Doug Jacobson, director of the Iowa State University Information Assurance Center and a university professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been named a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Fellow is the highest grade of membership in IEEE.
“It is an honor to be recognized among many other individuals who have dedicated a significant amount of time and research to advance technological innovation,” Jacobson said. “With the support of IEEE and others, I will continue my commitment to outreach programs that inspire students and promote research and education in information assurance.”
To be named a fellow of IEEE, a candidate must be at least 32 years of age and have a minimum of 10 years experience in the electrical engineering field. Candidates must demonstrate outstanding proficiency in their field and profession. The IEEE Board of Directors must approve each candidate’s nomination for fellowship.
Jacobson is involved with numerous outreach programs that create interest and excitement among students of all ages in the areas of information technology (IT) and engineering. Among these is IT-Adventures, a program that has inspired 40 Iowa high schools to develop IT clubs focused on computer security, game design, and robotics.
The program also hosts an annual statewide cyber-defense competition that provides students with a simulation of real-life network security threats. The teams in the competition identify and defend against network security threats. Professionals in the information assurance field often judge the competitions.
Jacobson’s efforts in the information assurance field have helped establish the Information Assurance Center at Iowa State, and he has developed a graduate-level interdisciplinary information assurance program. The new degree program has an enrollment of more than 100 students.
Jacobson has experience in the professional technology transfer field and is the founder of two high-tech companies, D&D Systems and Palisade Systems. His work in the private sector of computer security has been recognized and awarded nationally. Jacobson is also the author of a textbook on network security.