Alumni Highlight: Martha Isabel Serna V., PhD ‘17
Few women pursue science in the semiconductor field. However, Martha Serna PhD’17 believes women in materials science and engineering can achieve many things by merit. With limited role models, women scientists may experience imposter syndrome. “We still need to open more doors for women in our field,” Serna said. “If you have the opportunity to mentor them or hire them, do it. You will gain from the investment. So far, science hasn’t demonstrated that there is a ‘science gene’ linked to sex, gender, ethnicity or race. All humans willing to work are capable of doing some science.”
As a PhD student, many of Serna’s achievements were related to scientific collaboration. “My achievements are always personal, and I never put it in what I call the ‘science-star bubble’. For me, working with scientists from South Korea was one of my greatest experiences. The results of our work were published in ACS Nano, and today we have one of the most popular papers related to pulsed laser deposition and 2D materials. Also, I was awarded a grant from the international education office at the same university. This was a great opportunity because I went on a tour through Latin America to present our research results and promote UT Dallas MSE graduate programs. My advisor at that time, Dr. Quevedo, supported me during my graduate studies, and he encouraged me to follow these international activities. In 2017, we invited the first group of Colombian students to visit our department. That was my big achievement!”
After graduation, Serna decided to apply for a postdoctoral position at UT Austin. “I was still undecided at that time if industry was for me, and I was eager to continue researching in my field of 2D materials and thin-film development. Also, I wanted more insight, from the lab managerial point of view, of what is involved with becoming a professor and a research scientist.”
As Serna has advanced in academia, she has discovered many professors have industry experience. “Those skills are incredibly important, and in my personal opinion, they are needed to become a thin film development researcher or professor,” Serna said. “Although my passion is still focused on research, I want to expand my horizons. I found the perfect opportunity at Applied Materials Inc. (AMAT) in the center of excellence for chemistry, located in Detroit, Michigan. This center is focused on research for the industry and thin-film development, and it mixes industry, research and materials science solutions for products. Also, I have the opportunity to publish and work with postdocs and students. I will be joining AMAT after culminating my postdoc position.”
In preparation for her career transition, Serna reflected on her achievements. “As a postdoc, one of my accomplishments was when I set a complete 2D materials synthesis lab and installed all the equipment. Also, I participated in the process of writing and organization of a review paper in Nature. I enjoyed the process and developed scientific skills from this experience.”
Serna continued, “As postdocs, we can feel the pressure to become ‘science stars’. The MSE department at UT Dallas taught me skills that match any Ivy League program, the professors are excellent, and we have state-of-the-art facilities. The most important thing in your career is the quality of your work ethic. Also, do not feel pressured or defeated because you don’t publish in the ‘one word’ journal, as there are many good journals out there. I was lucky to be part of a department that promotes the participation of women in the semiconductor field.”