Melba Crawford,who grew up on a farm in Illinois, initially left her agricultural roots to pursue a career in engineering. However, her passion for engineering eventually led her back to agriculture. She has developed remote sensing technologies that accurately map crops, increase yields, and improve management practices. Crawford is currently a professor at Purdue University, where she collaborates with researchers in plant genetics, plant physiology, agrometeorology, and soil science. She has recently been awarded the IEEE Mildred Dresselhaus Medal for her contributions to remote sensing technology.
As a teenager in the 1960s, Crawford was initially interested in the aerospace industry but switched her major to civil and environmental engineering due to the uncertain nature of the aerospace industry and the increasing attention to environmental issues. She pursued a Ph.D. in systems engineering and focused her research on establishing baselines for air-quality levels. After completing her Ph.D., Crawford planned to work as a consultant, but a teaching opportunity led her to pursue a career in academia.
In 1980, Crawford joined the mechanical engineering department at the University of Texas at Austin, where she developed advanced methods for image analysis and mapping land cover using satellite imagery. She also founded a research program in remote sensing and developed collaborations with researchers worldwide. In 2006, she joined Purdue University and has since been working on improving agricultural practices through remote sensing technologies.
Crawford’s work has focused on developing improved strategies for nutrient and herbicide applications to crops and contributing to international food production security. She has also been involved in projects related to biofuels and has advised NASA on Earth science matters. Crawford’s research has centered around analyzing hyperspectral imagery to determine vegetation response to natural and man-made hazards.
Melba Crawford recently received the IEEE Mildred Dresselhaus Medal for her contributions to remote sensing technology. While she did not personally know Mildred Dresselhaus, she has received messages from individuals who knew her, emphasizing Dresselhaus’ remarkable character and achievements.
Crawford emphasizes that her research is interdisciplinary and requires collaboration with experts in various fields to address real-world problems. She believes that her achievements are the result of teamwork and accepts the award on behalf of her colleagues.
Crawford has been a member of the IEEE since the beginning of her academic career and values the connection it provides to the research community. She has published numerous papers and continues to contribute to the field of remote sensing technology.
