February 27
@
1:00 PM
–
2:00 PM
UW-Madison Department of Materials Science and Engineering welcomes Dr. Kevin Gotrik. Their seminar on “Insights Into Innovation – The Surprising Versatility of Scotch Tape” will be on Thursday, Feb. 27 in MS&E 265 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Abstract
In this engaging talk, Kevin Gotrik will share his extensive experience working within innovation ecosystems, drawing from his impressive career in materials science and engineering, and touching upon technology ecosystem development encompassing World War II. He will delve into the practical aspects of fostering innovation ecosystems, offering insights on how to create environments that encourage interdisciplinary research and the free exchange of ideas. Kevin will discuss the importance of providing time and resources for exploratory projects, the role of collaboration across different fields, and the impact of a supportive organizational culture on driving innovation. This talk is geared towards graduate students, but all are welcome
Bio
Kevin Gotrik is the third graduate of the Engineering Physics undergraduate program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During his undergraduate studies, Kevin conducted research at the Leibniz Institute in Dresden, Germany, and the Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart, gaining valuable international experience early in his career.
In 2013, Kevin earned his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he focused on the topics of self-assembly and nanolithography applications in semiconductor manufacturing. Kevin’s professional journey led him to 3M, where he has specialized in vacuum thin film applications. At 3M, he has thrived in an innovative environment that encourages scientific exploration beyond one’s primary area of expertise, known as “15% time.” This unique culture has allowed Kevin to pursue diverse scientific interests, resulting in over 150 international patent applications.
Kevin Gotrik enjoys sharing his experience on the power of interdisciplinary research and how to foster a culture of innovation.