Doctor Grandpa

Udi Kra (65, Modi'in) completed his undergraduate degree in computer engineering at the Technion in 1985, about 40 years ago. After graduating, he began his long career in the industry, specializing in chip design. He married, fathered three children, and is now a proud grandfather. In 2018, he decided to return to the lecture halls and pursue a Master’s degree at Bar-Ilan Faculty of Engineering, EnICS labs, then went on to pursue his PhD. under the supervision of Prof. Adam Teman. Kra's research focused on dedicated hardware accelerators for artificial intelligence systems. During his studies, Dr. Kra also served as a System-on-Chip (SOC) architect at EnICS Lab.

You’ve held key roles in high-tech, yet chose to take the opposite path and return to school. Why?

"Indeed. After graduating from the Technion, I've had a long career in the high-tech, particularly in the chip industry. The challenge of developing commercial chips is fascinating, yet market constraints, timelines, and the conservative approach that comes with risk minimization don't always leave room for exploring and implementing breakthrough technologies that go beyond common development methodologies. In my last role in the industry, I worked in collaboration with the EnICS research lab within the Faculty of Engineering,  as part of a consortium formed by The Israel Innovation Authority. Gradually, and with gentle prodding from Prof. Adi Teman, who later became my advisor, I developed a desire to devote to research what may be the final stage of my career. But this journey required going back to school, completing a master’s degree, and progressing toward doctorate, which I have recently completed."

Was age a factor in the decision to return to school?

" I generally love learning in every way possible, though I must admit that when I first returned to academia, I thought it would be easier. It took me some time to realize that, as far as the university was concerned, I was just like any other student and warranted no special treatment. Despite my rich industry experience, it required a while to regain dormant academic skills, such as the proper methods for preparing for exams, using the material exactly as it was taught in class instead of relying on my own intuition. But overall, most of the classes were interesting and beneficial."
 

Were you the oldest student?

"Fortunately, there is one more EnICS colleague of a similar age, who is also about to complete his doctoral studies. I like to say that among the two of us, we have over 130 years of experience."

How did your family react?

"While I was studying, two of my children were also at university, pursuing their undergraduate degrees, so I acclimated to student life alongside them. My wife, too, returned to school to complete her graduate degree several years ago, so the idea was not unfamiliar to her."

In addition to studying, you also compete in Ironman triathlons. Do you consider yourself someone who likes to conquer goals and challenges?

“Yes, I suppose that’s true, pinpointing a goal and achieving it. But as with Ironman triathlons, while there is satisfaction in crossing the finish line, the greater part lies in the journey, working toward that goal over months and years of persistence, and in the values you gain along the way that stay with you long afterward.”