Dr. Xinrui Lyu’s Vibrant Path at Nova

With a background in material science and a passion for innovation, Dr. Xinrui Lyu's inspiring path unfolds from her days of scientific fascination to becoming a pivotal member of Nova's DMD department. Through challenges, accomplishments, and a profound commitment to her role, her story reflects the thriving spirit of women in engineering and technology, showcasing the profound impact of diversity and ingenuity within the field.

Could you please tell us a bit about yourself, your current position, the duration of your time at Nova, and your academic background?

I have been a part of the Nova team for three years now, serving as a Senior Application Engineer within the DMD department. My journey with Nova began immediately after completing my Ph.D. in material science.

At what age did you realize you were interested in STEM?

When I was in middle school, I discovered the captivating world of science. This fascination ignited my journey towards becoming a bachelor’s in science and engineering. Eventually, I pursued a Ph.D. in the same field, marking significant steps in my academic and professional path.

What supported you in your challenging journey to your PhD?

I feel fortunate to have received a recommendation to pursue my PhD without the burden of exams. Recognizing this as a remarkable opportunity, I eagerly embraced the challenge.

In addition, during the course of my doctoral studies, cupid’s arrow got me as I met my future husband within the same research group. Our mutual support became an anchor in our academic pursuits, leading both of us to successfully attain our PhD diplomas.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an application engineer at Nova?

I had knowledge of optical measurement and simulation during my Ph.D. studies, but I had very limited exposure to semiconductors before joining Nova. I didn’t know what the models for each measurement step looked like, so I began learning by downloading the models and libraries that my colleagues had developed. Furthermore, I gained insight into semiconductor fabrication processes through online articles and customer interactions, which greatly contributed to my enhanced comprehension of the models.

What attracted you to work at Nova?

I am a self-disciplined individual, and I wanted to be in a flexible work environment. At Nova, I have the autonomy I desire. I particularly appreciate the flexibility to work from home and have a relatively adaptable schedule.

How would you describe the culture and work environment at Nova?

Nova is a diverse melting pot of talents from around the world. We get to collaborate, chat with our HQ team, and every now and then, we even have those in-person face-to-face meetups during training or workshops. This year, I was fortunate enough to undergo training at HQ, and you know what? The entire HQ team appears to genuinely take pleasure in what they do – it's infectious!

As an application engineer, what are some of the key responsibilities and challenges you face in your role?

As an application engineer, I also get involved in sales on occasion. I get to talk about the latest tools and techniques to our customers. This way I also get to see the business side of my activity which creates a richer work experience.

How does Nova support your professional growth and development?

Whenever I hit a challenge with applications, we're in sync with HQ to troubleshoot. Plus, Nova offers various webinars and platforms like Stream & Metro where I can tap into some handy insights. 

Can you share a personal success story or achievement that you're proud of during your time at Nova?

One accomplishment I'm particularly proud of is my instrumental support for the First MMSR demo at a leading customer, which led to my promotion from an application engineer to a Senior Application Engineer. Over the course of six months, my dedication and effort were recognized not only by my line manager but also by the sales team at our agent NET.

Beyond work, do you have any intriguing hobbies or passions that you enjoy pursuing?

I'm someone who approaches life with boundless energy. While I have a variety of hobbies, they tend to evolve over time and may not always endure for long periods. But one hobby I really like to pursue is sewing.

Have there been any specific role models or mentors who have left an impact on your career journey?

My introduction to Nova happened through a referral program. My colleague, Clark Yang, who had been a part of the Nova team for nearly 3 years introduced me to the company. Interestingly, he was my line manager then, and as circumstances have it, he's moved on to another department while I've assumed his former role. 

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to enter the field of engineering or technology?

It's vital to recognize that engineering and technology are by no means exclusive domains for men. Women have a pivotal role to play, leveraging our innate attentiveness to detail. Our distinct perspectives often lead to the cultivation of exceptional ideas, borne out of the diverse thought processes that men and women bring to the table. So, let's dismiss any notion of being underqualified and embrace our capabilities with confidence.

With a background in material science and a passion for innovation, Dr. Xinrui Lyu's inspiring path unfolds from her days of scientific fascination to becoming a pivotal member of Nova's DMD department. Through challenges, accomplishments, and a profound commitment to her role, her story reflects the thriving spirit of women in engineering and technology, showcasing the profound impact of diversity and ingenuity within the field.

Could you please tell us a bit about yourself, your current position, the duration of your time at Nova, and your academic background?

I have been a part of the Nova team for three years now, serving as a Senior Application Engineer within the DMD department. My journey with Nova began immediately after completing my Ph.D. in material science.

At what age did you realize you were interested in STEM?

When I was in middle school, I discovered the captivating world of science. This fascination ignited my journey towards becoming a bachelor’s in science and engineering. Eventually, I pursued a Ph.D. in the same field, marking significant steps in my academic and professional path.

What supported you in your challenging journey to your PhD?

I feel fortunate to have received a recommendation to pursue my PhD without the burden of exams. Recognizing this as a remarkable opportunity, I eagerly embraced the challenge.

In addition, during the course of my doctoral studies, cupid’s arrow got me as I met my future husband within the same research group. Our mutual support became an anchor in our academic pursuits, leading both of us to successfully attain our PhD diplomas.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an application engineer at Nova?

I had knowledge of optical measurement and simulation during my Ph.D. studies, but I had very limited exposure to semiconductors before joining Nova. I didn’t know what the models for each measurement step looked like, so I began learning by downloading the models and libraries that my colleagues had developed. Furthermore, I gained insight into semiconductor fabrication processes through online articles and customer interactions, which greatly contributed to my enhanced comprehension of the models.

What attracted you to work at Nova?

I am a self-disciplined individual, and I wanted to be in a flexible work environment. At Nova, I have the autonomy I desire. I particularly appreciate the flexibility to work from home and have a relatively adaptable schedule.

How would you describe the culture and work environment at Nova?

Nova is a diverse melting pot of talents from around the world. We get to collaborate, chat with our HQ team, and every now and then, we even have those in-person face-to-face meetups during training or workshops. This year, I was fortunate enough to undergo training at HQ, and you know what? The entire HQ team appears to genuinely take pleasure in what they do – it's infectious!

As an application engineer, what are some of the key responsibilities and challenges you face in your role?

As an application engineer, I also get involved in sales on occasion. I get to talk about the latest tools and techniques to our customers. This way I also get to see the business side of my activity which creates a richer work experience.

How does Nova support your professional growth and development?

Whenever I hit a challenge with applications, we're in sync with HQ to troubleshoot. Plus, Nova offers various webinars and platforms like Stream & Metro where I can tap into some handy insights. 

Can you share a personal success story or achievement that you're proud of during your time at Nova?

One accomplishment I'm particularly proud of is my instrumental support for the First MMSR demo at a leading customer, which led to my promotion from an application engineer to a Senior Application Engineer. Over the course of six months, my dedication and effort were recognized not only by my line manager but also by the sales team at our agent NET.

Beyond work, do you have any intriguing hobbies or passions that you enjoy pursuing?

I'm someone who approaches life with boundless energy. While I have a variety of hobbies, they tend to evolve over time and may not always endure for long periods. But one hobby I really like to pursue is sewing.

Have there been any specific role models or mentors who have left an impact on your career journey?

My introduction to Nova happened through a referral program. My colleague, Clark Yang, who had been a part of the Nova team for nearly 3 years introduced me to the company. Interestingly, he was my line manager then, and as circumstances have it, he's moved on to another department while I've assumed his former role. 

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to enter the field of engineering or technology?

It's vital to recognize that engineering and technology are by no means exclusive domains for men. Women have a pivotal role to play, leveraging our innate attentiveness to detail. Our distinct perspectives often lead to the cultivation of exceptional ideas, borne out of the diverse thought processes that men and women bring to the table. So, let's dismiss any notion of being underqualified and embrace our capabilities with confidence.