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.
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