Talent, hard work and an unquenchable passion for innovation – these are the elements that define the academic path of Maxim CHIRIAC, the student who obtained two important awards: “Best Master’s Student” and “Best Master’s Thesis”, awarded by the Senate of the Technical University of Moldova on January 29, 2025. This is not the first time that his name shines on the list of academic achievements of UTM, having previously been designated “Best Student of the First Cycle (Bachelor’s)” for the 2023-2024 academic year.
His master’s thesis “Modernization and Automation of the Thermal Treatment Plant Used in the Optical Lithography Process” represents an important step in optimizing the integrated circuit manufacturing process. Maxim developed an innovative device that automates the photoresistor drying stage, essential for the production of state-of-the-art electronic circuits. In addition to academic recognition, this project opened the way for him to pursue in-depth research.
The awards received were a strong incentive. Motivated to further explore technological innovations, he took the natural step towards a doctorate at the Doctoral School of UTM, where he focuses on the development of nanosensors for gas and ultraviolet radiation detection, based on the installation developed in his master’s thesis.
An important place in his career belongs to teaching, being an assistant professor in the Department of Microelectronics and Biomedical Engineering at the faculty he graduated from – Computers, Informatics and Microelectronics, where he inspires new generations of students to discover the beauty of emerging technologies.
Teaching and collaboration with students are essential aspects for the development of the field of microelectronics. He encourages his students to participate in hackathons and technical competitions, and the results are not long in coming: his team of second-year students won first place in a competition organized with the support of ACEM, demonstrating that ingenuity can overcome the barriers of advanced technical knowledge.
In addition to teaching, his involvement in research is also remarkable, through his participation as a scientific intern in two large-scale projects: one institutional and one funded by the National Agency for Research and Development. Thus, his active contribution to the development of technological innovations strengthens UTM’s position as a center of excellence in the field of microelectronic engineering.
The nominations and awards obtained are a symbol of the academic excellence promoted by UTM. Through dedication and thirst for knowledge, it is demonstrated that success comes to those who learn to discover, innovate and inspire future generations.
Within the competition held during the 2023-2024 academic year, the Senate designated the winners in several categories: “Best student of the first cycle (bachelor’s degree)”, “Best student of the second cycle (master’s degree)”; “Best student of the third cycle (doctorate)”; “Laureate of the year in the field of beginner teaching activity”; “Laureate of the year in the field of teaching activity”; “Best textbook”; “Laureate of the year in the field of teaching activity”; “Best student (by field)”.