1/9/97

Contact: Richard McFarland, 614-593-1533

ATHENS, Ohio -- Richard McFarland, Russ professor emeritus of electrical engineering at Ohio University and a pioneer in the field of avionics, has been elected to the grade of Fellow in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

McFarland, who founded the Avionics Engineering Center in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology in the early 1960s, is one of 244 people who were recently elected to the position of Fellow in the international organization, which has a membership of more than 320,000. IEEE, a non-profit organization founded in 1884, is the largest technical professional society in the world and advocates the development and application of electronic technology.

Any senior member of the IEEE who has completed at least five years of service is eligible to be nominated to the grade of Fellow, but only one-tenth of all voting members are elected each year. The Board of Director elect the fellows, who are recognized at the IEEE annual meeting, held at the end of the year.

"I am privileged to have been elected to IEEE Fellow," McFarland said. "It is an honor to be allowed to join the company of the most respected contributors to our electrical engineering profession."

McFarland came to Ohio University in 1962 as an associate professor of electrical engineering and later began the avionics engineering program. Under his direction, the Avionics Engineering Center became a world leader in research and development of air navigation and landing system technology, including the Instrument Landing System and, later, the Global Positioning System.

He has received many honors for his work on air navigation and landing systems, including the Federal Aviation Administration's Distinguished Service Award, and the Laurel Award, presented by Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine.

McFarland served as director of the Avionics Engineering Center until his retirement in 1989. Since that time, he has continued his research in avionics as professor and director emeritus of the center.

"Being named a Fellow of one's professional organization is the highest honor an individual can receive from that organization," said Kent Wray, dean of the engineering college. "We are very pleased to see one of our faculty recognized in this way for a lifetime of commitment to education and research."