University of Houston engineering professor Donald R. Wilton received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on Sept. 27 in Urbana.
Wilton was honored for his outstanding contributions to fundamental theories and techniques in computational electromagnetics. Years ago, Wilton worked with graduate students to create the Rao-Wilton-Glisson function for modeling fields in computational electromagnetics, which is still the most widely used modeling function in that field. In more recent years, he has developed higher order modeling functions and special methods for treating low frequency problems.
"It is always a very special honor to be recognized by one's Alma Mater. At the same time, knowing the prominence of many previous recipients, it is very humbling," Wilton said.
Weng Cho Chew, director of the Center for Computational Electromagnetics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, praised Wilton for his exceptional creative abilities.
"Don possesses both mathematical finesse and physical insight when it comes to solving electromagnetic problems, a quality that only a rare few have," Chew said. "His solutions to problems are often elegantly couched in deep physical as well as mathematical insight."
Wilton received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1964, 1966 and 1970 respectively. While working on his advanced degrees, he worked in the analysis and design of phased array antennas for the Hughes Aircraft Company in Fullerton, California. He started at the University of Mississippi as an assistant professor and rose to the rank of professor before coming to UH in 1983.
Wilton, a fellow of International Electrical and Electronics Engineeers, received the IEEE Third Millenium Medal in 2000. He received the UH Cullen College of Engineering Senior Faculty Research Award in 1996 and was named Outstanding Faculty Member at the University of Mississippi College of Engineering in 1982.