Nelson Sepulveda has been named interim chairperson of the Michigan State University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) beginning July 1, 2024.
He is a professor of electrical and computer engineering. Since joining the ECE department as faculty in 2011, Sepulveda has served in multiple roles in the department, including as graduate recruitment coordinator since 2016 and associate chair for graduate studies since 2022.
He replaces MSU Research Foundation Professor Ioannis (John) Papapolymerou, who accepted a role as the inaugural director for the MSU Space Electronics Initiative, an alliance with the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB).
Engineering Dean Leo Kempel said Sepulveda is a valued faculty member recommended by his peers for the interim role.
“Nelson exemplifies our collective commitment to teaching, research, and service,” said Kempel. “We look forward to the contributions he will make as a member of our leadership team.”
His research focuses on the integration of phase-change materials, particularly vanadium dioxide, into smart micrometer-sized sensors and actuators and the use of ferroelectrets for self-powered sensors. He is a recipient of an NSF CAREER award, the MSU Teacher-Scholar Award, the college Withrow Teaching Excellence Award, and a U.S. Fullbright Scholarship.
Sepulveda started his academic career at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez as an assistant professor, where he had an active role in the Sloan Research Fellowship Program. He completed his PhD at Michigan State University. As a graduate student, he was a fellow of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Microsystems and Engineering Sciences Applications (MESA) program at Sandia National Laboratories.
Papapolymerou to lead MSU Space Electronics Initiative
After serving as chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for the last nine years, Papapolymerou will lead and coordinate university efforts to establish MSU as the premier national and international destination for radiation testing of electronics with the overarching goals of advancing the related science and technology and developing the required workforce.
“The MSU Space Electronics Initiative is an exciting endeavor for the university, and John is ideal for this role,” said Kempel. “We are poised for significant advancements in this area under his leadership.”
For more information, visit the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and read about the MSU Space Electronics Center on the FRIB website.
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