Donald Silversmith, professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been selected by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to receive a U.S. State Department Executive Fellowship. The one-year position supports the work of the science and technology advisor to the Secretary of State.

Professor Silversmith, who resides in West Bloomfield, Michigan, was selected from a slate of four finalists chosen from a pool of qualified IEEE members who applied. Each year, IEEE places three to four fellows in Congress and/or the executive branch. The state department fellowship was added for the first time this year.

The state department Fellow will learn firsthand how science and technology relates to, and can assist U.S. foreign policy, said Chris Brantley, director of government relations and operations for IEEE.

"In many ways, this award represents a culmination of 12 years of my active IEEE involvement, particularly with the management of the Southeastern Michigan Section," said Professor Silversmith. "I am so pleased to have been given the opportunity to further serve this professional organization, Wayne State, and the United States of America."

Professor Silversmith plans to take a year off from his responsibilities at the College to begin his fellowship January 2.