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Summary |
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| Creator: | Cheng, David K. (David Keun), 1918-2012. |
| Title: | David K. Cheng Papers |
| Dates: | 1938-2006 |
| Size: | 5 boxes, 1 oversize box (6.25 linear foot) |
| Abstract: | Writings, correspondence, coursework, and honorary materials |
| Language: | English, Chinese, Turkish, Korean, Spanish |
| Repository: |
University Archives, Special Collections Research Center Syracuse University Libraries 222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600 Syracuse, NY 13244-2010 https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives |
Biography
David K. Cheng (1918-2012) was a Syracuse University faculty
member from 1948 to 1984, serving as a professor of electrical engineering, a director
of research projects, and a founder and chairperson of multiple Syracuse University
graduate study centers.
Cheng received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1938 from Chiao-Tung University in China. After working as a research assistant for a national resources commission in China and teaching radio engineering at the China Radio Institute of Shanghai, Cheng moved to the U.S. in 1943 to pursue postgraduate degrees. He attended Harvard University, where he received his S.M. degree in 1944 and his Sc.D. degree in 1946. During this time, Cheng worked as a director of multiple electronic engineering research projects for the U.S. Air Force in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In 1948, Cheng began teaching at Syracuse University as an assistant professor of electrical engineering in the College of Applied Sciences. Starting the following year, the experienced researcher served as the director of research projects related to radiation, electromagnetic waves, and antenna theory, among other subjects. As he worked on these projects, he also advanced his teaching career at Syracuse, becoming an associate professor in 1951 and a professor in 1956.
Cheng's professional accomplishments while with Syracuse University extend beyond his teaching and research contributions. He was a rather prolific writer, authoring several books, including two textbooks, and well over 100 articles. He was a member of national science committees, served as the head of the Phi Tau Phi Scholastic Honor Society, and was named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was selected by national science associations to travel to Hungary, Yugoslavia, and the U.S.S.R. to participate in international science programs. Locally, he was honored with special commendations from Syracuse University for his many contributions, including his work in establishing three Syracuse University graduate study centers in Endicott, Poughkeepsie, and Rome, New York.
Cheng retired from Syracuse University in 1984 as a professor emeritus, highly esteemed by students, University colleagues, and researchers around the world.
Scope and Content Note
The David K. Cheng Papers contain materials dating from 1938 to 2006. The collection comprises four series:
The Awards and recognition series contains a variety of materials, including some of Cheng's honorary certificates and plaques, as well as his honor society materials and his biographical information.
The Correspondence series includes Cheng's letters related to his work at Syracuse University.
The Coursework and lectures series includes material related to his career at Syracuse University including his lecture notes and other teaching materials.
The Printed material and writings series forms the bulk of the collection, comprising journal articles, books, and manuscripts. The numerous journal articles come from a 40-year span, dating from 1947 to 1987. Also included are reviews of Cheng's work as well as some printed material he collected.
Restrictions
Access Restrictions
Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.
Use Restrictions
Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.
Selected Search Terms
Names
Subjects
Types of material
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Preferred citation for this material is as follows:
David K. Cheng Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Acquisition Information
Gift of David K. Cheng in 1994 and Eugene Cheng in 2015 and 2020.
Processing Information
Materials were placed in acid-free folders and boxes.
Finding Aid Information
Created by: Kyle C. Wilson
Date: 2007
Revision history: Processed and converted to EAD by Sean Molinaro, 2013;
2016 - materials added to inventory and finding aid updated (AES);
October 2020 – approximately 2.25 linear feet of materials added (KJ)
Inventory
| Correspondence | |||||||||||
| Box 1 | General 1943-2006, undated (2 folders) | ||||||||||
| Box 1 | Syracuse University 1953-1992 | ||||||||||