Distinguished Lecture and Special Tribute: Nicolaos G. and Sue Curtis Alexopoulos Presidential Chair in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Nicolaos (Nick) G. Alexopoulos
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 - 4:30 p.m. to Thursday, September 22, 2016 - 7:55 p.m.
Calit2 Auditorium and Atrium
Nicolaos (Nick) G. Alexopoulos

Vice President for Academic Programs and University Relations
Broadcom Foundation

4:30 p.m. - Presentation
6:00 p.m. - Reception
 

Title: Spiraling Through Space and Time (A Journey from Prehistoric Times to Modern High-tech Applications)

Abstract:  During this lecture we will embark on a journey to trace the spiral archetype (nature's signature) through space and time. We will then follow its migration from Mal'ta, Siberia to the Mediterranean through Ireland. We will examine its symbolism of life, death and rebirth, as well as its practical application as a calendar calculator. Subsequently, we will study the mathematical representation of spiral shapes from the time of Theodorus of Cyrene and Archimedes to the present modeling of polyspirals and will apply this knowledge to the design of antennas for wireless communication systems. Next we will demonstrate the evolution of new technologies such as virtual magnetic mirrors and applications, as well as new engineering concepts based on electromagnetic metamorphism. We will conclude with a discussion on the practical use of spirality for the design of the second tallest building in the world, the Shanghai Tower, which was opened recently.

Bio: Nicolaos (Nick) G. Alexopoulos was born in Athens, Greece, in 1942. He graduated from the 8th Gymnasium in 1959. He earned his bachelor's (1964), master's (1967) and doctoral degrees (1968) in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Alexopoulos served as the dean of The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 1997 to2008. He was a member of the faculty at the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 1969-1996, where he served as chair of the Electrical Engineering Department (1987-1992) and associate dean for faculty affairs (1986-1987) before taking his post as UCI dean.

Alexopoulos joined Broadcom Corp. (2008-2015) as vice president for antennas, RF technologies and university relations. He currently serves as vice president for academic programs and university relations with the Broadcom Foundation. Alexopoulos was elected an IEEE Fellow for "contributions to the understanding of substrate-superstrate effects on printed circuit antennas and integrated microwave circuits." He was elected to the United States National Academy of Engineering for "contributions to microwave circuits, antennas, and structures for low observable technologies, and for contributions in engineering education." He is Highly Cited in computer science and has received two IEEE Best Journal Paper awards. He and his students have published more than 300 journals and refereed conference publications, including several book chapters. He also holds 25 U.S. patents. He has received honorary doctorates from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, and Chapman University, and has served over the years as a consultant to various high-tech companies and to the U.S. government.

Hosted by Gregory Washington, The Stacey Nicholas Dean of Engineering

Please RSVP at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Alexopoulos 

For more information regarding this event, please contact Catherine Rupp at crupp@uci.edu