Louis C. Brousseau, PhD
President and CEO
Quantum Logic Devices

Educational path
· BA - Chemistry (Transylvania University, Lexington, KY)
· BA - International Economics (Transylvania University)
· PhD - Chemistry (University of Texas, Austin)
· Post-doctoral research in electronic thin film materials( Arizona State)

Special training for nanotechnology
Post-doctoral research in nanoparticle electronics/optics at North Carolina State University.
Self-taught on many subjects.

Tips/Advice to jumpstart a career in nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is not one field, but the convergence of many; and still mostly in research, not application. At the nanoscale, the physics, chemistry, and biology of molecules all have to be considered in a coordinated way. Unfortunately, this is not how these subjects are taught, so it is a new way of thinking. To be successful in nanotechnology, a person must pick one of these areas to focus their studies in order to gain depth of knowledge; then start learning as much as possible about the others when it is relevant to a specific problem to be solved. Good analytical reasoning skills, solid calculus-based mathematics, and a basic understanding of information technology theory can be useful tools.

Why did you choose the field of nanotechnology?
My interest in discovering how things work at the molecular level began in high school. In pursuing my PhD in Chemistry I was able to learn about how to make useful materials and devices from molecules. It wasn't called nanotechnology when I started, but it is now.

How did you first get into nanotechnology?
My graduate research at UT-Austin, where I studied molecular self-assembly of ultra-thin films. I used their reaction chemistry to make sensors for carbon dioxide and ammonia. This is where I first started to turn interesting chemical properties of molecules into useful technology.

What is it like to work in nanotechnology?
It is very exciting and very stressful. A person can discover something new almost every day, which is rewarding and keeps the work interesting. However, the field is very competitive for funding which can lead to frustration.