The Charles Hutchins Educational Grant, co-sponsored by the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA, Minneapolis, MN) and Circuits Assembly magazine (Atlanta, GA), was established in memory of past SMTA president and industry colleague Dr. Charles Hutchins.

The $5000 grant is awarded annually to a graduate-level student pursuing a degree and working on thesis research in electronic assembly, electronics packaging or a related field. The grant is intended for the purchase of technical books and research materials, for participation in conferences related to electronics assembly and packaging, and for living expenses if necessary.

To be considered for this award students must submit the entry form, current academic transcripts, an advisor's letter of recommendation, a resume and a one-page thesis research abstract.

Entry materials are due April 15, 2004, after which the SMTA Grant Committee will review all qualified award applications. Once received, the SMTA will look at the following specific criteria: The technical importance within the electronics industry, student transcripts, the clarity with which students are able to define objectives and methodology and qualifications based on the submitted letters of recommendation.

The 2003 Hutchins Grant recipient was Andrew Perkins from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA). The title of his project is: "Investigating the Combination of High and Low Cycle Fatigue on Solder Joints."

For more information, visit: http://www.smta.org/hutchins/student_app.cfm.

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