SMTA is honored to announce Qais Qasaimeh, a graduate student at Auburn University, has been selected as the winner of the 2023 Charles Hutchins Educational Grant.

The SMTA Grant Committee selected Qasaimeh’s project entitled “Data Analysis Application in Evaluating the Reliability of Electronic Assemblies.” He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University. His research interests include the evaluation of lead-free solder data in assessment of solder performance and reliability, as well as the adoption of machine learning with physics-informed models in the electronics manufacturing field. Qais obtained his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 2016 from Jordan University of Science and Technology, and Master’s degrees in 2019 from Moscow Engineering Physics Institute and in 2022 from Auburn University.

The Charles Hutchins Educational Grant was established in memory of past SMTA president, educator, mentor, and industry colleague, Dr. Charles Hutchins. The $8000 grant has been presented annually since 1998 to a full-time, graduate-level student pursuing a degree and working on thesis research in electronics assembly, electronics packaging, or a related field.

The award will be presented in person at the 2023 SMTA International Conference, October 9 – 12, 2023 in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

The SMTA will begin accepting applications for the 2024 Charles Hutchins Educational Grant in early 2024. View details at the website: www.smta.org/page/hutchins-grant

Please contact Saniya Pilgaonkar, hutchins@smta.org or +1-952-920-7682, with questions.