Anil Pahwa joined IEEE in 1977 because it is the premier society for his profession, saying that, “the biggest benefit of IEEE membership is the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements and to network with the professionals working in my field of interest.” Anil has been in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, USA, since 1983, where he is University Distinguished Professor and holds the Logan-Fetterhoof Chair. His research focuses on reliability, automation and optimization of power distribution systems.

Anil supports the IEEE Smart Village initiative. He says, “I have been in contact with the leadership team of IEEE Smart Village and have been impressed with their work dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world.” Anil serves as a volunteer on the IEEE Smart Village Development Committee. The IEEE Smart Village initiative provides electricity access to the remote rural communities of the world to provide them economic and educational opportunities.

Anil also donates to the IEEE Power & Energy Society Scholarship Plus Fund because its goal is to attract the next generation of students to power systems and prepare them for the future—which is an issue of great importance to him. When asked why is it important for IEEE members to support the IEEE Foundation, Anil replied, “because the IEEE Foundation advances the goals of the profession to make the world a better place,” noting that he is “impressed with their organization and approach to addressing different issues.”