Interview with Best Technical Paper Student Winner - Emily Lamport

ipcapexexpo scholarships Sep 09, 2024

Congratulations to Emily Lamport – Best Technical Paper Student Winner at IPC APEX EXPO 2024

Emily is a student researcher at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell who received a $3,000 scholarship from IPC Education Foundation for her research into process optimization for additive manufacturing techniques. She is a Ph.D. student who submitted a paper titled “Implementation of 3D printed Near Chip-Scale interposers into X-band dual channel MMIC assembly.” She presented her paper during the Technical Conference at the IPC APEX EXPO in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, April 10th.

We connect with her to learn more about her academic background and career aspirations. 

Charlene: “Share a little background on yourself”

Emily: “I received my Bachelor's of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in May of 2018. While I was a student there, I participated in undergraduate research at the Center for Lighting Enabled Systems and Applications, where I designed test procedures for LED fixtures for use in the growth of plants. I applied and was accepted to the Electrical Engineering PhD program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in the Summer of 2018, where I’ve been ever since!”

Charlene: “Briefly explain the topic of your research”

Emily: “My research focuses on printed electronics and using different additive manufacturing methods to create circuits with unique form factors and reduced waste compared to traditionally manufactured PCBs. I also focus on methods by which the throughput of additive manufacturing can be increased. One way that we’re looking to accomplish this is through hybrid manufacturing, which utilizes both traditional and additive manufacturing methods.”

Charlene: “Why is this important within our industry?”

Emily: “Additive manufacturing allows for reduction of material waste, freedom in design in physical space, since additive manufacturing allows for the realization of nontraditional form factors for electronic circuit assemblies. With these abilities, circuits can be made smaller, conformally, flexibly; the possibilities are limitless!”

Charlene: “What’s your next steps in terms of professional growth and/or career aspirations?”

Emily: “Once I receive my PhD, I would like to work in a research lab. I enjoy the research environment and the flexibility and creativity it allows. I would also like to be adjunct faculty at a university one day.”

Charlene: “Why would you recommend students to consider career paths in electronics manufacturing?”

Emily: “Electronics manufacturing is ever changing, and there are new methods and technologies to be learned constantly. It’s never boring, and the applications and industries for electronics are vast.”

Charlene: “What has been the highlight of the IPC APEX EXPO?”

Emily: “I really enjoyed getting to know people at the conference. I traveled to the conference alone, and I felt so welcomed by everyone. I especially enjoyed getting to be a guest editor for I-Connect007. Being able to talk with people from different aspects of industry and the technologies that excited them was captivating, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to do it again!”

Charlene: “Please share three new things you’ve learned this week?”

Emily: “

  1. I never knew how intricate the process of PCB fabrication was, and despite how well-studied these processes are, there’s always some innovation occurring!
  2. Interviewing others and discussing their work has helped develop my dialogue when giving presentations.
  3. Talk to as many companies as you can on the exhibition floor—you never know how their technology and services can benefit your research”

Charlene: “How do you anticipate using the $3,000 IPC scholarship?”

Emily: “I plan to use my scholarship money to cover fees for attending additional conferences and seminars. Going to these events and collaborating with people face-to-face has presented many opportunities for me, not only in networking but in ideas to advance my own research.”

Charlene: “Please share a few sentences what this award means to you personally?”

Emily: “Being recognized for my research has been so uplifting for me, and it’s quite difficult to put into words how much I appreciate this recognition. It’s easy to understate your own research, especially when you are the one who sees all the faults and snags that occur behind the scenes. Outside validation such has this has been a huge reminder to me that what I am doing is important, and it serves as motivation to advance my research to strive for more recognition.”

 

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