Dr. Amnon Rothman
Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences
My life before BGU:
I was born at the foot of Mount Carmel (near Haifa) and grew up in Kiryat Ata. I completed my bachelor's and master's degrees in materials engineering at Ben-Gurion University (it’s great to return as an academic faculty member), followed by a PhD in chemistry at the Weizmann Institute and a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University in California.
Why BGU?
In general, Ben-Gurion University is an amazing place to work, with a unique atmosphere and a special location. Specifically, BGU's Department of Materials Engineering is one of Israel's leading departments in the field, with a young faculty and strong connections with industry.
My research:
My research at BGU will focus on developing novel approaches to the synthesis of 2D materials from carbides and nitrides, such as MXenes. I will focus on understanding the surface properties of these materials, with an emphasis on their growth mechanisms and their effect on the material’s properties. In addition, the research will apply thin layer synthesis using the atomic layer deposition method to study lithography processes and selective evaporation for various applications in microelectronics and various energy technologies.
An insight from my research:
Like the way that materials are constructed and form tiny, delicate layers during the synthesis process in the lab, so too life is built layer by layer. Our progress consists of small steps that add up to big and meaningful results.
Something that doesn't appear on my CV:
I like to solder, saw, drill, screw, assemble IKEA cabinets, and all sorts of other technical handiwork.
A source of inspiration:
Richard Feynman (the Nobel Prize-winning physicist) is known not only for his contributions to quantum physics, but also for his ability to explain complex concepts simply and humorously. He believed in learning through curiosity and emphasized the importance of asking questions and not being afraid of making mistakes.
When I grow up...
As a child I wanted to be prime minister (how naïve...)
If I wasn't a researcher, I would...
Teach high school science.
In Brief:
- Master Chef or Kupa Rashit (Checkout)? Kupa Rashit (I’m sick of reality TV)
- Pilates or spinning? CrossFit, because there's nothing like deadlift, snatch, or dragging tires to relieve stress.
- Morning or night? Morning, and preferably as early as possible.
- Summer or winter? Summer, because there is an illusion of freedom.
- Hapoel or Maccabi? Golden State Warriors (NBA); three years in California had an effect.
- Noa Kirel or Netta Barzilai? Hanan Ben Ari.
- Steak or tofu? Fat and juicy burrito with the steak and tofu.
- Instant coffee or espresso? Instant
- Trekking or spa? Trekking, but with breaks along the way.
- Car or train? Train. Great way to catch up on sleep.
- Classical Europe or India? Classical Europe.
- Sea or pool? Pool. I hate getting sand on my feet that goes everywhere with you.
- City or country? City
- Movie in the cinema or binge on Netflix? A Netflix binge through the night.
- Text or voice message? I prefer a face-to-face conversation, but if not, then text message.
- Dog or cat? Dog
- Instagram or TikTok? LinkedIn
- Three things I would take to a desert island: Good food, the book I've wanted to read for a long time, and a boat to get back with (because I'll probably feel I’ve exhausted that experience very quickly).
