Electrical engineering senior Evelina Hovis from Grosse Isle, Michigan takes us inside Professor Middlebrook’s PCB Lab. Learn how she tackles manufacturing challenges, analyzes micro-structures under the microscope, and stays organized through it all.
Q: What are you doing this summer?
A: I am working in the PCB research lab of Professor Chris Middlebrook. My job is to determine the accuracy of the electroplating rates on the lab’s LPKF Contac S4 Electroplating Machine. The work involves testing, data collection, and analyzing the consistency and quality of the plating process.
Q: What are some of the challenges?
We do a lot of troubleshooting when trying to achieve uniform plating, to narrow down exactly where any issues are coming from. Research involves a lot of trial and error along with careful testing. Another challenge is organizing collected data properly so that results are accurate and easy to analyze.
Q: What do you enjoy most?
A: I really enjoy microsectioning. That involves taking tiny samples of circuit boards, embedding them into resin pucks, grinding them down, and analyzing them under a microscope. It’s really interesting to closely examine the internal structure of the boards and see the results of the manufacturing process in detail.
Q: How did you end up at Michigan Tech?
A: MTU stood out to me because of its great engineering program. I really enjoy the close-knit campus community, along with the beautiful nature and scenic views in the area.
Q: How did you become interested in electronics?
A: Soon after arriving at Michigan Tech, I started taking circuits and electronics courses and labs. That’s when I realized how much I enjoy circuit building and analysis. Seeing ideas we learned about in the classroom become real and functional through hands-on work was really rewarding. That’s what made me interested in pursuing electronics further.
Q: What are your career goals?
A: Once I graduate with my BS in Electrical Engineering next year, I hope to begin working in the electronics or PCB manufacturing industry. I’m also interested in pursuing automotive-related work. I feel optimistic about my career prospects. Electronics and manufacturing continue to grow and evolve. There will always be a need for engineers who can solve problems, improve processes, and adapt to new technologies.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: One of my personal hobbies involves making appliqué and custom hoodies. I would love to create a business where I sell my handmade creations. It would feel rewarding to know that other people enjoy something I created and can find beauty in it as well.
Q: How would you change the world if you could?
A: I would change the way our government operates to make systems more efficient, transparent, and focused on helping our people.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
A: Ask questions, even if you think they might sound dumb. Sometimes the person explaining something may unintentionally leave out details because they already understand it, so asking questions helps bridge the communication gap. It also creates opportunities to learn from different perspectives.
Q: Any advice of your own you’d like to share?
A: Learn how to manage stress in school or the workplace. Things can become overwhelming very quickly, so it’s important to step back and think, “What’s something I can do today to make tomorrow easier?” Small habits that help you stay organized and prepared can make a huge difference.
