Harriett B. Rigas

Dr. Harriett B. Rigas (1934-1989), an IEEE Fellow, was an electrical engineer with an international reputation for her hybrid computer and computer simulation research. At Washington State University between 1966 and 1984, she was eventually both full professor and chair of Electrical and Computing Engineering School. Later she chaired larger departments at the Navy's Postgraduate School in Monterey and, at the time of her death, Michigan State University. Her achievements in engineering research, administration, and service were widely recognized. In 1975-76, Harriett was a Program Director at the National Science Foundation and, over the years, a member of numerous panels and advisory committees at both the NSF and the national Academy of Sciences.

Professor Rigas' success was achieved within a profession and within university administrative structures where there were very few women. Her character and courage were both evident in her strong advocacy of advancement for women. She was involved both locally and nationally in the Society of Women Engineers.