While I did not specifically pick lithography as my field at the start, I was introduced to STEM at an early age through mechanical engineering and physics. My mother, who was a medical doctor by academic training, ended up running an automotive-parts factory for most of her career. She taught me to be fearless, to focus on problem-solving, and that any skill can be learned by anyone. All of these elements together made me gravitate toward engineering and a research career.

I manage a team of lithography researchers who develop and deliver solutions for leading-edge semiconductor logic chips — specifically at 2 nm and below nodes — using some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) scanners.

One of my proudest achievements has been leading on some of the early lithography solutions that resulted in IBM’s announcement of 2 nm gate-all-around technology and Vertical-Transport FET transistors. I’m equally proud of my involvement in hiring and bringing in more than 20 brand-new, just-out-of-school engineers into lithography as their first job and seeing them build fantastic careers.

In general, breaking into the social dynamics of a new project team or peer networks and establishing a comfort zone has always been an obstacle for me. I know that these networks are just as essential to career progression as technical skills, and I’ve found that establishing authentic common ground and allies always helps. For me, it’s an ongoing learning process.

I can say that there is fundamentally nothing harder or unique about STEM than any other non-STEM field; if you are being made to feel otherwise, don’t believe it. Keep an open mind and evaluate your interest in STEM on an equal footing with any other career choices you might have. Keep learning and never fear the unknown! That’s really where all the fun is.

For myself, I hope to continue to shape the future of lithography and semiconductor process technology, and to lead solutions and teams that make even more advanced chips a reality. I also hope to leave behind people whose careers I have helped shape in some form.

Indira Seshadri
Manager, Lithography Process Research, IBM
Born in India / Resides in United States
Educational Background: BE Manufacturing Engineering, Anna University, India; MS Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University, United States; PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, United States