Ralph Algazi PhD, Distinguished Professor emeritus of Electricial Engineering and Computer Science, is regarded as a world leader in multi-media signal processing whose work improves understanding of human interaction with technology.  He joined the department in 1965 and served as Chair from 1975 to 1986.  In 1989, he was the originator and founding director of the Center for Image Processing and Integrated Computing (CPIC). Since retiring in 1994, Algazi has continued a vibrantly active research program and provided valuable mentorship to graduate students. Nominator and Distinguished Prof. and Chair, Andre Knoesen states: “…..When he became an emeritus professor in 1994, Ralph’s research centered on the use of properties of human perception in the design of processing algorithms for the display, transmission, and storage of images and speech. Such human-focused designs played a significant role over the last few decades in how humans and technology interact. In collaboration with Richard Duda, Ralph focused his research on how sound is spatially perceived.” Based on his research in 3-D sound processing, Dr. Algazi started Dysonics, a small startup company, with former student Robert Dalton. It was acquired by Alphabet in 2020, then recently by Google, to bring advanced spatial audio media experiences to consumers. As a retiree, Dr. Algazi was also instrumental in establishing the Department of Biomedical Engineering.  He played a key role in the department’s formative years recruiting and mentoring new faculty and departmental leaders.  He continues to be active citizen of the scientific community through his participation in editorial boards and national organizations.