“Partners in progress”
isn’t just a phrase,
it’s a guiding principle.
Leadership
E. Steve Putna
Director
Associate Vice Chancellor, Texas A&M University System
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Dr. E. Steve Putna has been appointed as the inaugural director of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute, effective July 1, 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, Dr. Putna brings extensive expertise in manufacturing and supply chain management, primarily from his tenure at Intel Corporation.
Dr. Putna’s career encompasses a wide range of technical and financial responsibilities, including leadership of large teams and driving innovative research projects from concept to implementation. Prior to this appointment, he also gained experience at Semiconductor Research Corporation.
In his new role, Dr. Putna aims to leverage his industry experience to foster public-private partnerships and consortia alliances, driving the Institute to a position of global prominence while strengthening the domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
Dr. Putna holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Clay Huber
Director, Workforce Development
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Clayton Huber is the Director of Workforce Development at the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute. He began his 20-year career in the United States Navy as a nuclear technician before graduating from Texas A&M University and then serving as a helicopter pilot, weapons and tactics instructor, and director of organizational learning. At the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute, Clay convenes industry, educators, government, and nonprofits to connect K12 through Ph.D. students and working professionals to educational programs created to meet the growing workforce needs of the resurgent Texas semiconductor industry.
Melia Jones
Director, Business Operations
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Melia Jones is the Director of Business Operations at the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute. In this role, she focuses on partnership development, external engagement, and establishing day-to-day operations for the newly formed institute. This position marks Melia’s second experience with The Texas A&M University System. She previously spent eight years with the Office of General Counsel, providing her with extensive knowledge of the system’s legal and operational frameworks.
Prior to her current role, Melia worked in the sports and entertainment industry. From October 2021 to October 2023, she helped found a tech startup, Athlete Licensing Company, and served as its Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs. There, she navigated the nascent Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) industry within college athletics.
Melia’s career began in Washington, D.C., working on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, establishing a policy portfolio of emerging technologies and privacy. Her educational background includes a J.D. and M.B.A from Texas Tech University (2011) and a B.S. in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University (2008).
Pat Seiber
Director, Public Relations
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Patrick R. “Pat” Seiber is the Public Relations Director for the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute, the Texas A&M University System Nuclear Security Office, and the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex at the Texas A&M–RELLIS Campus in Bryan, Texas. He is a husband, father (to include being an Aggie Dad), Texas Aggie, and a “Soldier for Life.” Pat retired from active-duty military service on Nov. 1st, 2019 as a U.S. Army Colonel, and served as a public communications leader at the most senior levels of our nation’s military. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from Texas A&M University, a Master’s Degree in Strategy from the U.S. Army War College and a Master’s Degree in Military Art and Strategy from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He is active in his various roles in his church and helps support opportunities with the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and other select student organizations. Pat is married and lives with his family in College Station, Texas.
Leigh Cherry
Senior Administrative Coordinator II
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Leigh Cherry serves as the Senior Administrative Coordinator II at the Texas A&M System Semiconductor Institute. With over 15 years of experience supporting executive leadership in fast-paced, high-level environments, Leigh brings a strong background in project management, event coordination, and operational support.
At TSI, Leigh works closely with the Director and executive leadership to manage complex schedules, coordinate high-level visits, facilitate internal and external communication, and oversee logistics for meetings, events, and strategic initiatives. She plays a key role in executing Institute programs, producing professional communications and presentations, and maintaining confidential records.
Prior to joining TSI, Leigh served in the Office of the Registrar at Texas A&M University, where she provided administrative and financial oversight, led office operations, supported graduation ceremonies and major events, and supervised both student workers and professional staff. Earlier in her career, she worked as a probation officer for the Brazos County Drug Court program and as an office administrator, gaining valuable experience in compliance, client relations, and administrative processes. Leigh holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Sam Houston State University. Known for her attention to detail, discretion, and collaborative approach, she is committed to supporting the mission and continued growth of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute.
Internal Advisory Council
Joe Elabd
Vice Chancellor for Research
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Axalta Coating Systems Chair II
Texas A&M University System
David Staack
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University System
Henry Fadamiro
Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Professor, Entomology
Texas A&M University
Magesh Rajan
Vice President for Research & Innovation
Prairie View A&M University
Simon North
Executive Associate Dean
John W. Bevan Professor of Chemistry
Texas A&M University
Arum Han
Associate Dean for Research, Texas A&M College of Engineering
Associate Agency Director, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Project Office Director for CHIPS, Strategic Advanced Research Unit, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Texas A&M University
Cynthia Hipwell
Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Oscar S. Wyatt, Jr. ’45 Chair II Professor
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Texas A&M University
Linda Katehi
Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering
O’Donnell Foundation Chair II
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Texas A&M University
External Advisory Council
Johnnie Cain
Front-End Operations Training Program Manager
NXP Semiconductors
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Johnnie Cain is the Front-End Operations Training Program Manager at NXP Semiconductors in Austin, Texas. He has been in the semiconductor industry over forty yours. Johnnie has been with NXP Semiconductors (Motorola/Freescale) for over 35 years. In his current role, he is coordinating efforts to identify training and workforce development needs, evaluating opportunities for collaboration, and building strategic partnerships benefiting employees at NXP’s semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Europe.
Prior to his current role, Johnnie was an engineering manager at NXP’s Austin Technology and Manufacturing Center (“ATMC”) as well as the program manager for the startup of NXP’s gallium nitride (GaN) manufacturing factory located in Chandler, Arizona.
Johnnie has held positions in engineering and management throughout his career in both manufacturing and development. Johnnie holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Clayton Daigle
Senior Engineering Director, Systems and Tools
Silicon Labs
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Clayton Daigle serves as Senior Engineering Director of Systems and Tools at Silicon Labs, a leader in secure and intelligent wireless technology. During his 25-year career, Clayton has worked across a wide range of technology disciplines, including mixed-signal IC design, hardware system design, and hardware and software management. Today he runs a global organization responsible for evaluating emerging technologies and applying these technologies to new products. His teams also deliver developer tools, evaluation kits, module products, and hardware and software documentation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Texas A&M University and master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
Grant Gardner
Director, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs
AMD, Inc.
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Grant Gardner is Director of U. S. Government Relations and in this role works to advance the interests of AMD before the federal government. He joined AMD from the US Department of Commerce where he served as a Senior Advisor for Policy and Engagement to Secretary Wilbur Ross in the Office of Business Liaison.
While at the Department of Commerce he led the Secretary’s policy initiatives through coalition building, advocacy and strategic planning with the business community. His tenure at the Department of Commerce began in 2017 and was highlighted by multiple successes, including: international trade missions, managing the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board and being an advocate for American businesses and American workers.
Grant also worked at the Republican National Committee for the 2014 and 2016 elections and served on the staff for Speaker John Boehner from 2012 until 2014. Grant is a graduate of Baylor University with a degree in International Studies. A native of Colorado, Grant spends his free time skiing or hiking with family. He and his wife Seton and their daughter live in Kensington, MD.
Garrett Groves, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives
Austin Community College
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Dr. Garrett Groves is Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives for Austin Community College District (ACC). He joined the college in 2018 and leads the institution’s efforts to build strategic partnerships benefiting the region and ACC students. A particular emphasis is semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, where ACC worked with the Austin Regional Manufacturing Association to create a dynamic industry partnership that serves as a national model for developing cutting edge workforce training programs. Garrett is also an inaugural member of the workforce advisory board for the National Semiconductor Technology Center at the US Department of Commerce and serves as the workforce subcommittee chair for the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium to the Governor and Texas Legislature. Before joining ACC, Garrett directed the Economic Opportunity Program at the Center for Public Policy Priorities. He also served as a scholar in residence at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and as a Senior Policy Analyst at the National Governors Association in Washington D.C. He has a Ph.D from the University of Texas at Austin in Higher Education Leadership, a master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver.
David Immenhauser
Vice President, Semi-Manufacturing Operations
Applied Materials, Inc.
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David Immenhauser is a Vice President of Semi-Manufacturing Operations at Applied Materials, Inc., responsible for developing and executing end-to-end Austin manufacturing to support the Semiconductor Products Group. He progressed through management roles in manufacturing and has held executive roles in manufacturing for the Dielectric Deposition, Etch, Front End Products, Metal Deposition Products, EPG, Common Modules, and Chemical Mechanical Planarization divisions, where he managed volume manufacturing. He has also managed the procurement, product transitions and engineering activities for our Contract Manufactures. He also drove the creation and development of the Supplier Response Team for SSG and the Display business. He is responsible for the Austin Harris Branch site driving the culture, Diversity & Inclusion along with and local engagement with the Austin Chamber of Commerce and Austin Regional Manufacturing Association.
Mr. Immenhauser joined Applied Materials in May 1994 and has held numerous leadership positions in manufacturing operations, materials, and engineering, quality and materials functions. He has been instrumental in developing the worldwide employee base throughout the U.S., and Singapore. He has experience managing employees and suppliers in Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, China and India in support of the company’s global reach. Under his leadership, he has driven significant improvements in cost, quality, responsiveness, and has enabled deployment of the company’s distributed manufacturing strategy and expansion into Singapore. Mr. Immenhauser holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University. He is an active member of the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association.
Douglas A. Keszler
University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Emeritus
Oregon State University
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Douglas A. Keszler, University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Emeritus, served as faculty member, Department Chair, and Associate Dean for Research at Oregon State University. He was Director of the Center for Sustainable Materials Chemistry, a Center for Chemical Innovation co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation and industry. During the early 2000s, Doug was a member of the OSU-HP team that discovered and developed the transparent oxide transistor currently found in high-resolution displays. He and his collaborators discovered the first high-sensitivity metal-oxide photoresist and subsequently co-founded the EUV photoresist company Inpria Corp. – acquired by JSR in 2021. He remains active as an advisor for multiple startups and invests in early-stage electronic and energy materials companies as a member of Willamette Valley Capital and the Chemical Angel Network. Doug’s honors include the 2017 American Chemical Society National Award in the Chemistry of Materials.
Brent E. Omdahl
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
GlobalWafers Co., Ltd
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Brent Omdahl is the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at GlobalWafers Co., Ltd where he manages the company’s interaction with local, state, federal and foreign government officials. In recent years, strengthening the semiconductor supply chain in the United States has become an important national objective, and GlobalWafers is playing a central role in bringing semiconductor wafer manufacturing for advanced chips back to the United States.
Prior to joining GlobalWafers in 2023, Brent served as a Foreign Service Commercial Officer for the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) where he managed DOC Commercial Offices at U.S. embassies around the world including in the Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa, Nigeria, and Taiwan. As a senior U.S. diplomat, Brent led his local teams in providing business support services to U.S. companies doing business in foreign markets. He also advised U.S. Ambassadors and senior USG policy makers on trade and investment initiatives, policies, and strategies and implemented those policies and strategies in his assigned markets. Over a 20-year period, Brent helped attract tens of billions of dollars in foreign direct investment into the United States and helped facilitate tens of billions of dollars of U.S. exports, thus helping create and support tens of thousands of high-value U.S. jobs.
Since joining GlobalWafers, Brent has secured the company’s participation in the U.S. Government’s CHIPS for America Program. Through his efforts, GlobalWafers has secured $406 million in direct funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and he persuasively worked to make semiconductor wafer manufacturers eligible for the U.S. Treasury Department’s 48D Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit. Participation in these programs is enabling GlobalWafers to build America’s first 300-mm semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility for advanced chips and eliminate a key vulnerability in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. Brent also has experience as an entrepreneur and in corporate finance and marketing in the pharmaceutical and enterprise software industries. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Tufts University’s graduate school of international affairs, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Sameer Pendharkar
Vice President and TI Senior Fellow, Advanced Technology Development
Texas Instruments Inc.
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Sameer Pendharkar received his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-Bombay) in 1994, and graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996 and a MBA degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2008.
He joined TI in 1996 and is currently a TI Senior Fellow and Vice President of Technology Development. Sameer and his team are responsible for setting, developing and executing the technology and foundation IP roadmap for all the TI businesses. He is a member of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee as well as a member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC). He served as the SRC Board Chairperson in 2024. Sameer is a senior IEEE member and has published more than 100 technical papers in leading academic journals and conferences and has been granted more than 300 U.S. patents.
Zac Rosenbaum
Senior Director, Infra Electrical
Samsung Austin Semiconductor
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Zac Rosenbaum is a Senior Director of Facilities for Samsung Austin Semiconductor. In his role, Zac leads an extensive team responsible for electrical infrastructure across the Austin manufacturing site that operates around-the-clock, seven days a week throughout the year.
With 2.45 million square feet of operational facilities, Zac and his team deliver world-class utilities to internal and external customers with a commitment to maintaining the highest level of safety and quality in every aspect of operations.
Throughout nearly 20 years with Samsung in Austin, Zac has led roles across the business increasing in scope and complexity—from photolithography chip production to facilities engineering (solving critical operational dependencies). Now, with the buildout of Samsung Electronics’ next U.S.-based advanced semiconductor fabrication facility—a $17 billion investment in Taylor, Texas—Zac’s expertise extends to support the growth of this new site.
An accomplished leader who remains focused on maintaining the highest integrity across his team and work, Zac has led Samsung Austin Semiconductor and the Facilities team to notable successes. Recent accolades earned on behalf of Samsung Austin Semiconductor include the 2022 Governor’s Texas Environmental Excellence Award and the 2022 Evoqua Water Sustainability Award. In addition, his teams were a key contributor that made it possible for Samsung Austin Semiconductor to receive the City of Austin Excellence in Pretreatment Award for twelve consecutive years. Zac holds a bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, and has been a professional engineer licensed in the state of Texas since 2011. Zac lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Casey and four kids.
Ryan J. Russell
Corporate Vice President and Co-General Manager of Logic Technology Development
Intel Corportation
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Dr. Ryan J. Russell serves as the Corporate Vice President and Co-General Manager of Logic Technology Development at Intel Corporation. In this role, he oversees the development of next-generation logic process technology, driving Intel’s commitment to advancing Moore’s Law.
Since joining Intel in 2001 as a dry etch engineer within the Technology Development organization, Dr. Russell has played a pivotal role in developing successive generations of Intel’s dry etch technology. By 2004, he was leading teams focused on system-on-chip semiconductor process development, operations, ramp, and yield improvement.
From 2013 to 2017, Dr. Russell led the D1C factory in Hillsboro, Oregon, before advancing to the position of Vice President and Plant Manager of Intel’s D1 factory. In 2020, he was appointed Co-General Manager of Logic Technology Development.
His extensive experience and leadership have been instrumental in Intel’s technological advancements and manufacturing excellence. A passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, Dr. Russell has led efforts within Intel and across the industry to pivot towards sustainable semiconductor development for future generations.
Dr. Russell holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 2001, both from Texas A&M University.
Mark Slezak
President
JSR Micro, Inc.
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Mark Slezak is President of JSR Micro, Inc., overseeing operations and strategy for JSR’s advanced semiconductor materials business in the U.S. He collaborates across customer experience, technology, product quality, manufacturing, supply chain, and business planning teams to drive growth and innovation.
Mark leads strategies to expand revenue and develop products for key U.S. accounts while leveraging their global influence. With a strong focus on Quality, People, Customers, and Innovation, he oversees U.S. lithography and advanced formulated cleans manufacturing in California and Oregon.
Since joining JSR Micro in 1998, Mark has played a key role in developing and commercializing advanced photolithography materials, including photoresists, SiARC, and organic underlayers. His experience includes research at imec in Belgium and JSR’s R&D center in Japan. Mark has served on semiconductor material company boards, including Inpria before its acquisition by JSR. He is an active member of SEMI’s Board of Industry Leaders. He holds an engineering degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and completed executive MBA coursework at Stanford GSB.
Kwee Lan Teo
Workforce Development Leader
Samsung Austin Semiconductor
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Kwee Lan Teo created and launched the first Workforce Development department for Samsung Austin Semiconductor in late 2022, and has been leading the company’s efforts in this area at both the Austin and Taylor sites.
Under her leadership, Samsung Austin Semiconductor has created and expanded its workforce development efforts in regional middle to high schools, community and technical colleges, university engineering programs and veterans’ recruitment with more than $5 million of funding to these efforts so far. In 2024, Samsung Austin Semiconductor was awarded “Hire Local Champion” award by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.
Kwee Lan has been a part of the core team working on Samsung’s CHIPS Act application, resulting in the $4.745 billion award in late 2024, which will support the company’s $37 billion investment in Central Texas. She is also one of the 18 inaugural members of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Workforce Advisory Board (WFAB), established by the CHIPS and Science Act.
Since 2013, Kwee Lan has served as an Advisory Board member and panel picker judge for the SXSW EDU Conference. She is also a board member on the Texas Workforce Development Board of Capital Area since 2014. She is a member of the Austin Community College’s Central Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) which addresses workforce and master facility needs. Prior to joining Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Kwee Lan spent 11 years with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce where she was vice president of Workforce and Talent Development.
Anh-Thu Tran
Senior Director and Production Head, Fab 25
Infineon
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Anh-Thu has been with Fab 25 for 27 years and is responsible for directing all Fab Operations and ensuring that all aspects of wafer production, including processes, support systems, and equipment/tools, operate efficiently and effectively She is driving initiatives to improve fab metrics such as tool uptime, production cycle time, and yield.
During her time with Fab 25 Anh Thu has held several positions in different areas She started as a rotational engineer working on short assignments in Thin Films, Implants, Photolithography, and CMP Then she moved to the Fab 25 Product Engineering group and was responsible for wafer level reliability, wafer level parametric monitoring, before becoming a product owner Anh-Thu went on to become the Department Manager for the Product Engineering group, responsible for improving yield and addressing quality issues across the entire technology portfolio She also worked closely with Infineon global product engineering team on global projects such as data analytics and yield goal setting methodologies The passion and drive she brings to the job and her hands on technical expertise with a “data is king” approach has earned her the respect of all who know her. Anh-Thu earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.