My Experience of Writing CAREER Proposals April 6, 2006 Z.J. Pei Dept of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Kansas State University Manhattan, KS 66506

2 History of My CAREER Proposals

3 Lesson Learned #1: Keep Focused First proposal covered too many topics: Soft-pad grinding of wire sawn wafers Soft-pad grinding of wire sawn wafers Fine grinding of etched wafers Fine grinding of etched wafers Back-grinding of device wafers Back-grinding of device wafers Laser scattering measurement of subsurface damage in ground wafers Laser scattering measurement of subsurface damage in ground wafers Failure

4 Actions Taken Three separate proposals: Soft-pad grinding of wire sawn silicon wafers (DMI , $230,549, 9/2002-8/2006) Soft-pad grinding of wire sawn silicon wafers (DMI , $230,549, 9/2002-8/2006) Fine grinding of etched wafers  CAREER: Fundamental research on silicon wafer fine grinding to foster a quantum leap in manufacturing of silicon wafers (DMI , $447,285, 2/2004-1/2009) Fine grinding of etched wafers  CAREER: Fundamental research on silicon wafer fine grinding to foster a quantum leap in manufacturing of silicon wafers (DMI , $447,285, 2/2004-1/2009) Laser scattering measurement of subsurface damage in ground silicon wafers Innovative laser–based techniques for characterization of subsurface cracks in semiconductor wafers (DMI , $149,863, 9/2005-8/2008) Laser scattering measurement of subsurface damage in ground silicon wafers Innovative laser–based techniques for characterization of subsurface cracks in semiconductor wafers (DMI , $149,863, 9/2005-8/2008)

5 Lesson Learned #2: Having Addressed Reviewers’ Comments on a Declined Proposal Is Not Sufficient HOW REVIEWERS’ COMMENTS ARE SUBSTANTIALLY ADDRESSED Feedbacks from the NSF panel and reviewers on the PI’s CAREER plan submitted in July 2001 are very encouraging. The ratings from five reviewers are either “very good” or “good.” Positive comments include the following: …….. Major drawbacks pointed out by the panel and reviewers are listed below. They are substantially addressed in this revised proposal. …….. Even lower rating

6 Comments from a Reviewer What appears to jump out to a reviewer is the innovativeness of the proposal.What appears to jump out to a reviewer is the innovativeness of the proposal. if a PI appears to be following along a path that builds upon his PhD work, or that logically follows from industrial experience, then the burden is high to demonstrate novelty.if a PI appears to be following along a path that builds upon his PhD work, or that logically follows from industrial experience, then the burden is high to demonstrate novelty. The reviewers are often looking for totally new areas that the proposer is seeking to establish.The reviewers are often looking for totally new areas that the proposer is seeking to establish.

7 Actions Taken Emphasize the novelty of the research: Big picture  To foster a quantum leap in manufacturing of silicon wafers Big picture  To foster a quantum leap in manufacturing of silicon wafers A new grinding based method for manufacturing of silicon wafers A new grinding based method for manufacturing of silicon wafers In order to make the new method work, fundamental research on silicon wafer fine grinding is needed In order to make the new method work, fundamental research on silicon wafer fine grinding is needed

8 Lesson Learned #3: Patience and Perseverance It is better for me that it took me three submissions to get the CAREER award It forced me to learn so much about how to write a good NSF proposal It forced me to learn so much about how to write a good NSF proposal In the process, I have built a much better foundation to become an academic leader In the process, I have built a much better foundation to become an academic leader

9 Quotation from Dr. Bradley Kramer  “Getting tenured should not be the goal. It is a by-product of the success in your academic career.” – Bradley Kramer  Getting the CAREER Award should not be the goal either.  CAREER program “recognizes and supports …those faculty members who are most likely to become the academic leaders of the 21st century.”

10 For Your Attention