In this Alumni Spotlight, we dive into the fascinating world of electromagnetics with MSFEA distinguished alumnus Dr. Aline Eid (ME, ’17), an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at the University of Michigan. Here, she shares her empowering journey as a woman in engineering and how her passion for invisible things has led her to make significant contributions to wireless sensing and powering technologies.
Current work: electromagnetic waves meet physical matter
Dr. Eid’s current research focuses on the interactions between electromagnetic waves and physical matter to create smart and responsive infrastructures for communities. With those waves, “we can—at the speed of light— interact with remote locations in our environment, earth, and universe, says Dr. Eid, “which is the closest we have ever gotten to teleportation.” She further explains that “interactions between electromagnetic waves and physical matter, however, are still very limited in variety and strength”. As such, her research focuses on creating devices that deepen and diversify the interactions between mm-waves (high frequency electromagnetic waves such as those used by 5G networks) and the physical world. In fact, Dr. Eid is the first researcher to demonstrate that such waves can not only transmit wireless signals, but also electric power. “I am currently striving to make this concept—the 5G Wireless Power Grid—a reality,” she says. Such a grid would help build smart and responsive cities that can continuously morph to meet the needs of their inhabitants and provide them with efficient, comfortable, and sustainable lives.
Early life and journey at MSFEA
Dr. Eid’s fascination with the inner workings of gadgets (the internal mechanisms that are not visible from the outside) started at an early age. Eventually, this led her to pursue electrical engineering as a major to feed her curiosity about the seemingly magical work of invisible particles (electrons). Additionally, the fact that this discipline is male-dominated appealed to her daring character and her interest in pursuing bold challenges.
As a graduate student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at MSFEA, Dr. Eid found a sense of belonging and purpose that profoundly influenced her career goals and plans. She says: “My education journey at MSFEA was truly transformative and instrumental in shaping my path to success. The multidimensional education I received, coupled with the supportive community, helped me identify my career goals and paved the way for me to pursue my dreams.”
In fact, Dr. Eid’s decision to pursue a PhD was inspired by her involvement in cutting-edge research projects at the EMpact Lab led by Professors Joseph Costantine and Youssef Tawk. Her experience with the lab made her discover her passion for pushing the boundaries of knowledge in her field. “MSFEA's emphasis on innovation and critical thinking laid the groundwork for my decision to further my education and contribute to the academic community,” she says. “I am grateful for the enriching experiences and opportunities that MSFEA provided, and I credit much of my achievements to the solid foundation laid during my time there and to the unwavering support of my advisor, Prof. Joseph Costantine, who trusted and pushed me to follow my dreams and is still till this day my mentor,” she continues.
Takeaway message: dare to venture
Reflecting on her path of excellence, Dr. Eid recalls the words of
Seneca: “It’s not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It’s because we dare not venture that they are difficult.” The prospects of Dr. Eid's daring and innovative work are endless at the Radiation Laboratory at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
You can find out more about Dr. Aline Eid and her work at her website. You can also follow her updates on LinkedIn.