An ISU professor, who once had doubts about becoming an engineer, is now being recognized for his outstanding research in the field.

Jim McCalley, professor of electrical and computer engineering, was recently named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

McCalley, originally from Atlanta, has been at Iowa State since 1992.

After graduating from Georgia Tech University with a degree in electrical engineering in 1982, McCalley said, he felt lost. He was unsure where his life was headed and thought engineering was not for him.

One night, he was studying with a friend who mentioned to McCalley that he had an interview with the Peace Corps.

“He talked me into going to this interview. I listened to what he was talking about and the more questions I asked, the more I realized this is for me,” McCalley said. “Things can be quite random,” he said.

While in the Peace Corps, McCalley traveled to West Africa and taught math and physics for two years in Sierra Leone.

At night, McCalley found himself reading calculus and even though he knew he wasn’t ready yet, he realized he wanted to be a professor.

“I recognized that industry experience is helpful,” McCalley said.

So McCalley got a job at Pacific Gas and Electric.

“While at PG&E, I knew I wanted to go back to school,” he said.

McCalley eventually traveled back to his alma mater, where he earned his Master of Science. Upon graduation, McCalley decided he wanted to ride his bike across the country.

“I wanted to do what I wanted to do,” McCalley said.

He sold all his possessions and left San Diego on his bike. Thirty-one days later, he arrived in Atlanta.

After completing the bicycle ride he began working on his doctorate. In July of 1992, McCalley came to Iowa State.

“I had never been to Iowa,” he said.

McCalley received his fellowship for his accomplishments in the power systems area.

“The title is given to 1 percent of the members,” said Arun Somani, chairman of electrical and computer engineering.

Individuals must be nominated in order to receive the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers fellowship.

“[The honor] is given to people for extraordinary accomplishments,” said James Melsa, dean of the College of Engineering.

McCalley’s research focuses on electric power systems in which he works to create more secure high-transmission systems.

This research is meant to prevent blackouts like the one that happened in New York and parts of the East Coast in August 2003.

McCalley also works in the field of integrated energy transportation systems, which deals with the economics of moving energy.

“McCalley thinks through problems and doesn’t accept the simple surface answer. He’s always questioning and examining assumptions,” Melsa said.