Mel Olken: Remembering a Power Engineering Leader

Mel Olken: A Lifetime Dedicated to Power Engineering

Olken’s career began with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the City College of New York, after which he joined American Electric Power (AEP) in Columbus, Ohio. There, he quickly distinguished himself as an electrical engineer, contributing to the design of critical infrastructure including coal, hydroelectric, and nuclear power plants. His expertise led to a promotion to manager of the electrical generation department.

His involvement with IEEE began in 1958, with a formal membership in the Power & Energy Society (PES) following in 1973. Olken wasn’t merely a member; he was a driving force, actively volunteering his time and expertise. He chaired both the energy development and power generation committee and the technical council, shaping the direction of the society. In 1984, he transitioned to an IEEE staff role as society services director for IEEE Technical Activities, and later served as managing director of Regional Activities before becoming the first executive director of PES in 1995.

Recognizing the need for a dedicated publication, Olken founded Power & Energy Magazine in 2002, serving as its editor-in-chief until his retirement in 2016. This magazine became a vital resource for professionals in the field, disseminating cutting-edge research and fostering dialogue. His contributions were formally recognized in 1988 when he was elected an IEEE Fellow, lauded for his “contributions to innovative design of reliable generating stations.” Further cementing his legacy, Olken received the PES Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, acknowledging his “broad and sustained technical contributions to the development of power engineering and the power engineering profession.”

Did You Know?:

Stephanie Huguenin: A Scientist with a Humanitarian Heart

Stephanie Huguenin’s path was marked by a blend of scientific rigor and compassionate service. After earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the College of Charleston in 1999, she immediately demonstrated her commitment to helping others, tutoring mathematics and science at the Jenkins Orphanage (now the Jenkins Institute for Children) in North Charleston. This dedication extended internationally when she volunteered at an orphanage run by the Mother Teresa Foundation in India.

Returning to the United States, Huguenin pursued a diverse career, working as a freelance research consultant, systems administrator and archivist for photographer Ebet Roberts, and an operations strategist and technical consultant. She continued her education, earning a master’s degree in communication and research science from New York University in 2016. Her research at NYU focused on the intricacies of Internet Protocol design, network security, and management – areas crucial to the modern digital landscape.

From 2020 to 2024, she applied her expertise as a research scientist at family-owned businesses before joining Augusta University in 2023 as an administrative assistant in the physics and biophysics department. Her involvement with IEEE included membership in the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society and the Systems Council. Beyond IEEE, Huguenin actively contributed to the Internet Engineering Task Force and the American Registry for Internet Numbers, helping to shape the future of the internet. She also supported numerous environmental and advocacy organizations, including the Coastal Conservation League, Longleaf Alliance, Lowcountry Land Trust, Nature Conservancy, and Women in Defense.

Pro Tip:

The passing of both Mel Olken and Stephanie Huguenin represents a significant loss to the IEEE community and the broader fields of power engineering and technology. Their legacies of innovation, service, and dedication will continue to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists. What role do you believe professional societies like IEEE play in fostering innovation and ethical conduct within the tech industry? And how can we better encourage individuals to combine technical expertise with a commitment to social good, as exemplified by Huguenin’s life?

Frequently Asked Questions About Mel Olken and Stephanie Huguenin

• What was Mel Olken’s primary contribution to the IEEE Power & Energy Society?

  Mel Olken was the founding executive director of the IEEE Power & Energy Society, playing a pivotal role in its establishment and growth as a leading organization in the field.

• What kind of research did Stephanie Huguenin conduct at New York University?

  Stephanie Huguenin’s research at NYU focused on Internet Protocol design and implementation, as well as network security and management.

• What organizations did Stephanie Huguenin volunteer with beyond IEEE?

  Stephanie Huguenin volunteered with the Internet Engineering Task Force, the American Registry for Internet Numbers, and several environmental and advocacy nonprofits.

• What was Mel Olken recognized for when he was elected an IEEE Fellow?

  Mel Olken was elected an IEEE Fellow for his contributions to the innovative design of reliable generating stations.

• How did Stephanie Huguenin demonstrate her commitment to humanitarian work early in her career?

  Stephanie Huguenin volunteered at an orphanage run by the Mother Teresa Foundation in India shortly after graduating from college.