2005_vprdoc PSpreads2.qxp - University of Akron

Iqbal Husain
—catching a “brake”
When it comes to research, particularly in the world
of electric motors, Dr. Iqbal Husain brakes for no one — and
everyone. Husain, professor of electrical and computer
engineering, has done groundbreaking research in the area of
electric and hybrid motors, along with antilock braking systems,
since his arrival at The University of Akron in 1999.
His research focus has involved electric brake calipers, massproduced
motors and paramagnetic rotor bars; however, the
source of his fascination is not a big secret — it was just a
matter of looking around. “You see applications all around
you that need motors,” Husain says. “That’s how I got into
the program.”
After earning a Ph.D. at Texas A&M University, Husain did some
work in the automotive industry and still maintains ties in that
field. But dating back to his undergraduate days in Bangladesh,
he had a yearning for teaching and research. “I like the area
where it was a little bit applied, but also had some fundamental
research in the area of motor control and power electronics,”
Husain says.
Now, with the world searching for more fuel-efficient modes of
personal transportation, his research is not only groundbreaking,
but necessary. “The trend for alternative vehicles leads to the
area of research on hybrid vehicles,” he says. “So that attracted
me. Research on the electric part of these vehicles is what I’m
drawn toward.”
Husain is most proud of his work on an
antilock brake system for conventional cars.
The system uses a motor-driven technology
that he has been working on for some time.
Husain
The system did not get accepted into the motor industry, but the
research enabled its motor technology to be applied for a
different antilock brake system.
Husain’s work has earned him recognition from the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in the form of the 2000
Third Millenium Medal and the 1998 Outstanding Young Member
Award 1998. His research projects have generated more than
$670,000 in outside funding and earned four patents and/or
invention disclosures.
Still busy trying to figure out ways to power vehicles, Husain
gets a lot of his own energy from his students, who fuel his
enthusiasm. “The students are really a source of encouragement
for me,” he says. “I give them some tests to do and they come up
with their own ideas. I enjoy working with them and interacting
with them, giving them guidance, teaching them new things.
There is a lot to learn from everybody.”
With many years of research behind him, Husain looks forward
to the day when he can see people using things he has created,
or helped to create, in their everyday lives. He believes it’s only a
matter of time until that day comes. “Eventually,” he says,
“industries will have to change and there will have to be a
technology transfer.”
Husain credits The University of Akron and the research
environment in which he works with helping him be a successful
researcher. “The department, as well as the college, has been
very helpful,” he says. “It’s a very friendly department here. If I
have to ask for something, the department and college have
been very accommodating.”
Underwood
As Samuel Underwood completes work
on his advanced degrees in the world of
engineering, he will look back to his days
with Dr. Iqbal Husain, acknowledging the
profound influence the professor
had on his development.
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“Dr. Husain gave me a more global view
on the projects we wanted to develop,”
says Underwood, a student of Husain’s.
“He is very methodical in setting up a
research project and validating experimental
results. Those things are often
overlooked by researchers.”
Underwood credits Husain’s work as both
teacher and Ph.D. adviser. What opened
the student’s eyes was actually learning how
much he didn’t know, particularly about
current research trends. Underwood also
acknowledges Husain’s contributions in