Applying sound science to circuit board design through test.
In this month’s column, I share a few terms I’ve been contemplating lately, which I have been trying to put in the context of the role of the PCEA within the electronics industry. Next, I hand it off to PCEA Chairman Steph Chavez for some inspiration for the fresh start of the year. And finally, I provide a list of coming events.
You may have noticed the use of three concepts mentioned extensively in 2020: “believe the science and data,” “speak truth to power,” and consider “systemic” causes for problems.
These concepts were associated with some particularly challenging, if not nasty, displays of societal failure in 2020. It has been easy for us to see how, in an agitated and perhaps desperate social climate, a time-consuming, methodical approach to collecting data and applying them to science can give way to convenient conspiracy theory. Speaking truth to power got some people fired overnight. The term systemic was used to point to long-term causes for some particularly blatant failures of a society to prepare people for success.
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Read more: Oh, That Radical PCB Engineering Conspiracy Theory
A successful first year promises even bigger things to come.
In this month’s forward-driving column, I glance back at PCEA’s year in “rearview,” which included an energetic jump-start, some challenging air filter retrofitting, some remote diagnostics, and a final refueling at a successful virtual chapter meeting. Next, I hit cruise control and rely on PCEA Chairman Stephen Chavez, who focuses on what lies ahead between the vanishing points of highways 2020 and 2021. As always, I’ll also point out some interesting events for you to consider attending.
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Read more: PCEA 2020: Small Rearview Mirror, Big Windshield
Some of our favorite subject-matter experts explain what motivates them.
In this month’s column I introduce a few of our inspiring women PCEA leaders. Next, PCEA chairman Stephen Chavez offers his take on the importance of diversity in a collective organization. As always, I include our list of professional development opportunities and events. Last, I tease some upcoming coverage on one of the PCEA’s educational networking events.
One of the most inspiring events I’ve had the opportunity to cover over the past decade was an early morning Women in Electronics at IPC Apex Expo. This event brings together women in the electronics industry to join their colleagues across the supply chain to network, share ideas, and discuss career experiences. It is an opportunity for women in the industry to learn from and inspire one another.
Recently, I’ve appreciated that within our PCEA meetings, we experience that same zeal with our executive staff every time we convene. It is not difficult to realize the impact of leadership by women in electronics in the PCEA. Many of our leaders – including women – reach out, team up, and work together to tackle many of the tough tasks that must be accomplished as the PCEA moves forward.
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This month I share a few thoughts on the formation of our chapters and commentary from of a few of the PCEA staff regarding their thoughts on where the chapters are and where we need to go. Next, PCEA chairman Steph Chavez shares some encouraging words for these extended times of Covid. So our readers will not miss a beat, I include our list of professional development opportunities and events and close with a preview of what is in store for the column next month.
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Read more: Local Chapters: Making Sense(s) Out of Virtual Meetings
“Education is the key to unlock the golden door to freedom.” – George Washington Carver
This month I speak with the PCEA Educational Committee regarding the team’s take on the PCEA’s role in education. What do they have in store? Next, PCEA Chairman Steph Chavez weighs in on the strength of the Education Committee and why it is crucial to the PCEA’s mission. Finally, with our normally provided list of professional development opportunities and events, I give a preview of next month’s column.
This month I review the virtual PCEA grand opening, which took place in July and featured guest presenter and PCEA educational committee member Rick Hartley. Next, in our “Letter from the Chairman,” Steph Chavez writes of his satisfaction with our recent open house and talks about another event in which he and vice chairman Mike Creeden participated, hosted by our affiliate organization, the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA). Coming next month, I check in with the PCEA education committee and look at the PCEA’s role in education. What do our education committee leaders have in store? I had an opportunity to hear from them and will highlight some of their ideas and plans for learning and curricula in the coming months.
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