Eric Hellstrom, a distinguished professor of mechanical engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and Director of the Florida State University (FSU) Materials Science Program, has been recognized with the prestigious IEEE Dr. James Wong Award for his outstanding contributions to applied superconductivity technology.
The IEEE Dr. James Wong Award, presented annually at the Applied Superconductivity Conference (ASC), is one of the most esteemed honors in the field. It celebrates individuals who have demonstrated a career marked by meritorious achievements and technical contributions to applied superconductivity over more than two decades. Hellstrom’s recognition highlights his continuous impact in advancing superconductor materials technology, particularly his work in making high-temperature superconductors viable for real-world applications.
“I have been Eric’s faculty colleague for almost 40 years, first in Wisconsin and for the last 17 years here at FSU,” said David Larbalestier, professor of mechanical engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “We’ve collaborated on making high-temperature superconductors useful, and Eric has been a world leader in developing Bi-2212 into a new magnet technology. It is for this immense impact that he has been recognized by IEEE.”
This year’s award ceremony took place in Salt Lake City from September 1 to 6. The award is named in honor of Dr. James Wong, a pioneer in the field of superconductivity, renowned for his work in creating commercial-grade superconducting cables and conductors. Wong’s legacy includes founding Supercon, Inc. in 1962, a company known for its innovation in producing superconducting wires and cables used in both research and commercial applications worldwide.
Hellstrom’s recognition underscores his pioneering research and leadership in the development of superconducting materials. His work has been instrumental in advancing the use of superconductivity in various industries, and his contributions have significantly influenced the scientific community. In honor of his achievements, Hellstrom received a medallion made from niobium, a material critical to superconductivity research.
“I am honored to receive this award,” Hellstrom said. “In truth, it reflects the incredible hands-on work done by many others over the years at the Applied Superconductivity Center (ASC).”
Hellstrom’s acknowledgment at this year’s ASC conference is a significant milestone for the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, reinforcing the joint college’s reputation for scientific excellence and innovation in the field of superconductivity.
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