Panetta wins IEEE Mildred Dresselhaus Medal
In recognition of her contributions to computer vision and simulation algorithms, and leadership in developing programs to promote STEM careers, Distinguished Professor and Dean of Graduate Education Karen Panetta of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering and Visiting Professor of the Tufts School of Dental Medicine, has been awarded the 2026 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Mildred Dresselhaus Medal. The award is sponsored by Google LLC and recognizes outstanding technical contributions in science and engineering of great impact to IEEE fields of interest.
This is not Panetta’s first IEEE award. In 2013 she won the inaugural IEEE Award for Distinguished Ethical Practices for exemplary contributions and leadership in developing ethics and social responsibility in students. She also received an IEEE Member and Geographic Activities (MGA) Leadership Award in 2020 for her outstanding service to IEEE. She has been deeply involved with IEEE in various capacities since 1984, including serving as IEEE USA Vice-President of Communications and Public Relations from 2013-2014, and President of IEEE-HKN in 2019.
Panetta is a tireless advocate for women and girls in STEM. From 2007 to 2009, she was the worldwide director for IEEE Women in Engineering, the largest international professional organization dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists. During that time she founded the IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine, which has won over 23 awards for publication excellence, and she continues to serve as editor-in-chief. She also founded Nerd Girls and co-authored a book, Count Girls In, with Tufts alumna in computer engineering Katianne Trainor Williams, E96, to empower female engineering students.
Panetta leads by example to inspire the next generation of engineers. In her lab, she develops efficient algorithms for simulation, modeling, and signal and image processing for security and biomedical applications. Her work at Tufts created several new start-up ventures using the intellectual property she patented with her team.
Panetta is highly respected for her work as evidenced by numerous awards and honors. In 2023, she was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Engineering for global leadership empowering females in STEM, and for contributions to computer vision and simulation algorithms. She is also a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the European Academy of Sciences and the Arts, the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and NASA JOVE. In 2011, she received a U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.
The IEEE Mildred Dresselhaus Medal is named in honor of Mildred Dresselhaus, an American physicist known as the “Queen of Carbon.” Dresselhaus’ pioneering work with carbon nanostructures laid the groundwork for modern nanotechnology. With that legacy in mind, the judges evaluate nominees for their impact on their profession and society, significant technical contributions, leadership in accomplishing worthwhile goals, previous honors, and other achievements as evidenced by publications or patents.
Panetta started her career as a computer architect and joined Tufts in 1994. She holds secondary appointments in the Departments of Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering, and she is a visiting professor at the Tufts School of Dental Medicine. In 2024 she was named Distinguished Professor, a title reserved for those who have made exceptional contributions to their disciplines, to their students, and to Tufts University. She continues to drive innovation in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and simulation algorithms while also making a dynamic impact on the School of Engineering graduate programs.