‘Father of Radio Broadcasting’
Reginald Fessendenjoined the faculty of Purdue’s newly formed Electrical Engineering Department and served as its head from 1892 to 1893. Called the “Father of Radio Broadcasting,” he is renowned for his pioneering work in wireless telegraphy. Fessenden’s experiments initiated at Purdue led directly to wireless transmission of the human voice and music radio. Breakthroughs included the first transmission of speech by radio, as well as the first two-way radiotelegraphic communication across the Atlantic Ocean. While at Purdue, Fessenden also played a key role in the installation of lighting for the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 in collaboration with the Westinghouse Corporation. The Institute of Radio Engineers awarded him an IRE Medal of Honor in 1921.