Prof.Honnell

You seldom see or meet people who are in their nineties and still enjoying their life. I have seen some in Bangalore but today, I met Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering at Auburn University, Prof. Martial A. Honnell.



Prof.Honnell did his BS,MS and PhD from Georgia Tech and has been at Auburn University since 1958. He has weathered the two World Wars, the Great Depression and the Cold War. He is 96 years 'young' and used to handle a graduate course (Electromagnetic Compatibility) until 4 years ago. He is at his desk by 8AM and works on most weekdays. He walks erect, has perfect vision, speech and hearing capabilities. But what stands out is his devotion to work and keeping himself updated about the trends in Satellite Communication and Televison. Prof.Honnell helped pioneer the initial developments in Television(Instrumentation) for Space Communications during the heydays of NASA from the 50s to the 70s. He is an IEEE Fellow and a Distinguished Faculty at Auburn.

When I asked him what was the secret of his health, he said he gave up eating meat about 75 years ago, doesn't smoke or drink. According to him, people either eat/drink/smoke themselves to death! Limited food, some amount of exercise and keeping oneself busy daily has kept him healthy and fit even at this age ! I salute you Prof.Honnell. I hope you complete a century and still keep batting !