The Tucker Award is given to recognize superior work and scholarship in the characterization, development and/or use of semiconductor, magnetic, optical or electronic materials by a graduate student or students pursuing such areas of inquiry. This award memorializes Dr. Ross N. Tucker, who contributed significantly to the advancement of the technology of materials used in semiconductor electronics. Dr. Tucker's research leadership at Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel and his personal contributions to the development of high-quality epitaxial deposition of thin layers of silicon, and to the understanding of the properties of thin films of polycrystalline silicon are of special significance.Nominations are sought from faculty and graduate students in the Fall. Since 2003, the award recipient has been selected by a College of Engineering committee, on the basis of their field of study, interest in cultural activities and the ability to guide associates in work that advances the technologies and uses of semiconductor, magnetic, optical or electronic materials. The award is presented officially at the annual spring Metallurgical Society Northern California Electronics Materials Symposium and also as part of the EECS Student Awards ceremony when there is an EECS recipient. The award is given to a student currently enrolled for a graduate degree in the College or to a student who has submitted a Ph.D. thesis within six months of the award date. The selection will be made without regard to financial need, gender, ethnicity or nationality. A similar memorial award has also been set up at Stanford University.

Awardees