Pioneer of the modern semiconductor routinely breaks into song
If Mark Law’s daughter hadn’t decided to pick up the violin, he might never have become the “mediocre” guitar player he claims to be today. He wanted to teach her the value of trying new things – regardless of the outcome (and take his mind off the screeching that accompanies novice violinists). His constant pursuit of new creative endeavors and experiences has earned him accolades in the kitchen, gained him exposure to hundreds of musical performances (on and off Broadway), and prepared him well for his new job: director of the UF Honors Program.
His love of creativity also factored into the fresh thinking that powered his role in pioneering the modern semiconductor. He’s been a long-time, award-winning professor of electrical engineering at UF and is the former associate dean of academic affairs for the college, but you shouldn’t let Mark Law’s curriculum vitae intimidate you. Deep down, he’s just a guy who wants to sing you a big warm “Hello!”
Having diverse interests is always a strength. You never know how things are going to intersect.
From left: Gator Engineering professor and ESSIE director Kirk Hatfield, his wife Jean Starobin, Jesus (from the musical The Book of Mormon), Alison Law and Mark Law.
Q & A with Mark
- What is your official title?
Professor and Director of the UF Honors Program. I’m also a professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. - What was your first music purchase or concert you attended?
I don’t think I purchased it, because I was about 5. My Mom got me the soundtrack to Mary Poppins and I played it until the record (vinyl) was kaput! - What is an inspirational quote, lyric or family motto that has affected your life?
“You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You’re gonna find, yes, you will
That you’re beautiful as you feel.”
– Carole King - If you could engineer a solution to one problem, what problem would you solve?
Sustainable energy – we need to move on from dead dinosaurs. - Where is your favorite place you’ve lived, other than Gainesville?
San Francisco. I was a graduate student out there and we had an apartment on Lombard street for a while. It was great getting take-out from Chinatown! - What was the last book you read?
I just finished Crystal Fire: The Invention of the Transistor and the Birth of the Information Age. I’ll be leading an Honors class on this book in the fall.