Thomas G. Pitstick
Director of Business Development
Carbon Nanotechnologies, Inc.

Educational path
· BS, Mechanical Engineering (University of Notre Dame)
· MS, Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Stanford University)
· MBA (Stanford University)

Special training for nanotechnology
I did not have any special training for nanotechnology but I think it's very useful to have a technical background of one kind or another.

Tips/Advice to jumpstart a career in nanotechnology
I wish I had paid more attention in chemistry class during college. Nanotechnology is such a cross-disciplinary field that I don't think there is a specific, recommended background, but again, chemistry, biology, semiconductor manufacturing, physics, and any kind of engineering are a good start. Most work in nanotechnology seems to be going on at universities, university start-ups, and in the R&D departments of large companies. These are the places I'd look for opportunities.

Why did you choose the field of nanotechnology?
I had been working in the software industry but I'm the kind of person who needs to work on things that you can hold in your hand. Well, OK, you probably can't hold much nanotechnology in your hand but at the end of the day we are making things that are physical. To me, software isn't something physical and even if I can't see nanotechnology with my eyes, I can visualize it in my mind. I'm also the kind of person who is generally interested in science and technology. Nanotechnology gives me the opportunity to learn about and explore a variety of industries. Nanotechnology is incredibly broad and is impacting industries ranging from golf to space exploration. This is really cutting-edge stuff and it's fun to be around.

How did you first get into nanotechnology?
Four years ago, there weren't many nanotech companies and, quite frankly, I wasn't specifically looking for nanotechnology companies. At the time, I was networking for a new job and kept looking at other opportunities in software but none of them sounded interesting. Being in Houston at the time, I kept hearing the word 'nanotechnology' – so I couldn't help but learn more about it. As I did learn more and more, I became very interested and started focusing my networking towards nanotech. I started off with Steve Currall at the Rice Alliance for Entrepreneurship and Technology and branched out from there. After a couple of months of networking, I managed to get my resume to CNI's CEO through a mutual friend and was fortunate enough to be knocking on the door just as they were beginning to look for people in business development.

What is it like to work in nanotechnology?
Like any start-up technology field, it is a roller coaster ride. Most days I think we're going to completely revolutionize the world, but there are days where a deal doesn't work out and it's back to the drawing board. Nanotechnology is certainly getting a lot of attention as of late so there's no shortage of interesting people to talk to and the new product opportunities are incredible. What really keeps it interesting is knowing that it won't be long before I'm playing golf with carbon nanotube reinforced clubs and watching Notre Dame football on my new nanotube-based flat panel TV.