New position: Professor and the Judson S. Swearingen Regents Chair in Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Former university: University of California, San Diego
Former title: Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Education: Ph.D., Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology; A.B., Physics, Harvard University
Hometown: Wayne, N.J.
What attracted you to The University of Texas at Austin?
I was primarily attracted to the faculty, resources and commitment of the university to the Cockrell School of Engineering and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s research and teaching in solid-state microelectronics and related areas. I was also attracted to the potential to develop new, high-impact programs in nanotechnology and energy. I also felt that Austin would be a great place to raise a family, as we have three children, ages 6, 4 and 22 months.
What is your area of expertise?
My lab conducts research on semiconductor materials and devices, and we are concerned broadly with the understanding and application of the electronic and optical properties of solid-state materials and devices at the nanoscale. Specific areas that we are currently working on include advanced concepts for solar cells, scanned probe imaging of materials and devices at the nanoscale, and spin-based semiconductor devices.
Are you prepared for fall semester?
I’ll be teaching a graduate course on semiconductors this fall semester and I believe I’m reasonably well prepared for the semester. However, I’m sure there will be some surprises that pop up once the semester starts.
What is one thing you are looking forward to the most during your first semester?
I’m looking forward to meeting and working with all the great students here at The University of Texas at Austin.
Have you discovered a favorite restaurant in Austin yet?
Not yet, as we’ve only been here for a short time, but we’re eager to hear suggestions.
What do you think of the summer heat?
My wife and I were forewarned about summers in Austin, so the heat is not entirely unexpected. Our kids, who have lived their entire lives in the mild climate of San Diego, have probably been the most affected by the heat, but it has given them a good reason to spend a lot of time swimming.
What is one word that best describes you?
I suspect that different people who know me would come up with different answers to this question, but I would probably choose “dedicated,” which is a characteristic I try to bring to all my activities.
