Omkaram Nalamasu
Applied Materials
Santa Clara, CA USA
"A career in science and technology is a learning career. Every day, you get paid to learn. That is the beauty of being able to work in this industry."
Career Roadmap
Omkaram's work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Pursue a career where you have the ability to do research in a multidisciplinary way. The most exciting things happen at the interface of different disciplines. I'd recommend pursuing research, an educational path, and career path at that interface. I also foresee that sustainability is going to be a huge aspect of this industry. Look for opportunities to gain education and experience that will set you up to build sustainability as part and parcel of this industry.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Osmania University
Graduate Degree
Chemistry, General
University of Hyderabad
Doctorate
Chemistry, General
University of British Columbia
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was born in rural India.
2.
As a student, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in science and technology.
3.
After high school, I studied biology and chemistry, then molecular biophysics, and finally earned my Ph.D. in solid-state chemistry from the University of British Columbia in Canada.
4.
Upon completing my doctorate, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the semiconductor industry—I joined Bell Labs, where I applied fundamental science and technology to solve industrial problems.
5.
After 17 years with Bell Labs, I wanted to try something different, so I went back to academia and served as a tenured professor and vice chancellor for research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
6.
After a few years, I got the opportunity to join Applied Materials and apply materials engineering on an industrial scale to solve major problems for humanity.
7.
I currently work as the chief technology officer and senior vice president for Applied Materials.
8.
I’m also the president of Applied Ventures—the venture arm of Applied Materials—where we find and invest in entrepreneurs who are translating an idea into a product to solve high value problems.
