Steier, William

2002 Distinguished Alumni Award

In recognition for contributions to microprocessor silicon technology research and develeopment

Steier, a W.M. Hogue professor of electrical engineering at the University of Southern California, was recognized for his basic contributions to lasers, photonics, and fiber optics; and for outstanding leadership and administrative ability in engineering.

Steier started his career as an assistant professor at U of I. In 1962 he went to Bell Labs in Holmdel, NJ, and in 1968, he joined USC's EE department.

At USC, he has served in numerous administrative posts, including department chair (1970-1984), director of the Joint Services Electronics Program, co-director of the Center for the Integration of Optical Computing, and principal investigator of the DARPA National Center for Integrated Photonic Technology.

In recent years, his research has focused on the development of new polymer materials and polymer integrated optical devices for optical communications. He is internationally recognized for the revolutionary development of organic electro-optic materials during the last decade.