Electrical and Computer Engineering at Ohio State

Have you ever wondered how Electrical & Computer Engineering at Ohio State got its start?

The story begins in 1884, when Professor Thomas C. Mendenhall advocated for teaching applied electricity and brought two dynamo machines into the Physics Lab in University Hall. That same year, Ohio State offered its first course in electrical engineering.

Over the decades, the department grew from early electrical experiments to work in radio, communications, electronics, and space research. In 2004, the Department of Electrical Engineering officially became the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.

Swipe through for a look at some of the milestones that shaped ECE at Ohio State over the past 140+ years.

Want to learn more about the history of ECE? Explore the full timeline on our website: https://go.osu.edu/ecehistory

Professor Balasubramaniam Shanker sits down with Professor Ness Shroff to discuss the current state of AI and celebrate his remarkable academic career.

Listen Now: https://youtu.be/pBSSvaFwr24

Meet Caroline, a fourth-year electrical and computer engineering major specializing in electrical engineering!

After taking ECE 2060, Caroline discovered how much she enjoys the hands-on side of electrical engineering. Since then, she's built lasting friendships through programs like Fundamentals of Engineering Honors and even by simply sitting with different people in class.

Outside of ECE, Caroline is a member of Dance Connection and was on the Scarlet Dance Team her sophomore year. She also teaches and choreographs dancers ages 7-18, and loves seeing her students grow and succeed. Through dance, she's met people from different majors who share her passion.

After graduation, Caroline plans to move to New York City and pursue professional dance opportunities. Her advice to fellow students? Be comfortable following your own path and pursuing the things you're passionate about.

Favorite OSU memory? "Participating in the makeathon last year with my ECE friends!"

What a blast! The Engineers' Council at The Ohio State University and Ohio State Engineering Career Services hosted the 2026 Engineering Expo Career Fair yesterday at the Ohio Union. Buckeye Engineers had the opportunity to meet, connect, and discuss with world-class organizations and prep for full-time careers, co-ops, and internships!

Meet Owen, a fourth-year electrical and computer engineering major with an interest in electronics.

Owen is a member of Formula Buckeyes, working on the Electronics team as an Electronics Director and Electrical Systems Director. From electronics and power training to battery packs and wire harnesses, Owen integrates his team’s designs into the student organization’s finished vehicle each year.

“I’m very thankful that I joined because it taught me the most knowledge in concurrence with school,” said Owen. “It’s kind of an intro to how industry works.”

Outside of school, Owen’s summer internship as an EWIS intern at Anduril was extended into the school year. Working at Anduril’s corporate headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA over the summer, he designed autonomous systems on the Department of Defense team. One of his projects included planning wire harnesses for an autonomous fighter jet called “Fury.”

His advice for underclassmen: get involved!

“Taking that first step and actually joining student projects has made me a better engineer,” Owen said.

Favorite ECE class? ECE 2020: Intro to Analog Systems and Circuits 🤖
Favorite campus food? Marketplace on Neil 🍽️

Congratulations to Zak Kassas, Ph.D. on being elected to the IEEE AESS Board of Governors for the 2027–2029 term!

Read the full article here:
https://ece.osu.edu/news/2026/09/kassas-elected-ieee-aess-board-governor

We had a great time kicking off the semester with ECE Powered by Coffee & Donuts! Thanks to everyone who stopped by, grabbed a treat, and spent some time connecting with us.

Welcome back, Buckeyes, and good luck this semester!

Explore the future of semiconductor materials with Prof. Steven Ringel & Prof. Balasubramaniam Shanker in our 1st ECE Unplugged podcast!

Listen now: https://go.osu.edu/01eceunplugged

Happy first day of classes!

As we enter into a new academic year, we're thrilled to see the incredible impact you'll make and the remarkable things you'll achieve. What are you most excited for this coming school year?