IEEE Remembers Mel Olken & Stephanie Huguenin – Leaders in Power Engineering & Internet Technology

A Legacy in Power Engineering: Remembering Mel Olken

The IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) and the wider engineering community are reflecting on the life and career of Mel Olken, a pivotal figure in the development of modern power systems. Olken, who passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 92, dedicated over six decades to the electric power industry, leaving a lasting impact through his engineering practice, professional leadership, and service to the IEEE. His contributions spanned from the design and construction of diverse power plants to shaping the organizational structure of a leading professional society.

From Power Plant Design to Society Leadership

Olken’s journey began with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the City College of New York. He then joined American Electric Power (AEP), where he applied his expertise to the design, construction, and operation of coal, hydroelectric, and nuclear power plants. His work at AEP culminated in his appointment as Manager of Electrical Generation, demonstrating his technical proficiency and leadership capabilities. AEP, based in Columbus, Ohio, provided a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

Olken’s involvement with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) began in 1958, and he became a member of the Power & Energy Society in 1973. He quickly became an active volunteer, chairing committees focused on energy development and power generation. This dedication led to his election as an IEEE Fellow in 1988, recognizing his “contributions to innovative design of reliable generating stations.”

Shaping the IEEE Power & Energy Society

A significant turning point came in 1995 when Olken was named the first Executive Director of the IEEE Power Engineering Society (later renamed the Power & Energy Society). In this role, he was instrumental in creating the organizational structure that defines PES today. He held this position until 2002, after which he transitioned to a new challenge: founding editor-in-chief of the society’s Power & Energy Magazine. He guided the publication for fourteen years, retiring in December 2016.

Olken’s leadership wasn’t limited to organizational structure and publication management. He similarly served as Society Services Director for IEEE Technical Activities starting in 1984, and later as Managing Director of Regional Activities. His extensive volunteer work within IEEE spanned decades, showcasing a commitment to fostering collaboration and advancement within the field. He was recognized for his service with the PES Meritorious Service Award in 2009 and the prestigious PES Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 – an award acknowledging his “broad and sustained technical contributions to the development of power engineering and the power engineering profession.”

A Parallel Remembrance: Stephanie A. Huguenin

The IEEE community also mourns the loss of Stephanie A. Huguenin, a research scientist and IEEE member who passed away on October 1, 2024, at the age of 48. Huguenin’s career path, while distinct from Olken’s, also demonstrated a dedication to service and intellectual pursuit. She held a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree in communication and research science from New York University. Her work included research in Internet Protocol design, network security, and volunteer work with the Mother Teresa Foundation in India, where she unfortunately contracted an illness that led to her passing.

Huguenin’s involvement with IEEE extended to the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society and the Systems Council, and she actively contributed to the Internet Engineering Task Force and the American Registry for Internet Numbers. Her commitment to various non-profit organizations, including environmental and defense-focused groups, further highlights a life dedicated to positive impact.

The Evolving Landscape of Power Engineering

Olken’s career unfolded during a period of significant transformation in the power industry. From the dominance of traditional fossil fuel and nuclear plants to the increasing integration of renewable energy sources and smart grid technologies, the field has undergone a dramatic evolution. His work at AEP, designing and managing these facilities, positioned him at the forefront of these changes. The challenges of grid modernization, energy storage, and cybersecurity – all critical areas today – were nascent concerns during his early career, yet his foundational contributions helped lay the groundwork for addressing them.

The IEEE Power & Energy Society, under Olken’s guidance, adapted to these changes, becoming a vital platform for research, collaboration, and the development of industry standards. The Power & Energy Magazine, which he founded, continues to serve as a leading publication for professionals in the field, disseminating cutting-edge research, and insights.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Legacy

The passing of Mel Olken and Stephanie A. Huguenin represents a loss for the IEEE community and the broader engineering world. Their dedication to their respective fields, coupled with their commitment to service, serves as an inspiration for future generations. The IEEE PES will undoubtedly continue to build upon the foundation laid by Olken, addressing the evolving challenges of a rapidly changing energy landscape. Further research and development in areas like grid resilience, renewable energy integration, and cybersecurity will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable and reliable power future. The society’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration and innovation will be essential in navigating these complexities.