Leading-Edge Research and Development > Research Profiles > Profiles Archive > World-Class Education and Experience Gives CNSE Graduate an Advantage in the 'Real World'

Armed with a M.S. degree in Nanoscale Science from CNSE and more experience than most graduate students have right out of school, Evan Spadafora has begun his career with IBM.

As Spadafora worked to complete his B.S. in Physics at SUNY Plattsburgh, he began looking at graduate schools, including CNSE, which was recommended to him by his undergraduate adviser. After learning more about the world-class educational program and speaking with CNSE professor Dr. Vincent LaBella, Spadafora decided to pursue a degree in Nanoscale Science at CNSE.

Evan Spadafora and Dr. Vincent LaBella

Through an unparalleled combination of education and research at CNSE, Spadafora acquired a unique skill set that is leading him on a successful career path. "Evan is a very bright and focused individual," says Dr. LaBella, Spadafora's CNSE adviser. "While at CNSE, he had a real passion for understanding the fundamentals and the science behind everything we were studying. I believe that Evan's experience at CNSE helped to teach him that he has to work hard to achieve what he wants, which is something that he is good at."

As Spadafora moved toward the completion of his graduate degree, he began to send his résumé to several companies. After sifting through the numerous callbacks he received, he decided to accept a position in IBM's Microelectronics Research Laboratory (MRL), located at its TJ Watson Research Center.

Going into the position at IBM, Spadafora felt as though he already had a huge advantage over his colleagues who started working at IBM at the same time. "I would not have the skill set that I currently have if I had not attended CNSE," says Spadafora. "The courses I took while working toward my Masters degree are extremely relevant to what I am working on at IBM. Not only have my courses helped me, but the cutting-edge experience I gained while at CNSE has given me an advantage that I can apply to the work I am doing at IBM."

During his training period at IBM, Spadafora felt as though he was immediately picking up the skills he needed to succeed at his job. With prior knowledge of the necessary industry terminology and his experience working in the cleanroom environment, he was already steps ahead of his colleagues who did not have the same opportunities at their graduate schools. His desire to learn the fundamentals behind his studies has also translated into the corporate world.

"I enjoy being able to understand how something works," says Spadafora. "It is the comprehension of the ideas behind the projects that I am working on that I benefit from rather than just working to complete a task."

Spadafora appreciates the team environment and caliber of people he is working with at IBM. With the expertise from his time at CNSE and the experiences he will continue to encounter at IBM, Spadafora is equipped with the skills and knowledge he needs for a successful career.