Otis Singleton
The head of the electrical engineering department is a crucial role, responsible for leading and shaping the field of electrical engineering within their institution. The position has been held by numerous distinguished academics over the years, with each head bringing their own unique contributions to the field. Electrical engineering, as a discipline, has a rich history, emerging in the 19th century alongside the development of the electric telegraph, telephone, and electrical power generation. The first electrical engineering department was founded in 1882 at the Technische Universität Darmstadt, and since then, numerous universities have established their own electrical engineering departments, each with their own head or chair, contributing to the advancement of this dynamic field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Asu Ozdaglar |
| University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| Department | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) |
| Effective Date | January 1, 2018 |
| Previous Position | Associate Department Head in EECS |
| Research Areas | Optimization Theory, Algorithms, Game Theory, Networks |
| Educational Background | Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Master's and PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science |
| Department Size | 1,297 undergraduate and 916 graduate students |
| Faculty Members | 119 |
| Affiliated Labs | 4 (CSAIL, LIDS, MTL, RLE) |
| Former Heads | Anantha Chandrakasan, George W. Swenson Jr., Edward C. Jordan, John D. Ryder, Ellery Burton Paine, Ernest Julius Berg |
| University College London | First chair of electrical engineering in Great Britain |
| University of Missouri | Electrical engineering department established in 1886 |
| Technische Universität Darmstadt | First department of electrical engineering in the world, founded in 1882 |
| Cornell University | First electrical engineering graduates in 1885 and first department in the US in 1885 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | First electrical engineering program in the US |
| University of Arizona | Over 100 years of ECE (Electrical and Computer Engineering) |
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What You'll Learn
Electrical engineering departments at universities
For instance, the University of Arizona's Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department has been at the forefront of engineering education and research for over a century. The department is currently headed by Hongyi "Michael" Wu, an esteemed leader and researcher. Similarly, the University of Illinois' ECE department has a rich history, previously led by distinguished figures such as Edward C. Jordan, who served as department head for 25 years, and more recently, Cangellaris, who focused on applied and computational electromagnetics.
Northern Illinois University's Electrical Engineering department, accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, offers a comprehensive range of degree programs, including B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. The department is committed to providing a strong foundation in electrical systems and devices, empowering students to innovate and make a positive impact.
The Electrical and Systems Engineering department at the University of Pennsylvania, a part of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, is another notable example. It fosters a culture of innovation, as evidenced by the President's Innovation Prize awarded to electrical engineering student Melanie Herbert and her team for their privacy-centered AI system, Sync Labs.
These electrical engineering departments at universities showcase a commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and real-world applications, contributing significantly to advancements in the field.
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Electrical engineering as a profession
Electrical engineering is a profession that involves designing, developing, and maintaining electrical devices, systems, and equipment. Electrical engineers work in a wide range of industries, including energy, research, and education, and their work can vary from creating blueprints to managing projects.
To become an electrical engineer, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, or a related field. Some engineers also obtain a master's degree, a doctorate, or an engineer's degree. In addition to education, prior experience as an electrician, internships, or participation in cooperative education programs are often advantageous for those seeking a career in electrical engineering.
Electrical engineers typically work in an office setting, but travel may be required to visit project sites. They must possess strong communication skills to convey complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences, and they need to be detail-oriented to manage the multiple design elements and technical characteristics of electrical systems.
Within the field of electrical engineering, there is a hierarchy of roles and job titles. Entry-level positions include engineering clerks, who perform administrative duties, and junior engineers, who work under the supervision of more senior engineers. More experienced engineers may become project engineers, managing engineering projects, or engineering managers, who are responsible for creating goals and managing relationships within the company and with clients.
At the top of the hierarchy is the head of the electrical engineering department, who oversees the engineering department within a large company or business. This position may not be necessary in smaller or more specialized organizations. Electrical engineers who aspire to leadership positions can benefit from developing their professional networks and cultivating strong networking and social skills.
Overall, electrical engineering is a diverse and dynamic profession that plays a crucial role in various industries, requiring a combination of technical knowledge, practical experience, and effective communication skills.
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The head of the electrical department on a film set
The gaffer usually has an assistant called the best boy, or best girl, who acts as the foreman of the electrical department. The best boy oversees all operations, passing directives from the gaffer to the electricians and assisting with the setup and rigging of lights and cables. The best boy also manages crew scheduling, rentals, and gear maintenance.
On larger productions, there may be a dedicated generator operator who handles the operation and distribution of power from the generator. The electricians, or "sparks" or "juicers", work under the best boy and are responsible for running the cables to power the lights. They also programme any special effects or moving lights.
The electrical department forms the backbone of any production, requiring a diverse body of knowledge and mastery of craft to ensure the film set runs smoothly and efficiently.
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Electrical engineering as an academic discipline
Electrical engineering is an academic discipline that deals with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identifiable occupation in the latter half of the 19th century, following the commercialization of the electric telegraph, telephone, and electrical power generation. The field has since expanded to encompass a wide range of subtopics, including power, electronics, control systems, signal processing, and telecommunications.
The discipline is typically studied at the university level, with students acquiring knowledge in electrical engineering theory and gaining practical skills through laboratory work and projects. Electrical engineering programs often offer a diverse range of courses, including computer engineering, systems engineering, power engineering, and telecommunications.
The electrical engineering curriculum covers a broad range of topics. Students learn about electronic systems design, involving the multidisciplinary design of complex electrical and mechanical systems. They delve into the fundamentals of power and energy engineering, studying the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as the design of transformers, electric generators, and power electronics. Courses in computer engineering equip students with the skills to design computers and computer systems, including hardware and software aspects. Additionally, the curriculum explores instrumentation, where students learn about sensors and control systems, such as thermocouples used in temperature control.
Beyond the academic realm, electrical engineering has a significant impact on various industries. Electrical engineers play a crucial role in designing and manufacturing electrical and electronic systems, contributing to innovations such as hybrid vehicles, wireless communications, flight control systems, and radar systems. They collaborate with scientists and professionals from diverse fields, including computer science and information technology, to address real-world challenges and develop cutting-edge technologies.
The leadership of electrical engineering departments in academic institutions is entrusted to distinguished scholars and practitioners in the field. For instance, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Asu Ozdaglar, a renowned professor of electrical engineering and computer science, was appointed as the head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 2018. Prior to her appointment, she served as the interim head of the department and made significant contributions to optimization theory, game theory, and networks.
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Electrical engineering at MIT
The curriculum for the electrical engineering program at MIT was first created in 1882, making it the first such program in the country. It was initially taught by the physics faculty, but in 1902, the Institute established a separate Electrical Engineering department. The department was renamed Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 1975 to reflect the addition of computer science to the program.
Undergraduate students in the department take core subjects that introduce electrical engineering and computer science, building broad foundations and depth in selected areas that match their individual interests. The department offers a range of programs that enable students to gain experience in industrial settings, including collaborative industrial projects and term-long experiences at partner companies. Graduate study in the department allows students to pursue mastery in areas of individual interest through coursework and significant research, often defined in interdisciplinary areas.
The current head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT is Asu Ozdaglar, who has been in the role since January 1, 2018. She succeeded Anantha P. Chandrakasan, who became the dean of the School of Engineering. Ozdaglar is a renowned researcher and leader in optimization theory and algorithms, game theory, and networks. She has made fundamental contributions to economic and social networked systems and has been an advocate for educational innovation in EECS.
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Frequently asked questions
Asu Ozdaglar is the current head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT.
Anantha Chandrakasan was the predecessor to Asu Ozdaglar. Chandrakasan stepped down when he was named dean of engineering.
Professor Tim Green has been appointed Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College, effective from 1 January 2025.
Professor Daniela Tuninetti is the head of the electrical department at the University of Illinois Chicago.
