Leading-Edge Research and Development > Research Profiles > Profiles Archive > The world's first nanoeconomics graduate is awarded his Ph.D. from CNSE

In October 2004, Dr. Erez Golan moved to the Albany area to attend the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. Three-and-a-half years later, he is the world's first graduate in Nanoeconomics.

Originally from Israel, Dr. Golan came to the United States after obtaining a B.Sc. in physics and material engineering, a M.Sc. in material engineering and a MBA from Ben-Gurion University. While studying in Israel, Dr. Golan was awarded the prestigious Israeli Ministry of Science's "Eshkol" scholarship, which is awarded to those whose research contributes to the Israeli science industry.

Dr. Golan's interest in nanotechnology motivated him to look for a Ph.D. program that supported his interests in science, engineering and business. He found CNSE's pioneering Nanoeconomics program and discovered that it would be the perfect fit for him.

Dr. Erez Golan stands with Dr. Edward Cupoli after the University at Albany Commencement Ceremony.

"Studying at the first-ever college to be dedicated to the field of nanotechnology is an unparalleled opportunity," says Dr. Golan. "Throughout my time at CNSE, I have not only acquired a world-class education, but I have also had the unique opportunity to concentrate in CNSE's Nanoeconomics program, which directly corresponds to my interests."

"Dr. Golan was the ideal candidate for the Nanoeconomics program at CNSE," says Dr. Edward Cupoli, Professor and Head of CNSE's Nanoeconomics Constellation. "While studying at CNSE, Dr. Golan was able to apply his prior knowledge of science, engineering and business to our Nanoeconomics program, which requires that students formulate, study and analyze the economics and business principles underlying the development and deployment of nanoscale know how, products and systems."

While at CNSE, Dr. Golan became interested in the relationship between the semiconductor ecosystem and semiconductor manufacturing. He delved into this topic for his thesis, The Economics Driving Nanomanufacturing Changes; A Roadmap to Success for the Next Generation Semiconductor Factory, which addresses the question of whether fundamental changes in the semiconductor ecosystem will have a direct impact on semiconductor manufacturing. It also analyzes the feasibility of the semiconductor industry continuing to look toward historical manufacturing trends, or instead, whether it would make economic sense for the industry to adapt different manufacturing strategies.

Through Dr. Golan's analysis of the interactions and constraints between the major driving forces in the industry (market, technology, manufacturing and economic), he demonstrated that the semiconductor ecosystem has encountered major changes which are directly affecting semiconductor manufacturing. With further analysis, Dr. Golan concluded that it is necessary for semiconductor manufacturing to adjust to rapidly changing market and consumer needs and adapt new manufacturing techniques.

"CNSE's Albany NanoTech Center is a prime example of the type of initiative and creativity needed in the semiconductor industry," says Dr. Golan. "The Albany Model encourages and promotes education and technological growth with unique partnerships between the world's number one ranked college for nanotechnology, industry-leading companies, and federal and state governments."

Upon graduation, Dr. Golan will continue his work as a technology project manager at Applied Materials (AMAT) Process Diagnostic and Control (PDC) Division, armed with unique insight and newfound focus - thanks to his unprecedented education in the groundbreaking field of nanoeconomics.