Dr. Robert A. Hardin received his Ph.D. in Plasma Physics from West Virginia University in 2008. Following three years as a Postdoctoral researcher for the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, he joined WACKER Polysilicon as a process development engineer.

During construction of the Charleston, Tennessee plant, Robert was assigned to the Burghausen, Germany facility for 3.5 years. Since returning to Tennessee in 2015 to begin production, Robert, Director – Process Innovation & Analytics, is responsible for all aspects of process development and analytical characterization for the site’s polysilicon process and products serving the solar and semiconductor industries. He currently serves on the WACKER Charleston Leadership Team.

Robert has a passion for identifying and advancing collaborative technological partnerships between academic institutions and the public and private sectors to support and expand their local community, state, and regional opportunities.