RALEIGH, N.C. – University of Arkansas students with International Microelectronics and Packaging Society won first prize for best poster presentation at the International Symposium on Microelectronics in Raleigh, N.C., Nov. 1-5. The University of Arkansas’ chapter booth took home the top prize while competing among research institutions from all around the world, including Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, South Dakota State University, Temple University, University of Alabama, and University of Waterloo, Canada.   

Greg Caswell, a distinguished member and former president of IMAPS, commented, "The competition for the student booths at the 2010 IMAPS Symposium was extremely close between several of the universities present. The University of Arkansas should be very proud of their students who participated as it was their diligence and demeanor that made the difference."

Ashok Saxena, dean of the College of Engineering, added, “I congratulate the winners of this top award in a very prestigious international competition. It goes to show that our students are among the best anywhere and our excellent faculty and research facilities are supporting them in achieving their potential. Congratulations are also due to professor Ajay Malshe for his role in enabling this success.”

The student organization at the University of Arkansas is a student chapter of the professional organization IMAPS. Founded in 1967, IMAPS is the largest society dedicated to the advancement and growth of microelectronics and electronics packaging technologies through professional education. The society’s portfolio of technologies is disseminated through symposia, conferences, workshops, professional development courses and other efforts. With more than 8,000 members worldwide, it is remarkable to have one of only 17 student chapters here at the University of Arkansas.

Malshe, the chapter faculty adviser for IMAPS, added, “These students are the best of the best to lead innovation in nano- and microelectronics, integration and related areas. Their team spirit, highest multidisciplinary academic quality and communications skills have set them apart from their peers in winning this prestigious accolade and showcase the University of Arkansas.”

Mohammad Chowdhury, a graduate student and IMAPS chapter chair, said, “We are very excited to have made this accomplishment amidst the tough international competition. My colleagues and I are proud to see such a payoff to our diligent efforts over the past years.” Chapter treasurer and co-presenter Corey Thompson added, “We are thankful for this opportunity to compete and demonstrate the great work in microelectronics and packaging here at University of Arkansas. It just goes to show that through hard work, top-notch facilities, and steady leadership, we can be internationally competitive."

Chowdhury and Thompson were joined by Tristan Evans, chapter secretary and UA graduate student.

Nano- and microelectronics and integration research is performed at various graduate and undergraduate programs and research organizations at the University of Arkansas. Examples include High Density and Electronics Center, Nano-Materials Science and Engineering Center, and microelectronics and photonics program.