Infinite Careers is a collaboration between Career Services (CAPD) and the MIT Alumni Association to explore career paths and the non-linearity of career decision making. Read profiles of alumni with unique career paths, hear their stories and network at a series of talks.
Education
- MIT, SB – Bachelor Of Science, 6-1 – Electrical Engineering
- MIT, MNG – Master of Engineering, 6-P – Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- MIT, PHD – Doctor Of Philosophy, 6-D – Eecs- Doctoral
Bio
Marcie Black is CEO and co-founder of Advanced Silicon Group. Dr. Black brings to the company expertise in building strong teams, managing development projects, patents, IP strategy, encouraging a healthy company culture, cost modeling, and running a startup. In addition, Dr. Black has a strong technical background in the areas of electronic materials, optics, semiconductors, solar cells/photovoltaics, batteries, renewable energy, nanotechnology, device design, and opto-electronics. Dr. Black has over 30+ papers and more than 15 issued patents with many more pending.
Prior to founding ASG, Marcie was the President and co-founder of Bandgap Engineering, which focused on lowering the cost of solar electricity through black silicon or silicon nanowire solar cells. Before joining Bandgap, Marcie was a technical staff member at Los Alamos National Laboratory and worked on a variety of nanotechnology and optical systems. She began at Los Alamos National Labs as a prestigious Director’s Funded Post Doc, developing organic and nano solar cells.
Marcie has a Ph.D. from MIT in Electrical Engineering, under the supervision of Institute Professor, Mildred Dresselhaus. Prior to her Ph.D. work, Marcie was a device engineer at Motorola where she was on a small team responsible for combining non-volatile memory and logic onto the same chip. She improved the manufacturing yields by working with the process engineer to improve silicide formation. In 2009, she was awarded an R&D 100 award for her contributions to work at LANL. Marcie also was honored as one of the ten “Women-to-Watch in 2010” by Mass High Tech.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?
While I have enjoyed seeing products that I have helped develop get used in the field, what is more rewarding is seeing young engineers that I have worked with, professionally grow and be successful in their careers and lives.
What motivates you to do the work that you do?
I am motivated when my work has the potential to make a positive impact on the world. This has led me to work on renewable energy, defense applications, and now health care.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career? How have you managed or overcome it?
My previous company, Bandgap Engineering, was the first to make high-efficiency nanotextured solar cells. While our amazing team pioneered this work, we failed to monetize the product, and solar cells with nanotexturing were instead commercialized without us by companies that we had worked with from China. They went on to make billions of dollars from solar cells with nanotexturing. This has of course been difficult for me, but I try to focus on the impact that my team from Bandgap made on lowering the cost of solar electricity and reducing our dependence on carbon-based fuels.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
When talking to her about sexism, I was told by one of my mentors not to get upset about it, and that I just have to be better than the men. She certainly was, and I do my best as well.
What career advice do you have for current MIT students, or those interested in entering your industry?
When deciding what to do next in your career it is important to be honest with yourself about what you are searching for; maybe a challenging job, maybe making an impact, maybe being around amazing people, or maybe making a ton of money. Once you understand your motivations, choosing your next step becomes easier. And keep in mind that is all you are doing – choosing your next step. Don’t stress too much about planning your whole career right now. Be open to the unexpected opportunity.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?
I love to be outside: hiking, walking, running, biking. Being in the woods helps me clear my mind and focus on what is important to me.
Marcie Black will be on campus in spring 2024 for an Infinite Careers Speaker Series event.
Last edited: August 2024
