Don't Miss It: TSMC president returns to Illinois campus

8/30/2025

Distinguished alumna Rose Castanares ('88, Ceramic Engineering) will return to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on Friday, Sept. 12 to share her career journey from materials department graduate to president of TSMC Arizona, where she leads 3,000 employees at one of America's most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities. A livestream of the fireside chat event will be available via the Grainger Engineering YouTube channel as the in-person event has reached capacity.

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The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering is excited to welcome back distinguished alumna Rose Castanares ('88, B.S., Ceramic Engineering) for a special presentation on her remarkable career trajectory from Illinois graduate to global technology executive.

As President of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) Arizona, Castanares leads one of America's most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities, overseeing a team of 3,000 employees in the production of cutting-edge chips that power everything from smartphones to supercomputers. Her role places her at the forefront of critical technology infrastructure that shapes our digital world.

Castanares' visit offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand how her materials science foundation has contributed to her leadership in the global semiconductor industry. Her presentation will explore her insights into the semiconductor industry landscape and its critical role in driving the future of technology and innovation in the United States. 

Event Details: Friday, September 12, 2025 | 4:00 PM 
National Center for Supercomputing Applications Building, Room 1122

Important Note: The in-person event has reached capacity. However, we encourage interested students, alumni and peers to join via livestream on the Grainger Engineering YouTube channel, ensuring that everyone can benefit from this exceptional presentation by one of our accomplished alumni.


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This story was published August 30, 2025.