President of The National Academy of Engineering, Charles M. Vest, announced the election of 68 new members and nine foreign associates Wednesday, Feb. 17, including Einar V. Larsen of GE Energy in Schenectady.
Larsen, who is the director of systems engineering at the GE Energy campus was elected into the academy for the invention and application of flexible AC transmission systems devices, that, according to a press release from the academy leads to enhanced performance of the electric power grid.
Larsen accompanies other inductees into the academy from across the country ranging in areas of study and invention from the automation of air traffic management systems to reduce delays and fuel consumption to the creation of better water management systems.
Founded in 1964, the total U.S. membership in the academy is now 2,267 and the number of foreign associates is 196. According to a press release, election into the National Academy of Engineering is one of the highest distinctions that an engineer is able to obtain. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to ‘engineering, research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature,’ and to the ‘pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.’
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