Zhiqi Wang (pronounced Zee-ki)

Email: zw433@cornell.edu

Position: Design for Excellence (DFX) Engineer at Applied Materials

Degree and Class Year: Masters of Engineering in Materials Science, 2017

Tell us about what you're doing with your life, including what brought you to the Bay Area.

I've been working at Applied Materials since graduating seven years ago. I originally came to the Bay Area to explore the vast job opportunities in Silicon Valley, especially in the engineering field. However, I've stayed here due to many reasons including: great weather - never too hot or too cold (although I do miss the snow in Ithaca sometimes), great hiking opportunities not too far away, a diverse and inclusive environment, and many places to explore my hobbies (soccer, pickleball, table tennis, escape rooms, board games).

In what ways have you stayed connected with Cornell since graduating?

I've stayed in contact with various alumni locally and throughout the globe. I recently went back to Cornell University to propose to my long-time girlfriend, whom I met at Cornell! Got in touch with some professors, and have helped refer recently graduated students to my company, Applied Materials.

If you could go back to your years on the Hill - what one piece of advice would you share with that younger version of you?

To really enjoy my years at Cornell and spend quality time with friends. It is much harder as a professional to make strong friendships and maintain them - usually due to everyone's busy schedules.

What was the most important class, club or connection made while at Cornell that has been important in your career (or life) journey?

The connections made in my Master's of Engineering cohort have been great. Many of them are now well respected in their areas, and some of them even live in the Bay Area!