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An Interview With My Mentor, Christina Rutherford
July 17, 2024 | Hannah GraceEstimated reading time: 1 minute

I first came to IPC APEX EXPO as a Student Board Member, and during my time on the board, I discovered that the show is not just another endpoint to a conference, but a launching pad for ideas, connections, and inspiration that lasts for decades. As participants leave the conference, they continue sharing knowledge and experiences that linger, affirming the enduring significance of IPC APEX EXPO in shaping the future of electronics.
While preparing for this year’s show, I had the privilege of interviewing Honeywell engineer Christina Rutherford. Not only is she chair of some IPC standards committees, but she’s also my mentor as an early-career emerging engineer. Join me in uncovering the insights and enthusiasm that drive her to participate in this industry-leading event year after year.
Christina, thank you for joining me today. To kick things off, tell me about your current role at Honeywell and how you knew you wanted to enter the electronics industry.
Christina Rutherford: I’m an advanced hardware engineer in materials engineering, focusing on manufacturing cables and hardware design. Originally, I didn’t know I wanted to enter the electronics industry. Seven years ago, and with a degree in chemistry, a friend encouraged me to apply for a job in material and process engineering at an electronics site within Honeywell.
To read the rest of this article in the Summer 2024 issue of IPC Community, click here.
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Seeing a Future in Mexico
07/09/2025 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007The Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) has been instrumental in fostering a partnership with Guanajuato, a state north of Mexico City with 12 industrial clusters and close to 150 companies involved in electronics. This past spring, Alejandro Hernández, the undersecretary for investment promotion in Guanajuato, attended IPC APEX EXPO 2025 at the invitation of IPC Mexico Director Lorena Villanueva, where he met with several companies to discuss the opportunities available in Mexico. He is inviting electronics-related companies seeking long-term investment in a centrally located area with access to highways, railways, and ports.
The Global Electronics Association Releases IPC-8911: First-Ever Conductive Yarn Standard for E-Textile Application
07/02/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announces the release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications. This first-of-its-kind global standard establishes a clear framework for classifying, designating, and qualifying conductive yarns—helping to address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing, and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry.
IPC-CFX, 2.0: How to Use the QPL Effectively
07/02/2025 | Chris Jorgensen, Global Electronics AssociationIn part one of this series, we discussed the new features in CFX Version 2.0 and their implications for improved inter-machine communication. But what about bringing this new functionality to the shop floor? The IPC-CFX-2591 QPL is a powerful technical resource for manufacturers seeking CFX-enabled equipment. The Qualified Product List (QPL) helps streamline equipment selection by listing models verified for CFX compliance through a robust third-party virtual qualification process.
The Knowledge Base: A Conference for Cleaning and Coating of Mission-critical Electronics
07/08/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIn electronics manufacturing, there’s a dangerous misconception that cleaning and coating are standalone options, that they operate in different lanes, and that one can compensate for the other. Let’s clear that up now. Cleaning and conformal coating are not separate decisions. They are two chapters in the same story—the story of reliability.
Advancing Aerospace Excellence: Emerald’s Medford Team Earns Space Addendum Certification
06/30/2025 | Emerald TechnologiesWe’re thrilled to announce a major achievement from our Medford, Oregon facility. Andy Abrigo has officially earned her credentials as a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) under the IPC J-STD-001 Space Addendum, the leading industry standard for space and military-grade electronics manufacturing.