People

SRI's innovative thinking depends directly on the individuals who work here. Meet members of our team and learn why they joined SRI - you may discover that you would like to join the team, too. Visit Careers @ SRI for descriptions of current openings.

Focus @ SRI:
Nano, polymeric, and ceramic materials and their cutting-edge applications; nanotechnology monitoring; hybrid materials

Title:
Program Manager, Chemistry of Materials, Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory

Day in the Life @ SRI:
My day starts with e-mail correspondence, checking the previous day's lab results in several projects, responding to contractual issues, and making research decisions. I then choose from report writing, preparing a presentation, or starting a new proposal. A typical day also includes observing experiments, participating in contract negotiations, and marketing to current or potential clients and partners.

Before SRI:
I was recruited to work at SRI almost 20 years ago, as a postdoctoral fellow, immediately following my Ph.D. As a graduate student I worked at Tel Aviv University and in hospital blood banks and as a chemistry lab technician. I also served in the military.

Academics:
B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in chemistry, all at Tel Aviv University

Why SRI?
I already had close interactions with SRI during my Ph.D. work. I always wanted to excel in performing research that matters, and SRI is the best place to perform multiple and diverse applied research activities using state-of-the-art science. This is still my main incentive here after 19 years.

Inspiration and Motivation:
To observe how new ideas become concepts developed into applied practices and products.

Away from the Office:
My wife and I share a strong affection for the performing and visual arts, and we attend scores of plays and performances every year. We also hike new trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Bay Area, and visit unique landscapes and historically rich places to connect between the surroundings and the evolved culture of the locals.

Languages:
ESL, Hebrew

Proudest Professional Accomplishment:
Ongoing tackling of new challenges in a broad range of technical and scientific fields, and being able to innovate in new fields (at least new for me) after only a few months of introductions. Recently, I explained SRI's mode of operation to a university dean, who responded, "Each of your projects is like doing a new Ph.D."

Words of Wisdom for New SRI Team Members:
Thou shalt listen to your client's needs and meet them!
Thou shalt not be discouraged by the rejection of your best proposal! Favorites:
My favorite international book is "Three Men in a Boat (to Say Nothing of the Dog)" by Jerome K. Jerome, a classic of modern humor writing.