The Basics
How many years have you been with your current institution? 25 years
Where were you born? Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Where did you grow up? Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Alberta, Texas
Academic Perspective
Why is ECEDHA important to you?
ECEDHA has always been at the forefront of Electrical and Computer Engineering representing the leaders of almost all the ECE departments in the US and Canada in terms of current issues, research, and education trends in the field.
What are you most proud of with distance learning?
Personally, I am proud of the ability I’ve had to reach students who ordinarily would not be able to work towards and ECE degree, specifically full time employees, active military, single stay at home parents, etc.
What have you found to have been most rewarding in your experience with ECEDHA and the Board position?
There have been many, but perhaps the most rewarding was serving as vice president and president of ECEDHA from 2003-2005, it was a very exciting time, in which we first formed a partnership with the National Science Foundation which continues today.
If you had to choose another profession, what would you choose?
Probably Physics.
Was there a defining moment in your life that made you choose ECE as a profession?
My parents strongly suggested I choose ECE instead of physics so I could get a job when I graduated, which I do not regret.
What has been your personal biggest challenge, or most significant achievement since the pandemic?
Teaching face to face was a big challenge in terms of all the uncertainties about COVID at the time, and trying to lecture for an hour through a mask.
My favorite class to teach is...
Semiconductor device physics
Greatest piece of advice I can offer a student is...
Always remain a student, never stop learning.
Beyond the Desk
What would you tell your 18-year-old self?
Worry a lot less about what other people think about you.
Who/what inspires you?
Historical figures who overcame great adversity
Philosophy of life in a nutshell?
Live in the moment
Nobody is better than me when it comes to...
doing things at the last minute.
If there is one thing I learned in life, it’s...
to not do things at the last minute
A problem I have yet to solve:
the ultimate renewable energy source.
I always wanted to travel to...
South America.
You couldn’t pay me enough to…
be department Chair again (just kidding!)
In my opinion, the greatest invention of all time is...
personal computer (besides the wheel)
One thing people don’t realize about me is...
my wife and I have made several horse pack trips by ourselves in the mountains of Arizona and Colorado
Favorite movie:
8 1/2