My major area of interest is the emerging discipline of power electronics especially as applied to variable speed operation of ac machines. One challenging aspect of research in this area is its multidisciplinary nature. The fundamentals of solid state devices, integrated circuits, control theory, computer simulation, microprocessors, circuit theory and electric machines are all brought into play before a satisfactory design can be realized. Another area of considerable interest is the design of machines with unconventional winding configurations and/or geometries which will operate more harmoniously with a solid state frequency converter. For example we have designed a number of unconventional permanent magnet machines which either use less magnet material or eliminate the need for expensive samarium cobalt magnets. Several U.S. patents have been issued. It should be mentioned that these projects require not only design and construction of the machine but also the associated power electronic converter and controller. Hence, the challenges are interesting, multifaceted and firmly embedded in the real world. We have also been involved in the simulation, hardware design and control philosophy associated with new converter topologies. Overall, we have published over 600 papers and received over 40 patents on this technology. Since I have retired in January 2009 I have unfortunately had to reduce my activity counseling graduate students. However, I maintain an active presence working with postdocs and faculty visitors.