Erik Hadland
He/Him
I am gay and I am a materials chemist.//
For starters, what an impressive group of people! And, what an incredible resource! I wish I had seen something like when I was on my coming out journey. Representation matters, and those who are coming to terms with their sexuality/gender identity benefit from seeing people “like them” doing the things they love. Science.
I have a PhD in Chemistry—solid state inorganic materials, to be more specific. My dissertation research investigated engineered stacks of 2-dimensional semiconductor materials to modulate thermal conductivity. After I graduated, I worked for Intel for a few years as a Logic Technology Development Engineer working with thermal annealing equipment.
I am currently working as a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. It’s a terrific career path for those who have broad interests in science! I help to coordinate technical assistance and review of legislation pertinent to Office of Science programs and the National Labs. I also prepare briefing materials for Office of Science and departmental leadership for meetings/remarks they may be making with technical audiences. In addition, I help to investigate and promote initiatives related to technology transfer from research/lab settings to early commercialization efforts. One element we are trying to assess is how inclusive these innovation ecosystems are and what we can do to broaden participation. We need everyone participating in STEM fields in order to meet the challenges facing us in the 21st century…black, white, brown, male, female, non-binary, straight, and LGBTQ+.
When I’m not doing any of this, I’m probably cooking, baking, wine-ing, road biking, at a museum, or hanging out w my goofball dog. Farmers markets are better than grocery stores. And, you are what you read…but not what shows you binge watch on Netflix…