ECE Investiture honors faculty excellence and donor impact

The UW–Madison Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) hosted an investiture ceremony to celebrate several faculty members whose accomplishments, leadership, and scholarly impact have advanced engineering education and research within the department, across the college and beyond. The event brought together faculty, staff, students, family and friends to honor both the achievements of ECE faculty and the donors whose generosity makes these named professorships possible.

ECE Department Chair Susan Hagness opened the ceremony by sharing the significance of the event: “An investiture ceremony provides us with the opportunity to pause and celebrate the official beginning of new roles – in this case, new named positions.  It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the generous benefactors who make these distinguished named professorships possible, and who further strengthen our department’s and college’s legacy and advance the impact of the work of the faculty holding these titles. “

College of Engineering Dean Devesh Ranjan reflected on the centuries-old tradition of investiture and emphasized that named professorships represent one of the college’s highest honors, recognizing the remarkable talent, dedication, and global leadership of ECE faculty whose research, teaching, and mentorship shape students’ experiences and drive engineering forward.

The program featured remarks from benefactor Leon Janssen (BS’64), whose gift with his late wife, Betsy, established the Leon and Elizabeth Janssen Associate Professorship. Their vision was reflected in the recognition of Associate Professor Ulugbek Kamilov, whose pioneering work at the intersection of AI, computational imaging, and biomedical applications strengthens ties across campus and expands UW–Madison’s leadership in medical imaging.

The ceremony also honored Grainger Institute for Engineering Associate Professor Line Roald, a national leader in power systems and optimization whose research advances the reliability and sustainability of future energy networks. Roald’s service, mentorship, and leadership within both the department and national organizations further highlight her wide-reaching impact.

Professor Daniel van der Weide was invested as a Grainger Institute for Engineering Professor, recognizing his groundbreaking work in high-frequency electronics, his entrepreneurial leadership, and his role shaping the Wisconsin CHIPS Center. His innovations in medical devices and semiconductor research exemplify engineering with global influence.

Professor Daniel Ludois, the Jim and Anne Sorden Professor, was recognized for his visionary contributions to electrostatic machine design, his leadership in translating research into real-world technologies, and his dedication to teaching and mentorship. His work continues to influence industry and academia while enriching the experiences of ECE students and collaborators.

Harvey D. Spangler Professor Nader Behdad was honored for his internationally recognized scholarship in microwave-frequency electromagnetics, his exceptional record of innovation and mentorship, and his leadership within the department and the wider research community. His contributions continue to advance the field and strengthen the academic environment within ECE.

The ceremony underscored the power of donor partnership and the enduring impact of faculty scholarship. Together, these investments propel the future of engineering at UW–Madison.

Photo at top of page: Kamilov, van der Weide, Ludois, Behdad, Roald

Images by Todd Brown, UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health – Media Solutions