FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers recently honored two student chapters at the University of Arkansas with national awards.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional association of more than 360,000 members and more than 300 student branch chapters nationwide. The institute and its membership are recognized as leading authorities in technical areas including biomedical technology, computer engineering, telecommunications, aerospace and consumer electronics.

The first award recognized the University of Arkansas IEEE Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology student branch chapter as the 2005 Student Chapter of the Year. The award is based on activities of the past academic year, including social and technical operations.

Student officers of the winning chapter are Ryan Pooran, president; Chris Thomason, vice-president; Matt Kelley, secretary; and Colin Furrow, treasurer. All are graduate students in the microelectronics-photonics program. The faculty advisers are Fred Barlow, associate professor of electrical engineering, and Steve Tung, associate professor of mechanical engineering.

Next, at the IEEE Region 5 Conference in Denver, the University of Arkansas IEEE student chapter received the “Outstanding Small Student Branch of 2004” award based on skill and knowledge displayed by the students in two tournaments. 

The design competition tested the students’ ability to build a specific design to given specifications in a limited amount of time. The students designed and built a motor controller with encoder feedback. 

In the robot competition, students built an automated robot to transport objects from one part of a factory to other parts.  

“These society activities enrich students’ life on campus and are considered an important part of their college experience to shape their personality to accept responsibility for future leadership roles in their profession, community, and society,” said Aicha Elshabini, head of the electrical engineering department. “Certainly, being recognized nationally is an outstanding award crowning their achievements and it is great for our institution.”

Juan Balda, a professor of electrical engineering, is the faculty adviser for the group.