Showcase 2026: Nanotech Student Finds Rhythm in Research
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 24, 2026) — As an undergraduate researcher at the University at Albany, Harry Weinstein is already presenting his work on a global stage.
The junior recently shared his findings at SPIE Advanced Lithography + Patterning 2026, a leading international conference in semiconductor manufacturing.
At the conference, Weinstein presented research on newly synthesized organometallic compounds designed for use in extreme ultraviolet lithography, a cutting-edge process used to create the microscopic features that power next-generation computer chips.
He will present that work again at Showcase, UAlbany’s annual celebration of student research, scholarship and creative activity, scheduled for April 30.
From the Lab to the Global Stage
Weinstein is majoring in nanoscale engineering with a minor in mathematics and a concentration in nanolithography. He began conducting research in Professor Robert Brainard’s lab after his first year, drawn to the opportunity to work directly with materials at the forefront of chip manufacturing.
His work centers on synthesizing photoresists, specialized compounds that react to light during the lithography process to create intricate patterns on semiconductor wafers.
Over the past year and a half, Weinstein has helped introduce more than 20 new compounds, gained cleanroom training at Cornell University and taken on increasing responsibility in the lab.
His SPIE project pushed those skills further.
“I spent about six months trying to make the compounds,” Weinstein said. “The project turned out to be much more difficult than expected.”
After repeated setbacks, he successfully synthesized and evaluated one target compound, building a presentation that reflected both the successes and challenges of the process.
His talk, delivered to an audience of roughly 200 researchers, engineers and graduate students, was a rare opportunity for an undergraduate. The experience required him to manage the project independently, make decisions about experimental direction and persist through failure.
“I had to be resilient, since giving up was not an option,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the experience strengthened his interest in research and confirmed his plans to pursue a PhD after graduating in 2027.
NanoJazz and a Different Way of Thinking
Weinstein chose UAlbany after touring the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE) where he was drawn to its advanced facilities, research opportunities and close ties to industry.
“I knew nothing of nanotechnology at the time,” he said. “But it seemed like a great place to get my education.”
Outside the lab, Weinstein found another outlet through NanoJazz, CNSE’s student jazz ensemble, organized by Brainard, who invited him to join as a first-year student.
“I hadn’t played keyboard in three years,” he said. “Joining NanoJazz gave me a chance to reignite my passion and continue my musical journey.”
That experience has influenced how he approaches research.
Both jazz and lab work require patience, adaptability and the ability to respond in real time when things do not go as planned.
Whether working through a failed experiment or improvising during a performance, Weinstein has learned to approach challenges from multiple angles and stay engaged in the process.
That mindset will be part of what he shares at Showcase, where visitors can learn not only about his research, but how students can gain hands-on experience in labs early in their academic careers.
“My time at UAlbany has helped me develop myself and has meant a great deal to me,” he said.
The University will hold its fourth annual Showcase from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. The daylong event will feature poster sessions, presentations, performances and exhibitions highlighting student research, scholarship and creative work across multiple disciplines.
UAlbany students, faculty and staff, as well as prospective students, alumni, community members and school groups are invited to attend.
The event is free and open to the public.