Randal K. Goodall , PhD
Director, External Programs
Sematech

Educational path
· BS, Physics (Caltech)
· MS, Physics (University of Oregon)
· PhD, Experimental Applied Physics (University of Oregon)

Special training for nanotechnology
PhD in experimental solid state physics is sufficient background to develop full nanotech awareness by self-directed study.

Tips/Advice to jumpstart a career in nanotechnology
To become an active researcher – (in graduate school) focus on solid state physics and surface interaction chemistry; make sure to stay in touch with biotech areas of cellular and molecular machines; develop collaborative laboratory skills. The field is moving fast – go to three good conferences a year; be attentive to funding trends.

To become an engineer – (in undergraduate school) focus on micromechanical systems; fully understand semiconductor processing; do a summer internship in a semiconductor fab or university lab that does nano-scale fabrication.

To become a technician, operator, etc. – (in undergraduate school / community college) take classes in semiconductor processing operations, maintenance, etc.; learn good laboratory protocol skills; find internship opportunities in labs which process or specialize in microscopic systems.

Why did you choose the field of nanotechnology?
The semiconductor industry entered the nanotechnology era in the 1990s. As nanotechnology capability began to spread to other fields, the opportunity arose to harness the interest and increasing funding streams of these emerging technologies (nanotech, biotech, etc.) to support the huge on-going costs for semiconductor R&D (which continues to lead the way to smaller and smaller sizes).

How did you first get into nanotechnology?
During my PhD program (20 years ago), the systems that I studied were electrons confined within semiconductor devices (frozen at 450 degrees below zero) at the nanometer scale. Everything in leading-edge semiconductors today involves nanotechnology.

What is it like to work in nanotechnology?
Exciting. There is a lot of hype, and it is sometimes hard not to get swept up in it. There is a huge gulf between the small number of people who actually understand nanotech and the large number of people who are fascinated by it or want to make a buck in it – not unlike the "dot-com" era of the late 1990's. Being on the inside of nanotechnology, working in an environment that is really doing something with it, offers a wide field of opportunities for engagement, career direction, and chances to be part of something that will change the world over the coming decades.