DURHAM, N.C. — The National Academy of Engineering has elected Wolfspeed, Inc. co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Dr. John Palmour into the organization’s 2022 class for the development of Silicon Carbide-based advanced electronic devices.
Palmour was one of the graduate students from North Carolina State University who founded the company (then, Cree) in 1987 with the belief that Silicon Carbide could enable superior semiconductor technology. With his knowledge and expertise, Palmour has helped Wolfspeed transform and evolve. Now, over 30 years later, the business has grown into a pure-play semiconductor powerhouse leading the industry transition from silicon to Silicon Carbide.
“We all feel privileged to be working alongside John,” said Wolfspeed Chief Executive Officer Gregg Lowe, “His passion and expertise with this transformational technology has led our team to groundbreaking innovation over the years and today is enabling us to help our customers reach new levels of energy efficiency.”
Silicon Carbide is currently utilized in many technologies from electric vehicles to gaming systems to industrial motors, renewable energy and energy storage. Palmour has championed and innovated Silicon Carbide for power and GaN on Silicon Carbide for RF for over 30 years, enabling faster, more energy-efficient technologies that are foundational for many industries as they prepare and adapt for a more sustainable future. The company congratulates him and the other innovators who were also elected to the 2022 class.
Palmour has authored a total of 386 scientific publications and holds 81 U.S. patents in the areas of processing and device designs for silicon carbide and gallium nitride electronic devices.
Membership in the National Academy of Engineering is one of the highest professional distinctions for an engineer, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research and practice, including pioneering of new and developing fields of technology and making major advancements in engineering.
This year, 111 new members and 22 international members were elected. Their formal induction will take place on Oct. 2, 2022, at the National Academy of Engineering’s Annual Meeting.