NSF/IEEE CAEME center: An exciting opportunity to align electromagnetic education with the nineties

The National Science Foundation/Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NSF/IEEE) Center for Computer Applications in Electromagnetic (EM) Education (CAEME) was funded in early 1990 by the National Science Foundation to stimulate and accelerate the use of computers and software tools in EM education. The Center is managed by the Executive Office of IEEE on behalf of the Antennas and Propagation Society. This organizational structure provided avenues for broad participation by universities, professional societies, and corporations in the Center's activities. In two years of operation, CAEME has organized several workshops and special sessions in international meetings, published its first software book, prepared a lesson on “Electromagnetic Waves” using interactive video, and raised over $ 130,000 from university membership, participating societies, and corporate sponsors. This article summarizes CAEME activities, outlines its organizational structure, and briefly describes the contents of its first software book. Future developments are discussed and avenues for participation are outlined.