Grant Willson Honored for Excellence in Semiconductor Technology and Design Research

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), in consultation with Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), today presented its University Research Award to professors from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to semiconductor research.

 

Dr. Grant Willson, professor of chemistry and chemical engineering and the Rashid Engineering Regents Chair at UT Austin, received the honor for excellence in technology research, while Dr. Larry Pileggi, Tanoto Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at CMU, was recognized for excellence in design research.

 

“Research is the lifeblood of innovation and the U.S. semiconductor industry,” said John Neuffer, president and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association, which represents U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, design and research. “Dr. Willson and Dr. Pileggi have spearheaded pioneering research that has moved our industry forward and helped keep America at the leading edge of innovation. It is with great pleasure that we recognize Dr. Willson and Dr. Pileggi for their tremendous and important accomplishments.”

 

“SRC’s mission is to drive focused industry research to both advance state-of-the-art technology and continue to create a pipeline of qualified professionals who will serve as next-generation leaders for the industry,” said Ken Hansen, SRC CEO and President. “Dr. Willson and Dr. Pileggi exemplify that spirit of innovation, and we’re pleased to honor them for their achievements.”

 

Dr. Willson joined the faculties of the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at UT Austin in 1993. He received his BS and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley and an MS degree in Organic Chemistry from San Diego State University. He came to UT Austin from his position as an IBM Fellow and Manager of the Polymer Science and Technology area at the IBM Almaden Research Center in San Jose, Calif. He joined IBM after serving on the faculties of California State University, Long Beach and the University of California, San Diego.

 

Dr. Pileggi joined the faculty at CMU in 1996. His professional background includes more than 30 years of experience in IC design, Electronic Design Automation and university education and research. Dr. Pileggi co-founded Extreme DA Corporation in 2003 and served as its advisor. He also co-founded and served as Chief Technology Officer of Fabbrix, Inc in 2007. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from CMU in 1989 and was also a faculty member at UT Austin before returning to CMU.

 

The University Research Award was established in 1995 to recognize lifetime research contributions to the U.S. semiconductor industry by university faculty.

 

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