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Published: Oct 25, 2023 4:20 PM

By Diane Pham

Robert Dean, the McWane Endowed Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, received the Outstanding Educator Award for 2023 from the International Microelectronics Assembly & Packaging Society (IMAPS).

Dean accepted the award at the IMAPS 2023 International Symposium on Advanced Packaging and Microelectronics Assembly in San Diego on October 3.

Founded in 1967, IMAPS is a non-profit association that aims to create connections within and educate the microelectronics and electronics packaging industry. This is accomplished through multiple conferences, workshops, on-site training, and virtual resources. The award recognizes individuals who provide significant contributions to education for the electronics packaging industry and/or to the advancement of IMAPS student chapters.

"It was very rewarding to be recognized by my peers at the Society, said Dean, who has mentored more than 30 students. Over the years, I've taken many students to conferences and helped them publish their work in journals.

Probably the most fulfilling aspect of my job as an educator is having those students that become professors themselves. Its special to see when one of your students is following in your footsteps in academia and seeing your graduates now teaching other students somewhere else.

Originally from the Atlanta area, Dean calls Broun Hall home literally. He earned his bachelors degree in electrical engineering in 1988 and completed a masters degree in electrical engineering in 1991. It's neat to work in the same building that I took courses," he said. "I was a sophomore when they opened Broun Hall. There are times I walk around the building and have memories of being a student here 40 years ago.

Dean teaches a variety of courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Graduate courses include sensors, oscillators, and photovoltaics. His undergraduate specialty is the senior design course.

Im more of a coach than a lecturer, he said. I help them (students) solve problems as opposed to spoon-feeding them information.

When asked about his teaching philosophy, Dean replied, Im here to disseminate knowledge. Youre here to learn the knowledge. Ill do my part. You do yours.

Robert Dean said the most fulfilling aspect of his job as an educator is having students who ultimately become professors.

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