5 Professor Michel Nakhla Awarded IEEE Canada’s A.G.L. McNaughton Gold Medal Carleton University’s Michel Nakhla, Chancellor’s professor in the research- intensive Faculty of Engineering and Design, has been named the 2017 recipient of the A.G.L. McNaughton Gold Medal, presented annually by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Canada. The award stands as IEEE Canada’s highest honour, recognizing outstanding Canadian engineers for their exceptional contributions to the field. Nakhla is the founder of the high-speed Computer-Aided Design (CAD) research group at Carleton and is a frequent invited speaker on the topic of high- speed interconnects. He was an early pioneer of the concept of harmonic balance, which serves as the backbone of current radio frequency (RF) and microwave circuit simulators. “I am deeply honoured to receive such recognition from the prestigious IEEE organization,” said Nakhla. “This is not a recognition for my research achievements alone, but also for the high calibre of research work being done at Carleton University as a whole.” Nakhla joined the Department of Electronics in 1988 as a professor and holder of the Computer- Aided Engineering Senior Industrial Chair and has served on numerous international engineering committees, as well as government research grant selection panels. Prior to joining the Faculty of Engineering and Design, Nakhla held senior positions in the engineering industry and currently serves as a technical consultant for several industry organizations. He has also authored or co- authored more than 300 technical papers that have contributed significantly to the evolution of the design automation field. “Professor Nakhla’s recognition by IEEE Canada emphasizes Carleton’s leadership in engineering research and innovation,” said Fred Afagh, acting dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design. “His significant and impactful contributions to the field of electrical engineering and high- speed computer-aided design make him highly deserving of this great honour.” Nakhla was presented with the award on May 1, 2017 at the IEEE Canada Awards Gala hosted in Windsor, ON as part of the institute’s 30th annual Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering. Nakhla was previously named a Life Fellow of the IEEE in 2011. house’s Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration and chair of the Sub-Committee on Communications. “The Senate’s virtual tour combines both by using technology to open up our institution to the public. Now all Canadians can thoroughly explore the Senate, delve into its history and appreciate the vital work the institution has been doing since Confederation.” “This is a monumental achievement and we’re so happy to have worked with Carleton University to make it happen,” adds Senator Jane Cordy, deputy chair of both committees. “There’s a lot of technical know-how behind this project, and Carleton students and their faculty supervisors had to put in considerable sweat equity as well. A lot of hard work, long hours and persistence went into developing this tour and we are grateful for their dedication.” The virtual Senate tour, which the CIMS team created using 360-degree photographs, laser scans and photogrammetry of the exterior and interior of the building painstakingly captured during repeated visits over several months, offers a snapshot of the Carleton studio’s capabilities, but also hints at what else will be unveiled over the months and years ahead. “This is a very new area of research for us,” says Fai. “As a result, we’re expanding the number of directions our lab is exploring. Two years ago, it was mostly architecture and heritage conservation. Now it’s also sustainable design, interactive animation, coding, digital fabrication for reconstruction projects, and more.” To access and explore the tour online, please visit tour-ext.sencanada.ca/tour/index.html. Photo: Luther Caverly