# Donald Pederson

> American professor of electrical engineering (1925–2004)

**Wikidata**: [Q482318](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q482318)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Pederson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/donald-pederson

## Summary
Donald Pederson was an American professor of electrical engineering and computer scientist (1925–2004) known for his contributions to semiconductor device modeling and education. He was a member of the National Academy of Engineering and received prestigious awards like the IEEE Medal of Honor.

## Biography
- Born: September 30, 1925, in Hallock, Minnesota
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Fergus Falls Public Schools, Iowa State University, North Dakota State University, Stanford University
- Known for: Pioneering work in semiconductor device modeling and education
- Employer(s): University of California, Berkeley
- Field(s): Electrical engineering, computer science

## Contributions
Donald Pederson made significant contributions to semiconductor device modeling and education. He served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he developed foundational theories in semiconductor physics. His work influenced generations of engineers and scientists. Pederson also mentored notable students, including A. Richard Newton, and was a leader in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

## FAQs
### Q: What was Donald Pederson's primary field of study?
A: Donald Pederson was a professor of electrical engineering and computer scientist, specializing in semiconductor device modeling and education.

### Q: Which prestigious awards did Donald Pederson receive?
A: He received the IEEE Medal of Honor (1998), the IEEE Centennial Medal (1984), and the IEEE James H. Mulligan, Jr. Education Medal (1969).

### Q: What academic institutions did Donald Pederson attend?
A: He studied at Fergus Falls Public Schools, Iowa State University, North Dakota State University, and Stanford University.

### Q: Who were some of Donald Pederson's notable students?
A: His notable students included A. Richard Newton, Theologos Michael Kelessoglou, and Bruce A. Wooley.

### Q: What was Donald Pederson's cause of death?
A: He died from Parkinson's disease on December 25, 2004.

## Why They Matter
Donald Pederson's work in semiconductor device modeling laid the groundwork for modern electronics. His theories and educational contributions shaped the field of electrical engineering, influencing countless engineers and researchers. His membership in the National Academy of Engineering and numerous IEEE awards highlight his impact on both academia and industry. Without his contributions, the development of semiconductor devices and technologies would have been significantly delayed.

## Notable For
- Member of the National Academy of Engineering (since 1974)
- Recipient of the IEEE Medal of Honor (1998)
- IEEE Fellow and Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Guggenheim Fellowship recipient
- Mentor to notable students including A. Richard Newton
- Pioneer in semiconductor device modeling

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Donald Pederson was born on September 30, 1925, in Hallock, Minnesota. He attended Fergus Falls Public Schools before pursuing higher education at Iowa State University, North Dakota State University, and Stanford University.

### Academic Career
Pederson joined the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, where he made significant contributions to electrical engineering and computer science. His work focused on semiconductor device modeling, which became foundational to the electronics industry.

### Professional Achievements
Pederson was a member of the National Academy of Engineering (since 1974), the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (since 1991), and the National Academy of Sciences (since 1982). He received numerous awards, including the IEEE Medal of Honor (1998), the IEEE Centennial Medal (1984), and the IEEE James H. Mulligan, Jr. Education Medal (1969).

### Legacy
Pederson's theories and educational contributions influenced generations of engineers and scientists. His mentorship of students like A. Richard Newton further solidified his legacy in the field. His work in semiconductor device modeling remains a cornerstone of modern electronics.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. [Source](https://www.ieee.org/content/dam/ieee-org/ieee/web/org/about/awards/recipients/education-rl.pdf)
3. [Source](https://www.ieee.org/content/dam/ieee-org/ieee/web/org/about/awards/recipients/moh-rl.pdf)
4. Mathematics Genealogy Project
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. [Dr. Donald O. Pederson](https://www.nae.edu/28759/wd)
8. [Donald Oscar Pederson | American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 2025](https://www.amacad.org/person/donald-oscar-pederson)
9. [Donald O. Pederson – NAS](https://www.nasonline.org/directory-entry/donald-o-pederson-nuhefs/)
10. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
11. Donald O. Pederson [electronic engineering biography]
12. CONOR.SI