Tarik Menkad
As mankind continues to build and expand, engineering student Tarik Menkad recognizes the limitations of existing technologies.
"The current market is all about performance," Tarik explains. "Research is telling us we've gone as far as we can with current materials in terms of keeping up with demands." He stresses the need for faster, stronger, more effective devices if industries hope to remain competitive.
To address this predicament, he is currently working closely with his supervisor, who is proposing a novel series of semiconductor devices which are smaller, speedier, and more energy efficient.
Prior to coming to Lakehead, Tarik worked as a design engineer for seven years in Algeria, throughout which he became well-acquainted with the tools of his trade. Upon undertaking his graduate program, Tarik expressed a desire to "go deeper" and examine the physics responsible for the function of electronic devices. He comments that it's rather unique for engineering students to be working on the technology itself: "Usually we just apply the tools, we don't delve into the actual physics." However, Tarik found the interdisciplinary focus of his research to be highly attractive and now has a heightened understanding of semiconductors devices and their potential.
Recently, Tarik had his paper accepted by the Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering and will soon be travelling to Montreal to present on his research. He's also had opportunities to participate in research aside from his major project, including on MOSFET modeling and circuit design.
Following graduation, Tarik aims to continue his interdisciplinary advances in semiconductor technology through Lakehead's PhD program in chemistry and material science. He eventually hopes for a full-time position in an academic setting. But regardless of where he lands a job, Tarik is confident that his graduate studies have enhanced his marketability in a field which, like many others, is becoming increasingly competitive.
"Unlike 10 years ago, a bachelor's is no longer sufficient. Especially if hoping for high positions in high profile companies, you need more education, more qualifications. My program has offered me this and much more."