Anil Jain, a 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.
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.
Jain was selected for his contributions to engineering and practice of biometrics. Jain is world renowned for biometric recognition, computer vision and fingerprint-matching technology.
“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.”
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.
“Professor Jain's research is not only highly cited, it has many valuable applications,” said Stephen Hsu, MSU vice president for research and graduate studies. “I cannot think of a better example of work that has both high intellectual content and real consequences at the same time.”
Jain 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 is an inspiration to all Spartan engineers and will continue to serve the profession and nation as a member of this prestigious organization,” said MSU engineering dean Leo Kempel.
Jain 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.
He is regularly invited to speak at national and internal forums, including the keynote address at the Microsoft Computing in the 21st Century Conference in Beijing in 2014, and at the Royal Society meeting on United Kingdom forensics in London in 2015.
Jain is the fifth MSU faculty member to be elected to the NAE. Others are Linos Jacovides, professor of electrical and computer engineering; Percy Pierre, professor of electrical and computer engineering and former vice president for research and graduate studies; Joan Rose, Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research; and Rodney Tabaczynski, professor of mechanical engineering.
Jain’s election to the class of 2016 was announced this week by NAE President C.D. (Dan) Mote Jr. The induction ceremony for the NAE Class of 2016 will be Oct. 9 at the NAE annual meeting in Washington, D.C.