New CNF Director of Operations
NNCI member, The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF) in Ithaca, NY is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Olson 
as the new Director of Operations. He brings to CNF over 32 years of industrial fab operations and process and device development experience . Ron has spent the last 14+ years serving in progressive research and management roles at General Electric Global Research in Niskayuna, New York.
Ron Olson is the new Director of Operations for The Cornell NanoScale Science Facility (CNF) in Ithaca, New York, a 17,000 ft2 world-class facility for micro and nanofabrication. CNF assists users from across the country and around the world with projects ranging from exclusive university research to product development for small and large companies. CNF capabilities enable rapid advancement in life science, engineering and technology at the nanoscale by providing easy access to nanotechnology infrastructure and expertise. The CNF, operating as a flexible, open user facility is proud to be a member of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI).
“I am honored and excited to begin my service as the next Director of Operations. After benefiting as a CNF user early in my career the opportunity to return to Cornell at this juncture is a privilege. I look forward to working cooperatively with the experienced, knowledgeable staff in support of the enhancement of nanotechnology, equipment, materials and processes aimed at providing the best experiences for The CNF users.”
Olson joins CNF from GE Global Research where he functioned as Manager of the Wide Band Gap Process Engineering Team and Micro and Nano Fab Operations. Ron was responsible for the SiC engineering development and pilot production operations as well as management of a 28,000 sq. ft. , Class 100 clean room supporting advanced research and development for a diverse range of technologies including: advanced packaging, wide band gap semiconductors, MEMS, photonics, photovoltaics and nanotechnology. He was instrumental in the startup of the New York State Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium, a collaborative effort between General Electric and SUNY Poly charged with development of the next generation power electronics.
Prior to his tenure at General Electric Ron held various Process Development and Engineering positions at Sanders, A Lockheed Martin Company, Quantum, and Raytheon’s Research Division and Microwave Device Research Laboratory.
“Ron’s expertise as both a former CNF user and his work in industry outfitting and managing an industrial cleanroom will be invaluable to us as we continue our evolution to a next-generation academic cleanroom” said Christopher Ober, the Lester B. Knight Director of the CNF. “Since its founding over 40 years ago, the CNF continues its role as a pioneer in nanofabrication and having Ron with us will help us maintain a state-of-the-art facility and manage our 15% year over year growth in usage.”
CNF is a national user facility that supports a broad range of nanoscale science and technology projects by providing state-of-the-art resources coupled with expert staff support. CNF has been successfully serving the science and engineering community since 1977.
Olson states, “My goal is to continue to build upon the great foundation established at CNF. A foundation strengthened through years of progressive and collaborative work with the users, Cornell University, and supported by strong relationships with an organization such as NNCI. We will continue to work in partnership with all to provide advancements in science, engineering, education and outreach; allowing CNF to remain a leader at the forefront of nanotechnology.”