Emerging Leader
Priyanka Dobriyal, Ph.D.
Intel Corporation
For outstanding technical contributions to breakthrough technologies; for collaborative, cross-functional leadership that unifies diverse teams; and for dedicated outreach as a mentor and role model through SWE.
Priyanka Dobriyal, Ph.D., is a technical program manager (TPM) with Intel Corporation’s Silicon Photonics Product Division (SPPD). She is responsible for the execution of leading-edge optical transceiver programs that deliver transformational solutions for data centers. A skilled TPM with laser-sharp focus, attention to detail, and a collaborative and inclusive approach, she has a proven track record of driving complex programs from concept to delivery.
Her excellent command over scientific fundamentals, technical competency, and customer engagement principles have enabled her to broaden her working horizon at a phenomenal and impressive pace. Dr. Dobriyal is a recipient of multiple awards and recognitions at Intel and has made notable contributions to the electronics industry through her publications (more than 10), patents (eight granted/filed), and conference presentations.
Dr. Dobriyal has made outstanding contributions to 100G and 400G optical transceiver products as well as Intel’s development of co-packaged optics (CPO) that integrate photonics with a high bandwidth Ethernet switch. In her role as a TPM of CPO, she led the team through an aggressive timeline with extraordinary commitment, resilience, and technical creativity, delivering this revolutionary platform in record time. The world’s first Proof-of-Concept demonstration and publicity of this strategic technology further cemented Intel’s data center optical IO leadership position. Her ability to drive product qualifications in record time led to improved customer satisfaction, and enabled Intel to secure customer engagements leading to significant revenue growth for SPPD.
Mentoring and serving as a role model to her peers have always been a part of Dr. Dobriyal’s core values. She provides career guidance to Intel employees and leverages her network to connect individuals with common goals. Outside Intel, Dr. Dobriyal serves as the Women’s Leadership Program track director at the Surface Mount Technology Association International (SMTAI) Conference, where she created a forum to increase the visibility of women in technical conferences. She reflects Intel’s leadership as a champion to improve diversity and inclusion in technical organizations.
Dr. Dobriyal balances her fast-paced career with dedicated and heartfelt community service. As an active SWE member, she has taken forward SWE’s charter through several roles. As co-VP of outreach for the Columbia River Section, Dr. Dobriyal propelled the section to receive the Outreach Program Excellence Award in 2017 by building a community of technical role models, volunteers, and mentors. Her commitment to inspire underrepresented and underserved youth, especially girls, to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields led to her receiving the 2020 President’s Volunteer Service Award through her active volunteering for Education Empowers Inc., a nonprofit organization.
Dr. Dobriyal holds a Ph.D. in polymer physics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an M.S. from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee in chemistry. She and her husband are settled in California with their two young children. They role model hard work, persistence, and a healthy lifestyle for their children. Dr. Dobriyal routinely attends Zumba sessions, which help her recharge and brings out her best self. In her spare time, she organizes STEM events with her children to instill in them the value of giving back.