In 1865, James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) published A Dynamical Theory of the Electrodynamic Field, which featured the original set of what is now referred to as Maxwell's equations. Through these equations, Maxwell described scientifically the propagation of light and electromagnetic waves travelling through space at the speed of light. His equations have been called the "second great unification in physics," following Isaac Newton's formulation of the laws of motion and gravity, and his contributions to science and impact on society have been likened to those of Albert Einstein. He is considered the founder of the field of electromagnetic theory.
"An extraordinary amount of information about the world - the basic rules by which light behaves, current flows, and magnetism functions - can be boiled down to four elegant equations," wrote Dr. Jim Rautio, a distinguished lecturer on the topic of Maxwell. "Today, these are known collectively as Maxwell's equations, and they can be found in just about every introductory engineering and physics textbook." While Maxwell's theories were developed 150 years ago, his equations continue to impact many scientific and technological developments today.
As part of the 2015 International Year of Light, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2013, many scientific communities around the world are holding special events to honor the contributions of James Maxwell and his 1865 treatise to our understanding of light and electromagnetism. In partnership with IEEE, Electrical & Computer Engineering @ Michigan is hosting a special celebration that will include guest speakers, a student demo competition, and open discussion with a panel of experts.
There will be no charge for attendance, but registration is requested.
Refreshments and hors d'ouevres will be served.
Lora Schulwitz (schulwitz@ieee.org)
Dr. Lora Schulwitz: Principal Engineer, MDA Information Systems; IEEE Southeastern Michigan Chapter 4
Prof. Anthony Grbic: Associate Professor, ECE; IEEE Southeastern Michigan Chapter 4
Prof. Becky Peterson: Assistant Professor, ECE; IEEE Southeastern Michigan Chapter 4
Prof.
Somin Eunice Lee: Workshop Chair; Assistant Professor, ECE; IEEE Southeastern Michigan Chapter 4
Prof. Line Van Nieuwstadt: Associate Professor, University of Michigan – Dearborn; IEEE Southeastern Michigan Chapter 4
Prof. Michael Wu: Assistant Professor, Wayne State University, Detroit; IEEE Southeastern Michigan Chapter 4
Brian Tierney: PhD student, ECE; IEEE Southeastern Michigan Chapter 4
Heather Ferguson: PhD student, ECE; OSUM
Brad Smith: PhD student, Applied Physics; OSUM
David Hiskens: PhD student, ECE; IEEE Student Branch & HKN Beta Epsilon Chapter