LONG BEACH, Calif. – University of Arkansas students with the International Microelectronics and Packaging Society won second prize in the best poster presentation competition at the International Symposium on Microelectronics in Long Beach, Calif., Oct. 9-13.

The University of Arkansas’ chapter booth placed second while competing among several top research institutions in electronics packaging, including University of Idaho (first), University of Alabama (third), California Polytechnic at San Luis Obispo, San Diego State University and Temple University. This is the second consecutive year University of Arkansas’ IMAPS chapter has placed among the top prize winners.

Mark Bachman, the IMAPS 2011 Student Programs chair and professor at the University of California at Irvine, commented, "The competition of student booths at the IMAPS 2011 Symposium was extremely close among the nine universities involved. The University of Arkansas should be very proud of their students who participated, as their discussion and presentation of both their research and student chapter events earned them national industry recognition as one of the strongest IMAPS student chapters."

Professor Ajay P. Malshe, the U of A chapter faculty adviser for IMAPS, added, “These students are trailblazers to lead innovation in nano- and micro-electronics, integration, and related areas. Their teamwork, dedication to highest academic quality, and presentation skills have set them apart from their peers in placing in this prestigious competition and showcasing the quality of work here at the University of Arkansas.”

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. Nine student chapters presented research posters and/or computer programs at their booths. Booths were evaluated by industry judges on technical content, presentation, organization, and clarity of the booth posters.

Steve Green, IMAPS Student Chapter Lead administrator who works with numerous chapters and student volunteers, said, "UA student chapter's leadership with Ajay’s help “re-pioneered” the local student poster contest and has become a model for IMAPS to implement nationwide."

Corey Thompson, an Arkansas graduate student and IMAPS chapter chair, said “We are very excited to have made this accomplishment amidst the tough competition. We are thrilled to continue to be leaders in this field and it is a true testament to our diligent efforts over the past years.”

Chapter vice-chair and co-presenter Ranjith John added “We are thankful for this opportunity to compete at IMAPS and demonstrate our innovative techniques in microelectronics and packaging here at University of Arkansas. It just goes to show that through hard work, strong leadership and adviser support, and access to state of the art facilities we can be internationally competitive.” 

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, Institute for Nanoscience & Engineering, and the microelectronics and photonics graduate program.