Yury Smirnov
Tell us a bit about yourself.
“My name is Yury Smirnov (almost like a vodka brand, I know). I obtained a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Twente. My research has been focusing on materials for solar but I am generally interested in semiconductors beyond renewable energy too.”
What was your motivation for applying to Internships in the Valley?
“As I have been conducting research on semiconductors, Silicon Valley is THE place to be. It is at the forefront of cutting edge research and has a rich history of innovation. I have been eager to explore a hardworking US culture and surround myself with very ambitious people pushing the boundaries within the rapidly developing technological field. The program by Internships in the Valley has given me the opportunity to live out this dream of mine and to get the first-hand Silicon Valley experience”
How has your experience been so far interning at Applied Materials?
“It has been a fun, but quite challenging journey. I am part of a relatively small R&D group that develops thin films of various materials for different business units. We address the needs of these businesses and solve their problems using lab-scale equipment. Ideally, the solution we develop from these smaller tools can be transferred to a production line. This working approach shapes a fast-paced research environment that allows for many interpersonal interactions and great exposure to the cutting edge research topics.”
Have you learned or improved on any skills?
“Although working with vacuum systems requires rather technical skills that I am mastering, my biggest learning experience has been working with the customers and tailoring the solutions to their needs. This means that rather than always offering the ultimately best solution, we sometimes need to provide a faster or cheaper option instead.”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“Outside of work, I like watching indie movies, playing sports and hiking. Recently, I went on a backpacking trip in Pinnacles National Park with 15 colleagues. I feel very lucky to have such young, easy-going, and outdoorsy colleagues who proposed the idea and reserved a group campsite. We hiked with stunning California views, camped and cooked together, and shared stories around the campfire. Experiences like these are one of the best ways to create and strengthen informal connections outside the typical work environment.”
“Applied Materials is the global leader in the semiconductor industry and an internship here would be a fascinating experience for anyone interested in tech and silicon in ‘Silicon Valley.’
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