Mary R. Felker Awarded American Ceramic Society Scholarship

by George Zamora

SOCORRO, NM, Feb. 25, 1999 -- Mary Robin Felker, a native of Rio Rancho who is now a sophomore majoring in materials engineering at New Mexico Tech, recently was awarded the New Mexico Section of the American Ceramic Society's first-ever "Ceramic Achievement Scholarship."

The $500 scholarship was set up by the professional organization to recognize university students from throughout New Mexico who have garnered special achievements in ceramics research as undergraduates.

Felker, a graduate of Cibola High School, is the daughter of Michael and Donna Felker of Rio Rancho.

For the past two summers, and during semester breaks, Felker has been employed at Motorola, Inc. in Albuquerque, as an intern working in the company's research and development department, alongside materials and ceramic engineers.

"My research at Motorola included investigating a ternary ceramic system, evaluating dielectric properties of dielectric paste for multi-layer applications, and studies in screen printing," she relates.

Felker currently works on a part-time basis with New Mexico Tech's materials and metallurgical engineering department, while maintaining a 3.6 grade point average (out of a possible 4.0) in her studies.

She also is attending the state-supported research university on a New Mexico Tech President's Scholarship and a Success (Lottery) Scholarship.

Felker lists memberships in the American Ceramic Society and the Latter-Day Saints Student Association, and adds that she is involved in other church activities.

"I enjoy attending New Mexico Tech because it is challenging," she says, "and I'm earning a quality education."