News & Awards

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Expands

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) has been rapidly expanding over the past two years.  Under the leadership of Dr. Kimon Valavanis, Department Chair, new curriculum and research initiatives have been implemented. 

Dr. Valavanis has focused on the implementation of three new degrees:  Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Mechatronic Systems Engineering; Doctorate in Mechatronic Systems Engineering; and a Doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering.  The University of Denver is the only school in the United States currently to offer a Bachelor, Master and Doctorate in Mechatronic Systems Engineering.  Mechatronics degrees couple mechanical, electrical and computer engineering and equip engineers to work with complex systems.

"I want the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department to educate tomorrow's engineers by providing an education, combined with research infrastructure and technology to work on complex integrated systems" noted Dr. Valavanis.

One doesn't have to walk far in the department to see the level of energy and research results from the faculty.  The momentum is spurred from Dr. Valavanis and his desire to be the top program in the country. 

The department is an official site for Safety, Security and Rescue Research funded through the National Science Foundation.  Under the direction of Dr. Richard Voyles, this site is focused on advancing technology through robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles. 

"Because of the small size of our department, we are able to provide graduate students with hands-on experience in the lab," Dr. Valavanis states.  Additionally, "the students are capable of transferring their knowledge in the classroom and lab research to the market place."