Interview with Poster Presenter Winner - Soroosh Alavi

IPC and IPC Education Foundation invested in a selected group of students to participate in IPC
APEX EXPO programming in-person. One of the students was Soroosh Alavi, a Ph.D. Industrial & Systems Engineering at Auburn University. His research focuses on Electronics Reliability and areas of expertise include Thermal cycling and Drop Shock Reliability.

He presented a poster during the conference and alongside his fellow, Palash Vyas, Ph.D. Industrial & Systems Engineering at Auburn University won the best poster category with an award of $750 and an IPC Scholarship of $2,000.

Charlene Gunter, Sr. Director of the IPC Education Foundation interviewed him to learn more about his experience and career aspirations.

 Charlene: “Share a little background on yourself.”

Soroosh: “My name is Soroosh Alavi, I have got my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and now I am third year PhD student in industrial and Systems Engineering and simultaneously MS in Data Science, both at Auburn University. I have published 4 Academic Paper so far in Reliability. I got familiar and joined IPC chapter team in Auburn University since beginning of 2022. I won 2022 and 2023 IPC Student Member Scholarships and also 2023 IPC Leadership Award Scholarships.”

Charlene: “Briefly explain the topic of your research.”

Soroosh: “I am currently engaged in a project focused on Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Reliability, with a specific emphasis on solder joints under harsh environmental conditions such as in the aerospace, military, and automotive sectors, has led to a significant need for advanced packaging and assembly techniques. In our lab, we conduct a variety of experiments—including drop shock, thermal cycling, and vibration tests—under particularly harsh environmental conditions. These experiments are carried out until the components, specifically the solder joints, fail. During these tests, we meticulously observe, track, and collect data on the failure outcomes, including images of cracks and voids as well as data on the characteristic life of the solder joints among other results.

My role primarily involves data science activities. I manage the collection, organization, and cleaning of data from these experiments. Utilizing machine learning techniques, I develop predictive models to forecast failures of solder joints and analyze the impacts of various factors, such as voids and other parameters, on the life and failure modes of solder joints. This project is currently supported by the Department of Defense (DoD).

This work not only advances our understanding of PCB durability but also contributes to the development of more resilient electronic components for harsh environmental condition applications.”

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

Soroosh: “The project I am currently working on holds significant benefits for the industry. Firstly, I am developing machine learning models that can predict the failure of solder joints with nearly 94% accuracy. These models are based on aging and thermal cycling tests, and I am actively working to enhance their accuracy and applicability to other tests, various solder alloys, component types, and additional factors. Secondly, this research can drastically reduce time and costs for companies. The models I'm creating are capable of predicting the lifespan of solder joints for components and alloys that have not been previously tested, eliminating the need for extensive testing periods which can span months or years, and thus saving significant amounts of money. Lastly, the prediction process with my model is extremely fast, taking only milliseconds to estimate the lifespan of electronic components once the relevant data is inputted. In total, I can say this study serves as a foundational step towards integrating ML into standard practices for predicting solder joint reliability, paving the way for more innovative and reliable electronics design and manufacturing.”

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

Soroosh: “I have approximately a year and a half remaining before completing my PhD. Afterward, I am eager to transition into the industry. I am particularly motivated by the prospect of seeing the practical applications of my research and observing its real-world impacts. Additionally, I find the dynamics of the industry environment very appealing.

I am also convinced that the field of electronics manufacturing will become increasingly crucial in the future. Given our current era of AI and rapid technological advancements, there is a significant and growing demand for electronic products, positioning this industry at the forefront of global development trends.”

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

Soroosh: “I am confident that the demand for electronic products will continue to rise, bringing increased attention and numerous opportunities to this industry. This growth will span various sectors, including manufacturing and research and development (R&D), among others. Therefore, for anyone with an interest in electronics manufacturing, regardless of the specific field, considering this industry as a potential career path would be a prudent decision.”

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

Soroosh: “For the highlighted part of the IPC APEX EXPO this year I can mention that:

• the luncheon keynote: The Future of the Human Workforce, Maximizing Potential in an Automated World presented by John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO.
• Meeting the IPC President and CEO.
• Winning the best poster presentation Award.”

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

Soroosh: “ I had the opportunity to see the latest technological advancements in machinery, which was truly fascinating! I met several influential figures within the industry and established valuable connections with them. I gained insights into the existing gaps and unaddressed issues within the industry, identifying areas and details that offer opportunities for further development and improvement.”

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

Soroosh: “This award is deeply meaningful to me. It validates the hard work and dedication I've invested in my research and reassures me that my contributions are valuable to the field. This recognition not only motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve but also reinforces my commitment to making impactful