10-Questions is a feature initiated by Dean Shekhar Garde to highlight the accomplishments of our students, faculty, and alumni. 10-Questions focuses on academic and professional accomplishments as well as some personal perspectives and experiences.
10 Questions With...
On solving the hardest problems, supporting innovations in semiconductors, and mentoring the next generation of founders
Tell us briefly about yourself.I was born and raised near Pittsburgh, PA. In school, I gravitated to sports, math, and science. I wanted to “make things,” so I chose to pursue a materials science degree at Penn State. During a summer internship with Intel in Arizona, I became fascinated with semiconductors. I chose to work at IBM, which was the pinnacle of semiconductor technology at the time.
On Creativity, Curiosity, Lifelong Learning, and Leading in the Age of Innovation
Tell us a bit about yourself.I grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia, in a home filled with electronics, computers, and ham radio equipment—my father nurtured a deep interest in the sciences.
From Athletic Fields to Advancing Women’s Health – A Journey of Creativity, Teamwork, and Resilience
Tell us briefly about yourself.I grew up locally in a very small town, Speigletown, that sits right between Troy and Schaghticoke. I come from several generations of dairy farmers and as a quintessential tomboy, I spent most of my childhood outdoors, whether I was working on the farm, playing sports or simply exploring the land around me.
From Puerto Rico to Washington DC via Troy, NY – A journey to improve national infrastructure
Tell us a bit about yourself.I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I grew up in a small rural town on the island filled with beautiful coastal views and amazing beaches.
On a multidisciplinary and intercontinental journey, building bridges among people, and the future of Africa
I grew up in the northern part of South Africa, in the historic area of Sekhukhuniland in the old Transvaal Province, the present-day Limpopo Province. The area was named after my great-grandfather, King Sekhukhuni I.
On the Desire to Learn More, Those Golden Days, and Being an Engineer Every Day
Upstate New York has been home my entire life. I was born and raised in Cazenovia, a small town in Central New York. I attribute my study of engineering to the opportunities the Cazenovia school district and community offered.
On Career Paths, the RPI Ratio, and Having Fun
I was born in Oak Ridge, Tennesee, attended kindergarten at the two-room public school in the village of Streatly on the Thames, England, and went back to Oak Ridge for the next two years.
Engineering a Better World
My title at Corning is Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer. I’m grateful to lead an engineering organization in a Fortune 500 company that’s been in existence for more than 170 years.
On challenging the convention, lighting the flame, and opening the doors of opportunity…
In my early years, I moved around quite a bit as a child; born in Brooklyn, New York, moved to Long Island, NY and then back to Brooklyn where I graduated from Lafayette High School in 1963.
On Problem Solving, Making the World Better, and Supporting Diversity and Women in Engineering
I grew up on Long Island (NY) and attended Lawrence High School – a relatively small school where everyone knew everyone. I had a few different ‘groups’ of friends, some that I had known since before elementary school.
