Speaker:
Yang Zhang
Institution:
UC Irvine CalIT 2
Date:
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Time:
11:00 am
Location:
FRH 4135
Abstract:
I have always known that I want a PhD in physics. Now I am ready to discover the world.” In this session, Yang will review his quest in industrial innovation and entrepreneurship leveraging precious skills he developed as an experimental plasma physicist. His Ph.D. thesis, Fast ion and Shear Alfvén waves, will be revisited not only for the impact of physics research, but also for the building blocks that continuously fuel career advancement. Precision experimental apparatus design and development, massive data collection and software analysis, and theoretical modeling and simulation have all contributed to his success in leading an engineering team to fabricate a record-breaking 10x micro electro mechanical RF switch in 18 months, right after graduation. Collaborating with more than ten physicists from four different institutes has also taught Yang another important lesson—partner or perish. Understanding how to lead and when to follow are helping him a long way in operating a growing research center and reaching out to more than twenty key industry affiliates.
Host:
Roger Mc Williams