Engineering grad's passion for semiconductor innovation is fueled by interdisciplinary experiences
Carson Gockley. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
Carson Gockley’s initial interest in building guitar effects pedals and tinkering with circuits inspired him to study electrical engineering in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.
Attending such a large, prominent academic institution provided Gockley with numerous opportunities to get involved and participate in student events while living close to home.
Gockley acknowledges that the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of his experience has been particularly memorable.
“Nearly everything I have done at ASU has been with people from other disciplines,” he says. “Very rarely have I experienced a project where it's just electrical engineers or just mechanical engineers, and I think that proves that the Fulton Schools produces well-rounded engineers ready to tackle a wide range of problems.”
Gockley says Terry Alford, a Fulton Schools associate director and professor of materials science and engineering, was particularly influential in providing opportunities to develop new skills and supporting his research, which focuses on electrosprayed organic solar cells and contact metallizations for diamond devices.
“Without Dr. Alford’s mentorship, I probably would not have developed such a passion for semiconductors,” Gockley says.
Outside of the classroom, he welcomed new learning opportunities with open arms, which is highlighted by his participation in the 2023 Materials Research Society Conference and taking on a full-time position at the ASU NanoFab facility.
Gockley is also a member of the Sun Devil Satellite Laboratory student organization, serving as team lead for its pulsed plasma thruster project.
“The project builds prototype ion thrusters and tests them with the ultimate goal of sending something we’ve built into space on a small CubeSat,” Gockley says. “We accept anyone from first-year to graduate students, so an additional part of my role is helping students develop and apply their skills regardless of their backgrounds.”
After graduating, Carson plans to continue his studies at ASU in the electrical engineering accelerated master’s degree program and continue working at the ASU NanoFab facility. Long term, he aims to advance his career in semiconductors with a preference for research and development environments.
“Staying at the forefront of new technology definitely keeps my day-to-day work interesting,” he says.
More Sun Devil community
ASU alum brings life-changing robotics to LA operating rooms
Nicholas Santos-Ramirez calls in to an interview about his experience at Arizona State University around 5 p.m. It’s just another step in his busy day, on his way home from one of the five hospitals…
SUNlite Peer Coaching program helps ASU faculty, staff reach full career potential
Janna Goebel worked hard to get her dream job at Arizona State University, and she enjoyed doing good work. But a few years after she became an assistant professor in the School of Sustainability, in…
Golden State innovation, ASU roots
Story by Ed LeibowitzFor ASU graduates, California has long been a place to build careers — and scale them. From the Bay Area to San Diego, Sun Devils are shaping industries across the state. Here…