Jon McCandless
Co-Founder and CEO, Gallox Semiconductors
Jon McCandless joins the Breakthrough Energy Fellows program from Gallox Semiconductors in Ithaca, NY. Jon has always been passionate about entrepreneurship. After a semiconductor device physics course in college, Jon developed a passion for the field and worked in a semiconductor research group on campus – an experience which would ultimately lay the groundwork for his future. Jon is co-founder and CEO of Gallox.
Globally, much attention is devoted to how energy is produced and how efficiently it is used. However, from the moment energy is generated to the point where it performs useful work, it undergoes multiple power conversion processes, during which approximately two-thirds of the energy is lost. Gallox is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of these conversion processes by utilizing gallium oxide-based devices. Over the past decade, the unique properties of gallium oxide have positioned it as the next-generation semiconductor for power electronics.
Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics from John Carroll University. After spending 18 months at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Jon continued his academic journey at Cornell University, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering.
Q&A
Who has had the greatest impact on your career path?
My grandfather. He was an engineer and businessman who always supported my pursuits and encouraged me to become an engineer. He was also a life-long learner, a trait that I try to emulate.
What is your favorite word and why?
Persistence. Worthwhile endeavors are often hard. Endeavors which are hard often require lots of work and failures will occur. The only way to overcome failure is through persistence.