Remembering Thomas Parks, Emeritus Professor

Thomas Parks, emeritus professor of electrical and computer engineering, passed away on December 24, 2020 at the age of 81. 

He was a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a recipient of the prestigious IEEE Jack S. Kilby Gold Medal for his work on interpolation and the 'Parks-McClellan algorithm.' In 2010, Parks was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, honored for "contributions to digital filter design, fast computation of Fourier transforms and education."

“In addition to his impressive accomplishments, he was an excellent colleague,” said ECE Director Alyssa Apsel. “I remember him as someone who was always interested in mentoring junior faculty and willing to help.”

Professor Parks was interviewed by IEEE History Center in 1998. In this fascinating and detailed oral history, Parks shared details of his childhood and education, his graduate studies and his experiences as an educator and researcher.

His obituary is published here.

Other Articles of Interest