Speaker: Xiao Lin

Host: Paul Canfield

Title: Ph.D. is a Launchpad, Not a Limiter

Abstract: One of the most important things I have learned since finishing grad school is that a Ph.D. does not limit you to academia or research, it actually opens doors you might not expect. You may feel boxed in during graduate school, especially when most of your exposure is to academic paths. In fact, earning a Ph.D. shows that you can dive deeply into a complex topic, learn independently, and push through ambiguity and failure, all of which are incredibly valuable in a wide range of careers. The degree itself isn’t just a credential; instead, it is a proof that you can solve hard problems. Even if you leave your research area behind, you take those skills with you, and they are often what the “jobs” are really looking for. 

Bio: Xiao Lin is an intellectual property attorney with a background in both law and advanced scientific research. She currently serves as IP Counsel at Lam Research, where she advises on IP strategy, portfolio management, and the protection of innovative technologies.
Before joining Lam Research, she practiced as a patent attorney at law firms counseling technology clients on patent prosecution, IP due diligence, and portfolio development. Her prior experience also includes serving as an Intellectual Property Engineer at Quixey, Inc., where she worked at the intersection of technology and intellectual property.
She earned her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law and is admitted to the State Bar of California. She also holds a Ph.D. in Physics and an M.S. in Science Communication from Iowa State University, as well as a B.S. in Physics from Wuhan University.

 Speaker: Stella Kim

Host: Paul Canfield

Title: Motivation and Outcome

Abstract: This talk offers an overview of the Component Engineering and Failure Analysis career path following graduate school. It features a series of case studies—including examples of glass body diode opens, tin whiskering and risk assessment, and electrical overstress of an integrated circuit—to illustrate how technical skills are applied to diagnose and solve parts failures. In addition, the presentation highlights the importance of developing soft skills to excel in your role and to overcome challenges in both academic and professional environments.

Bio: Stella Kim is the section manager of the Electronic Components Lab at The Aerospace Corporation. With over a decade of experience in failure analysis of electronic parts, she has been involved in various aspects of Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) parts evaluation, including parts failures, qualifications, counterfeit evaluations, and reliability testing related to space systems and launch vehicles for government customers. Recently, she has been analyzing Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) parts to help develop guidance for their use in military systems.

Prior to joining The Aerospace Corporation, Stella held a position as the lab manager of the Component Evaluation and Failure Analysis Lab and the Materials & Processes Lab at Boeing Satellite Systems. During her tenure there, she worked on qualification, verification, and failure analysis of high reliability EEE components and materials intended for satellite builds.

Stella holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, San Diego, and a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from Iowa State University.