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Please meet Calvin Chan, Senior Research Associate at NSI. Dr. Calvin Chan is also the Microelectronics and Cyber Security Research Lead for the Center for National Security Initiatives at CU Boulder. His work has spanned the entire range of the microelectronics lifecycle, from basic materials and device research to applied systems and technical evaluations.

Q: Hi, Calvin. Thank you for chatting with us.

You're welcome. Thanks for this opportunity to talk about my work and NSI.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I first moved to the Mountain West more than 10 years ago, enchanted by the big skies. big mountains, and big canyons of our region. I love spending time outdoors, doing a variety of activities. I spent all of my professional career working in national laboratories or working on national problems that also impact our world. I love the process of working with really smart people on really dynamic teams to solve the most challenging problems with real-world implications. That's not too far from the adventurous spirit of many who are attracted to the Mountain West.

Q: Can you share a bit about what you are currently working on?

Microelectronics is such an important part of our daily lives. They're now all over the place, and they carry so much information and computational power that it's important to protect the security and privacy of the information that goes through those systems. My work involves all facets of security, privacy, and assurance of microelectronic devices -- from atoms to devices to systems. As microelectronics make it into everything, including the tremendous growth in space systems, my current projects are focused on improving the reliability and security of microelectronics and their supply chain, and helping to redefine paradigms for space and distributed devices.

Q: What excites you about your current research?

The proliferation of electronic devices, and its implications for the democratization of information is very profound. Our society has a chance to use this power to the enormous benefit of humanity, but we also need to guard against abuse of this information and potential concentration of power that comes from that abuse. It's exciting to be working at this impactful intersection of technology and society.

Q: Thank you. Do you have anything else to add about NSI or your current goals or work?

I'm thankful for the opportunity to be part of a young and growing organization (NSI) that seeks to multiply the impacts of our local and regional R&D activities on a national and global scale.