EAST LANSING – Anil Jain, University Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Michigan State University, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer.
Jain’s election to the Class of 2016 was announced Feb. 8 by NAE President C.D. (Dan) Mote Jr. He is among 80 new members in the NAE, bringing the total U.S. membership to 2,277. In addition, 22 foreign members will be inducted, bringing the number of foreign members to 233.
The induction ceremony for the NAE Class of 2016 will be Oct. 9 at the NAE annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Election to the NAE is among an engineer’s highest honors. The academy honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education, and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.
Jain was selected for his contributions to the engineering and practice of biometrics.
“This recognition would not have been possible without the hard work and contributions of students, postdocs, and visitors in my research lab and the support of my family and friends,” Jain said. “My department, college, and MSU always provided me with excellent resources to establish a strong research program ever since I joined the MSU faculty in 1974.”
Stephen Hsu, MSU vice president for research and graduate students, said Jain is a credit to MSU. “Professor Jain’s research is not only highly cited, it has many valuable applications. I cannot think of a better example of work that has both high intellectual content and real consequences at the same time,” Hsu said.
MSU Engineering Dean Leo Kempel said Jain has made foundational impacts in the area of biometrics. “He is an inspiration to all Spartan Engineers and will continue to serve the profession and nation as a member of this prestigious organization,” Kempel noted.
Jain is world renowned for biometric recognition, computer vision, and fingerprint-matching technology.
He holds one of 17 inaugural appointments to the U.S. Forensic Science Standards Board, a newly developed organization dedicated to identifying and fostering standards and guidelines for the nation’s forensic science community.
He has previously served as a member of the Defense Science Board and the National Academies panels on Whither Biometrics and Improvised Explosive Devices.
His list of honors is extensive. In 2015, he was named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for innovative discovery and technology, significant impact on society, and support and enhancement of innovation.
He is a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, Humboldt Research Award, Fulbright Scholarship, King-Sun Fu Prize, and W. Wallace McDowell Award.
For more on the Michigan State University College of Engineering visit: www.egr.msu.edu.
