12/4/2015 Daniel Dexter, ECE ILLINOIS
Written by Daniel Dexter, ECE ILLINOIS
Professor Ilesanmi Adesida will join exclusive company in February when he is presented the 2016 TMS Functional Materials John Bardeen Award.
“It is a great award, because if you look at the people that have won it previously, it’s nice to be considered in that group,” Adesida said. “It shows that people recognize the importance of the work that is going on this campus.”
Adesida’s expertise is in nanofabrication and semiconductor materials, and he’s working to produce high-speed electronic devices that can be used for the technology of daily life. His research has contributed to the optimization of nanoscale processing of semiconductors.
“The things that are done in ECE ILLINOIS have revolutionized the world, and it is significant to be part of that; it satisfies me to know that we have made some contributions,” Adesida said. “We have been able to make devices that are useful, whether now or in the future for practical applications in people’s lives.”
As an engineering student, he developed his fascination in makings things smaller and how that affects the properties of the materials, which he has researched extensively during his time at Illinois.
Adesida credits the environment in ECE ILLINOIS for being a catalyst for his success. He said that the department allows for its faculty to truly explore their interests in a collaborative setting that is unique to Illinois.
“When I came here, the people who defined the field of semiconductors worked at the university. These people inspire you to do your absolute best,” Adesida said. “And I see new people come in to the lab today who I believe are of the caliber to do great things. Of course, we don’t do anything by ourselves. The students and your colleagues are critical to your success.”