SRC is proud to support the research of future innovators like Finley (Fin) Donachie, a first-year Ph.D. student in materials science at Caltech. Fin works in Austin Minnich’s group as they move from simulation work to hands-on experimental thin film fabrication. His research centers on thermal laser epitaxy, a technique that uses a laser to heat both the substrate and the target much faster than the effusion cells used in molecular beam epitaxy. This rapid heating allows for better control of the deposition process and may lead to new nucleation and growth behaviors that are not achievable with traditional methods.
Fin first became interested in thin film research during his undergraduate studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with Dr. Daniel Gall. There, he gained hands-on experience with magnetron sputtering and learned the basics of materials research. That experience sparked his curiosity about how materials can be deposited and structured in new ways. His early work in the lab laid the foundation for his current research at Caltech and led him to pursue further studies with the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship.
Fin has worked at GlobalFoundries and Applied Materials, roles that deepened his interest in the semiconductor industry. At GlobalFoundries he served as a Chemical Vapor Deposition Process Engineer Intern, while at Applied Materials, he worked as a Chemical Mechanical Planarization Intern. These experiences showed him the challenges and opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing and influenced his decision to build a career in this field. They also provided him with a practical view of how research can directly impact industry practices.
Moving from New York to California has brought changes to Fin’s daily routine and outlook. He now spends more time outdoors and takes advantage of the sunny weather. He enjoys going to the beach with friends and playing spike ball and volleyball to relax after work. In addition, Fin maintains a balanced lifestyle by engaging in bodybuilding and mountain biking, which help him stay active and focused.
In the lab, Fin works steadily on establishing the experimental methods needed to support his group’s shift toward thin film fabrication. He looks forward to working on magnesium diboride as his first film to grow once the chamber is operational. He remains open to opportunities in both academic and industrial settings as he plans his future career path.
Fin encourages anyone interested in the semiconductor field to take on new challenges and to explore ideas even when the direction is not immediately clear.
Fin, on behalf of SRC, congratulations on your personal and academic achievements! We look forward to following your promising career. ??
Connect with Fin at his LinkedIn profile here: https://lnkd.in/ezDYWVf4, and learn more about his work through Caltech’s Minnich Group: https://lnkd.in/ehSJ_-4X.
