Texas A&M University, Director, Semiconductor Institute

The Texas A&M University System has selected E. Steve Putna, PhD, to serve as inaugural director of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute.

Putna brings to Texas A&M more than 25 years of extensive experience in the semiconductor industry, particularly in manufacturing and supply chain management at Intel Corporation. His career encompasses a wide range of technical and financial responsibilities. He has experience leading large teams and driving innovative research projects from concept to implementation.

The Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute was created to promote the growth and competitiveness of the semiconductor industry. The Institute will serve as a multidisciplinary research organization focusing on advancing semiconductor manufacturing technology and promoting workforce development. It will be a hub for collaboration among academic researchers, industry leaders, and government partners to develop innovative solutions to complex semiconductor manufacturing challenges.

Putna’s strategic vision for the Institute includes reviewing and refining the existing strategy and operating plans, leveraging his extensive network to build relationships with key industry and government stakeholders and driving innovation through public-private partnerships. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of semiconductor research and development at Texas A&M and beyond.

Putna holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Andy Lee, Raul Bernal, and Madeline Fitzpatrick led this search.