2009 EECS Annual Report is Available

The death of EECS Professor Jim Roberts cast a shadow over 2009.  While still mourning his loss, we are able to also see the numerous accomplishments of the past year. 

The federal government designated KU as a national Center of Excellence in Information Assurance. Our education and research programs excel not only in cyber security but also in the availability and authenticity of digital information. EECS Professor Perry Alexander and Deane E. Akers Distinguished Professor of EECS Joseph Evans led the proposal effort for KU. 

Jun “Luke” Huan earned a NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award, one of the most prestigious NSF awards offered to junior faculty members. It is our second CAREER Award winner—EECS Associate Professor Xue-wen Chen won in 2007—in bioinformatics. Using computer science to mine, analyze and store life-science data is a growing expertise for us. 

In contrast to bioinformatics, remote sensing is one of our most established and acclaimed focus areas. EECS Professor Chris Allen and EECS Assistant Professor Carl Leuschen led aerial surveys to collect data on the Antarctic polar ice sheets. The projects are part of a larger effort to better understand climate change. These multidisciplinary efforts occur at the edges of traditional disciplines and across subject boundaries in order to help solve complex problems.

Our students juggle a challenging major with extracurricular activities. Jackie Paschang (BSEE ’09) was Baby Jay. As a mascot, she took part in some of KU's biggest sporting events over the last few years. Christa Curette, a CoE senior, was elected to a regional position during the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) annual convention in March. She is helping plan the 2010 NSBE National Convention. This is in addition to her role as president of the KU Chapter of NSBE. Air Force Staff Sergeant Jonathan Lanning (BSCS ’09), a married father of three young children, graduated in less than four years.  In his free time, he taught himself to read and write code. Lanning won the much deserved Ellermeier Memorial Award at our spring graduate reception.

Our alumni showcase our abilities and serve as our strongest advocates. Our featured alumnus, Steve Unruh (BSEE '03), is a perfect example. Now a senior engineer at Hasbro Toy Group, Steve says his KU education has proven to be impressive, even next to the big-time Boston engineering schools.

We always enjoy hearing from our alumni and friends. Please share news of a new job, promotion or such with us at info@eecs.ku.edu.