Anming Gao Recipient of the 2017 Lam Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Anming Gao, whose primary research area involves microelectronics and photonics, was selected as a recipient of the 2017 Lam Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Patience and perseverance were key to his accomplishment.

Gao is presently working on his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois, and is on schedule to graduate in 2018. He received a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Gao’s research requires a lot of cleanroom time, working on micro-nano fabrication. If a given fabrication project does not come out well, the researcher must be willing and able to trace back and identify the issues experienced and de-bug the project, often repeatedly. It’s time-consuming work that requires a high degree of patience. Gao explains “Failures make you feel frustrated, but they are valuable and will finally lead you to success.”

He came to Illinois in 2014, and has been a member of Dr. Songbin Gong’s research group since that time. Dr. Gong is his graduate advisor. He credits his research success to a strong teamwork ethos at MNTL, saying “I am very honored to be selected as a recipient of the 2017 Lam Outstanding Graduate Student Award. My research would not have been possible without guidance from my supervisor, help from my group members, MNTL staff, and all the resources provided by MNTL.”

After graduation, Gao is planning to continue working in the micro and nanotechnology area, preferably in academia or as a research scientist in industry.

Gao is also a past recipient of the Nick and Katherine Holonyak, Jr. Graduate Student Fellowship, for 2015-2016.

Lam Research Corporation is a leading supplier of wafer fabrication equipment and services to the global semiconductor industry.