Taste of Tech Seminar: Plasma Etching as an Enabling Technology for Advanced Packaging | The Path Forward: Workforce Development in the Semiconductor Industry

Taste of Tech Seminar Series

11/01/2024

Lunch will be provided during the seminar

Time

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM (EST)

Talk 1: Before being named CEO, Abdul started with Plasma-Therm in 1998 as a project manager, leading the PVD product development effort. He advanced through the roles of Applications Lab Manager, Principal Scientist, and head of the Etch Business Unit. In 2009, Abdul drove the management buyout process that re-established the Plasma-Therm brand, accepting his new role as CEO. Under his leadership, Plasma-Therm has completed more than 10 acquisitions and integration projects which have had a favorable impact on the company’s growth and expansion of its product portfolio. Abdul serves on the Banner Center for Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Council and the St. Petersburg College Advisory Committee, and he is a leadership coach at the University of Tampa. He founded the Plasma-Therm Foundation, a nonprofit focused on disaster relief and support. Abdul holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska and an MBA from the University of Florida.

Presentation Title: Plasma Etching as an Enabling Technology for Advanced Packaging
Abstract: As the industry transitioned focus from critical dimensions at the chip level to improved performance at the package level; new challenges are presented such as damage control during dicing operations. Plasma Dicing uses dry plasma etching technology to enable thin die, stronger die as well as higher die yield.

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Talk 2: Sophia Watson has been a leader in Career and Technical Education since 2010, starting as an Instructional Leader at Florida Virtual School, overseeing the career and technical courses. For the past 11 years, she oversaw workforce development programs in Hernando County, where she led the inception, growth and physical expansion of Wilton Simpson Technical College, creating over 20 new programs and securing more than $19 million in external funding for the expansion. Her work also involved establishing key partnerships with local colleges and government to develop a new training complex, supporting both economic and workforce development efforts. Sophia’s experience positions her to effectively build and enhance workforce development programs for the semiconductor industry.

Presentation Title: The Path Forward: Workforce Development in the Semiconductor Industry
Abstract: Learn how innovative workforce development initiatives are addressing the talent shortage in the semiconductor industry by building a collaborative ecosystem for long-term success, improving program quality, and focusing on building a strong talent pipeline.

AGENDA