Distinguished Engineering Alumnus
Award Recipient
Calvin H. Carter Jr. — 2004
This distinguished alumnus is a recipient of the 2002 National Medal of Technology presented by President George W. Bush.
A native of Statesville, NC, he received his bachelor's degree in 1977, his master's degree in 1980, and his doctoral degree in 1983, all in materials science and engineering. He served as a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NC State from 1984 to 1987.
He is director of materials technology for Cree Inc., a company he cofounded in 1987. An expert in crystal growth, thin film deposition, impurity doping, and materials characterization, he has been instrumental in the perfecting and commercializing of silicon carbide semiconductor wafers for both the military and consumer markets.
His innovative research opened the doors for the development of blue and green light-emitting diodes, energy-efficient white light generation, high power solid-state microwave amplifiers, and high quality manmade gemstones.
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Also awarded in 2004
Calvin H. Carter Jr.