UA Student and NewFoS Member Wins Award at Materials Bowl Competition

Maryah Almajnouni, a senior undergraduate student in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the University of Arizona and an active member of the New Frontiers of Sound (NewFoS) community, earned third place at the 22nd UA/ASU Materials Bowl Senior Design Competition.

Almajnouni, alongside teammate Nataly Islas, presented their project Semiconductor Lithography Tool Prototype, which advanced to a tie-breaker final round. Their innovative design centered on improving accessibility to semiconductor manufacturing education.

The prototype is a compact, low-cost photolithography system that integrates a digital micromirror device (DMD), UV LED, and automated XYZ stage. Capable of micron-level patterning, the tool provides a practical alternative for hands-on semiconductor training in settings where conventional equipment is cost-prohibitive or unavailable.

The project was supervised by Dr. Zafer Mutlu, assistant professor in the UA MSE Department.

NewFoS Director Dr. Pierre Deymier commended Almajnouni’s achievement: “Seeing our students design tools that bridge advanced technology with educational accessibility captures the very spirit of NewFoS—innovating to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

The UA/ASU Materials Bowl is an annual competition where senior design teams from both universities showcase engineering creativity, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Almajnouni’s success highlights the growing role of student-led innovation in advancing semiconductor education and outreach.