In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re featuring the first guest in our Purdue Research Series, Mark Lundstrom, Purdue University’s chief semiconductor officer.  We’re sharing how Purdue provides practical solutions to the world’s toughest challenges in this new series.   As the United States strives to reclaim a leading role in the global semiconductor industry, Mark and other Boilermakers are acting to ensure our nation is prepared to meet the ever-growing demands for these essential components in virtually all of our electronic devices.  Mark dives into what semiconductors are, why they’re important and how Purdue is working hand in hand with semiconductor industry leaders to train the next generation of workers.  This isn’t a new role for the university. Mark explains Purdue’s storied history in semiconductor innovation, from alumnus Mohamed Atalla creating today’s most commonly used transistor back in 1959 to technology developed in Purdue’s Birck Nanotechnology Center that can be found in every Tesla car.  Tune in to learn about Purdue’s pivotal role in the development of semiconductor technology and why Mark describes this as a “Sputnik moment.”