Science is based on curiosity, observation, logical deduction. It is also based on minimalism, asking the right questions, doubting, questioning authority, that is reassessing dominant opinions and theories, seeking change so that reality is understood as lucidly as possible. Truth, whatever truth might be, is continually approached according to physical reality and evidence; not personal ideology or dogma. It is this liberal spirit that has made science indispensable.
Dr Asad Madni is a man who embodies all these attributes. He is an engineer and scientist, a man who has solved important engineering problems using precisely these principles.
Dr. Asad M. Madni received the A.A.S. degree from RCA Institute, B.S. & M.S. degrees from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and Ph.D degree from the California Coast University (CCU). Also he is recipient of a DSc. Degree (Honoris Causa) from Ryerson University and today the Technical University of Crete. He is a graduate of the Engineering Management Program at the California Institute of Technology, the Executive Institute at Stanford University, and the Program for Senior Executives at MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Madni is an internationally recognized authority with over 40 years of experience in intelligent sensors and system design and signal processing. He is credited with over 150 refereed publications in archival journals, conference proceedings and book chapters; over 100 research reports & internal publications; over 100 keynote addresses, invited lectures, chairs and panels; and 68 issued or pending patents resulting in numerous "industry firsts".
He served as President, Chief Operating Officer & CTO of BEI Technologies Inc. headquartered in Sylmar, California, from 1992 until his retirement in 2006. He led the development and commercialization of intelligent micro-sensors and systems for aerospace, including the Extremely Slow Motion Servo Control System for Hubble Space Telescope’s Star Selector System and the revolutionary Quartz MEMS GyroChip technology which is used worldwide for Electronic Stability Control and Rollover Protection in passenger vehicles, thereby saving millions of lives every year.
Prior to joining BEI he was with Systron Donner Corporation (a Thorn/EMI Company) for 18 years in senior technical & executive positions, eventually as Chairman, President & CEO. Here, he made seminal and pioneering contributions in the development of RF & Microwave Systems and Instrumentation.
Dr. Madni is currently an Independent Consultant; Adjunct Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering at UCLA; and Executive Managing Director & Chief Technical Officer of Crocker Capital, a San Francisco based private venture firm specializing in emerging technologies.
Dr. Madni is recipient of numerous national and international awards and honors. Indicatively: the 2012 IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society Pioneer Award “for seminal and pioneering contributions to the development and commercialization of aerospace and electronic systems,” the 2010 IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society's Career Excellence Award, the 2010 UCLA Engineering Lifetime Contribution Award, the TCI College of Technology's Marconi Medal, the 2008 IEEE Region 6 Outstanding Engineer Award, the 2006 World Automation Congress Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2005 IEE Achievement Medal, the 2004 UCLA Engineering Alumnus of the Year Award which is the highest honor granted by the school, the 2003 George Washington Engineer of the Year Award from the Los Angeles Council of Engineers & Scientists, and the 2002 UCLA Professional Achievement Award Medal, the IEEE Third Millennium Medal.
In 2011 Dr. Madni was elected to the US National Academy of Engineering "for contributions to development and commercialization of sensors and systems for aerospace and automotive safety."
He is Fellow of eight professional and scientific organizations: the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, the Institute of Electrical Engineers, the Institution of Engineering & Technology (UK), the Institute for the Advancement of Engineering, the New York Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and Lifetime Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics.
We the people of the Technical University of Crete have the pleasure to honor a man who has made important and seminal contributions to the profession of engineering. Dr Madni, today you join the line of outstanding and distinguished engineers and scientists, to whom our school has granted the title of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa. We congratulate you and wish you good health to continue showing the way in your field of expertise.
Yannis A. Phillis