Dr. John G.
Kassakian
1998 Distinguished Service Award
Recipient
Dr. John G. Kassakian is Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Director of the MIT Laboratory for Electromagnetic and Electronic Systems. His field of expertise is power electronics and automotive electrical systems. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from MIT, and prior to joining the MIT faculty, he served a two year tour of duty in the US Navy.
Dr. Kassakian was the Founding President of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Power Electronics Society, serves as the US representative to the European Power Electronics Association, and is the recipient of the IEEE Centennial Medal, the IEEE William E. Newell Award, and the Kabakjian Science Award. In 1989 he was elected a Fellow of the IEEE and in 1993 he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. In 1993 he was also awarded an IEEE Distinguished Lectureship through which he has lectured internationally.
He has published extensively in the areas of power electronics, power systems, education and manufacturing, is a member of the Boards of Directors of Sheldahl, Inc., Ault, Inc., and ISO New England Co. (the independent system operator of the New England electric utility system), serves as a consultant to government and industry, and is a coauthor of the textbook Principles of Power Electronics.
Dr. Kassakian's interests include sailing, fishing, golf and gardening. He has two children and resides with his wife in Newton, Massachusetts.
Source: Flyer from Award Presentation