Check Out Kamal Rudra’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamal Rudra

Hi Kamal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I was naturally drawn to the world of physical sciences and engineering, which ultimately guided my decision to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering. In India, gaining admission to a reputable institution for undergraduate studies is highly competitive, and I vividly recall securing a rank of 4621 out of 1.3 million aspirants in one of the national entrance exams. This achievement allowed me to embark on my journey at one of the esteemed National Institutes of Technology (NIT). Throughout my undergraduate studies, I explored various fields—from embedded systems to competitive programming—while searching for what truly captivated me. However, it was during my first research internship in 2017 that I discovered my passion for semiconductors and optoelectronics. Even though I started with minimal knowledge in these areas, my curiosity about working at the atomic and electronic scale kept me fully engaged.

I’ve always had a tendency to set ambitious goals for myself, and though the journey can be tough at times, the satisfaction of reaching those milestones is unparalleled. One of those goals led me to move from India to the University of Michigan where I pursued a graduate degree and during my first year I worked with a research group I had been eager to work with. Another memorable moment for me was back in 2012, when I was still in high school and uncertain about my future career path. At the time, I was drawn to the idea of working at Facebook (now Meta), even though I hadn’t yet discovered my true passion for semiconductors and optoelectronics. Little did I know, a decade later in 2022, I would realize that dream—working at Meta but in a field that had become my true calling. This journey reinforced how sometimes our early aspirations, even when vague, can align with our future, shaped by hard work and a growing understanding of where our passions truly lie. Looking back on my graduate experience in the US, I can proudly say that it exceeded my expectations. I ticked the majority of my academic bucket list. From being the only master’s student worldwide to receive the IEEE Electron Devices Society’s fellowship award, to visiting Massachusetts Institute of Technology to engage in photonics research, I’ve had incredible experiences.

Recently, one of my most unforgettable experiences was being recognized as a young scientist and receiving an invitation to the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting for Physics. This prestigious event brought together some of the brightest minds in science, and I had the unique opportunity to share a platform with over 30 Nobel Laureates —a week I will treasure for the rest of my life.

“For me, studying science during high school changed the way I view the world. I now see everything through the lens of physics and chemistry, unraveling the principles behind everyday occurrences.” Currently, at IBM Research, I am working on tackling challenges of the nano-world; a world that’s 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has definitely had its ups and downs. My adventure to the University of Michigan, for instance, was far from straightforward. I originally received an admission for the fall of 2020, but as the COVID-19 pandemic spread and the prospect of spending an entire semester remotely loomed, I opted to defer. While many departments across the university were allowing deferrals, mine did not. This meant I had to reapply to graduate programs all over again, which was a daunting and exhausting process. In 2020, I applied to about 10 different schools before once again securing admission from the University of Michigan for the fall of 2021. Although I got there eventually, it was a lesson in patience and persistence.

Even after I began my graduate studies, the road wasn’t always smooth. One of the most challenging moments was in the fall of 2022, when I was offered a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) position. This was a big relief because it meant my tuition for that semester would be waived. However, just a week before the semester started, I was told that a doctoral candidate needed the position and was given priority. It was a shocking and nerve-wracking moment, as I suddenly had to figure out how to cover more than $25,000 in tuition and fees in a very short amount of time. The stress and uncertainty during that period were immense, but ultimately, these experiences taught me resilience and how to navigate unexpected obstacles. During these tough times, my family was incredibly supportive, and I can’t stress enough how essential it is to have a strong support system, whether that comes from family, friends, or mentors. Their encouragement kept me grounded when I faced obstacles like deferring my studies or scrambling to find funds for tuition. Without their backing, navigating those challenges would have been far more overwhelming.

I believe that encountering hurdles is inevitable, and it’s overcoming these obstacles that ultimately shapes your path forward.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an engineer, scientist, and inventor, my focus is on integrating advanced semiconductor devices and interconnects at nanoscale dimensions. To put it simply, imagine taking the wires we use in everyday life and shrinking them to be 100,000 times thinner—that’s the essence of my work. At IBM Research, my current focus is on the Back-End-of-Line (BEOL) interconnects for nanosheet transistor technologies. These nanosheet transistors are cutting-edge devices that require extreme precision in their fabrication and will power technologies like AI, cloud computing, servers, and healthcare systems.

This work demands a broad skill set across various domains, including etching, lithography, thin-film deposition, material characterization, and device testing. Each step of the process contributes to pushing the boundaries of what’s technologically possible. Collaborating with some of the most talented professionals in the field, we continuously innovate and develop intellectual property that will shape the future of technology. It’s a privilege to be part of an industry where every discovery brings us closer to seamless technological integration in everyday life.

In simpler terms, I work towards creating the electronic chips that power everything from mobile devices to automobiles. Currently, I am engaged in an international collaboration that aims to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem, not only in the U.S. but also in Japan. What I take the most pride in is my ability to combine scientific curiosity with real-world impact, contributing to technologies that could redefine computing, energy efficiency, and healthcare. The journey continues, and each milestone is a testament to the potential of interdisciplinary research and global collaboration.

How do you define success?
I define success as a balance between personal fulfillment, meaningful contributions, and continuous growth. It’s not just about achieving predefined goals or milestones, but also about the journey—overcoming challenges, learning, and improving along the way. Success for me is deeply rooted in curiosity and a commitment to advancing knowledge. Having a supportive network of mentors, peers, and family is also an essential part of a successful ecosystem, as it enables perseverance through difficult moments.

While I have been fortunate to receive recognition from organizations like SEMI Americas and SME (formerly Society of Manufacturing Engineers), being named in their “20 under 30” and “30 under 30” lists respectively, I see these acknowledgements as an encouragement to continue working toward making a broader impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kamalrudra.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scientist2traveller/
• Other: https://www.lindau-nobel.org/blog-finding-yourself-as-a-scientist/