to work in a chemistry laboratory as a wet bench chemist for the rest of my career. My internship was initially outside my comfort zone, but I learned that I didn’t want to be in a lab 24/7 for the rest of my career. I learned I would be happy working about 25% -50% of my time in a laboratory setting and the rest of the time collaborating with co-workers or working with customers. I learned a lot about myself and what I want my future to look like. I’m excited about my new position and were it will take me.