Rachel Leong is Awarded 2nd Best Student Project at the Eindhoven Semiconductor Summer School (ESSS)

Dr. Shihab Al-Daffaie, Rachel Leong and Prof. Aida Todri-Sanial

We are thrilled to congratulate Rachel Leong, a master's student from our Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, for her impressive achievement at the Eindhoven Semiconductor Summer School (ESSS) hosted by the Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e) in the Netherlands.

Over the course of a dynamic and challenging five-day program, students from around the world immersed themselves in cutting-edge advancements in semiconductor technology. The ESSS brought together 60 students from nine countries, representing 16 universities, offering a unique opportunity for them to collaborate, learn from industry leaders, and engage with global experts.

Rachel Leong was part of Group 12, a diverse team that included students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels from five different countries. Together, they tackled the topic of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) for Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs). These 2D materials are gaining attention as a potential successor to traditional silicon, as they offer superior properties that can help overcome the limitations of Moore’s Law. The team delved deep into how TMDs can be optimized for semiconductor design due to their adjustable bandgap and atomically thin structure.

On the final day of the program, all teams presented their work before a jury of esteemed professionals. Group 12’s well-researched and innovative approach earned them a 2nd place finish, an impressive feat given the caliber of competition. In addition to receiving certificates, the team was awarded wireless LED chargers and speakers for their outstanding collaboration and presentation skills.

This achievement is a testament to Rachel Leong’s dedication, knowledge, and ability to work across cultures and educational backgrounds. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing how their future endeavors continue to shape the semiconductor industry.

Congratulations once again to Rachel Leong, and a big thank you to the ESSS organizers for providing such a valuable learning experience!

Eindhoven Semiconductor Summer School

Group 12