I-MRSEC Career Seminar: "Innovating for the next semiconductor breakthroughs"
Dr. Nerissa Draeger
Director of Global University Engagements, Lam Research
Advanced microchips are in many of the familiar products we use every day – from mobile phones and computing devices to entertainment systems and increasingly “smart” cars—and virtually every leading-edge device has been made using Lam equipment. Demand for faster, smaller, more powerful, and energy-efficient electronics is driving the fabrication of advanced devices with fine, closely packed features and complex 3D structures. Our innovative technology and productivity solutions deliver a wide range of wafer processing capabilities needed to meet those demands. I will introduce our technology and some of the process and materials challenges that we need to solve to enable the next generation of microprocessors, memory devices, and specialty applications.
Dr. Nerissa Draeger is a senior innovation leader in the semiconductor industry. Her interests lie at the intersection of emerging technologies, strategy, communications, and people. In the Office of the CTO at Lam Research, Dr. Draeger guides implementation of Lam’s technology vision through open innovation. As Director of Global University Engagements, she enables new solutions for semiconductor fabrication through academic collaborations and leads partnerships to create diversity in Lam’s technology and talent pipelines. Prior to this role, Dr. Draeger managed programs on materials for advanced devices, new process and product development, strategic business and intellectual property development. Dr. Draeger has over 20 years of experience in thin film deposition and surface science and has authored over 30 patents and numerous technical publications. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Materials Research Society (MRS) and UIDP. She earned a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and a B.S.E. from the University of Michigan. She is a voracious reader and member of a book club that has been together for two decades and enjoys long-distance trekking.
