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About Us
The Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering has a unique and long tradition of excellence in advancing basic science and solving engineering problems relevant to society. We are dedicated to providing high-quality education and research, and our faculty lead national and international research teams and collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects at Washington University in St. Louis. The Department strives to enhance education by providing a modern curriculum, renovated laboratories and hands-on research projects.
Our facilities support research and collaboration
Preston M. Green Hall, located on the Danforth Campus and opened in 2011 as part of the Engineering Complex, serves as the gateway to the northeast corner of campus. Named in honor of Preston M. Green, this state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary hub unites researchers, educators, and students, dedicated to generating groundbreaking knowledge and nurturing leaders for a global, technology-driven world.
ESE by the numbers
28
Full-time faculty
24
Affiliated faculty
27%
of students in ESE are women
$6.8 M
Research awards (FY24)
The ESE brochure
Looking for a deeper dive into the Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering? The 2024 brochure provides a comprehensive overview of our research, student and alumni highlights and outcomes. Whether you're a prospective student, partner, or alumni, this magazine is designed to help you discover everything ESE has to offer.
History of Electrical & Systems Engineering at WashU
1891
The Department of Electrical Engineering, the second-oldest electrical engineering department in the United States, founded at Washington University in St. Louis.
The Department of Electrical Engineering, the second-oldest electrical engineering department in the United States, founded at Washington University in St. Louis.
1901-1921
Alexander S. Langsdorf serves as first chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering.
Alexander S. Langsdorf serves as first chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering.
1921-1937
Walter L. Upson serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
Walter L. Upson serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
1936
Preston M. Green receives his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, Preston Green worked in a local factory until he joined Southwest Steel Supply Co. in 1950 as vice president of purchasing and production. Today, the department carries his namesake.
Preston M. Green receives his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, Preston Green worked in a local factory until he joined Southwest Steel Supply Co. in 1950 as vice president of purchasing and production. Today, the department carries his namesake.
1937-1949
Roy S. Glasgow serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
Roy S. Glasgow serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
1950-1964
Richard J.W. Koopman serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
1965-1970
William S.C. Chang serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
1971-1975
Russell R. Pfeiffer serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
1974
Department of Systems Science & Mathematics founded.
1974-1989
John Zaborszky serves as Department of Systems Science & Mathematics chairman.
1974
William E. Moerner receives his bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics. He was later awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014 for his work on single-molecule fluorescence microscopy.
1975-1976
Robert O. Gregory serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
1976-1986
Donald L. Snyder serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
1986-1987
Harold W. Shipton serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
1987-2002
Barry E. Spielman serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
1989-1991
Christopher I. Byrnes serves as Department of Systems Science & Mathematics chairman.
1991-2003
I. Norman Katz serves as Department of Systems Science & Mathematics chairman.
2002-2003
R. Martin Arthur serves as Department of Electrical Engineering chairman.
2003
The Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering was formed in 2003 as a merger between Electrical Engineering and Systems Science & Mathematics.
2003-2006
R. Martin Arthur serves as Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering chairman.
2006
Department named after Preston M. Green as the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering.
2006-2011
Arye Nehorai serves as Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering chairman
2011
Preston M. Green Hall opens as the third building in a new complex of engineering buildings at the northeast perimeter of the Danforth Campus.
2011-2016
Arye Nehorai serves as Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering chairman.
2016-2018
R. Martin Arthur serves as Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering chairman.
2019-Present
Bruno Sinopoli serves as Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering chairman.