After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1973 with a MS in electrical engineering, Steven Sasson joined the Eastman Kodak Company and began his career working in the Kodak Apparatus Division research laboratory. He engaged in a number of early digital imaging projects. Among these was the design and construction of the first digital still camera and playback system in 1975.
Steven continued to work throughout the 1980s in the emerging field of digital photography receiving over 10 key digital imaging patents. In 1989 he led the development of the first prototype mega pixel electronic digital camera utilizing DCT compression that stored images to flash memory cards. Steven continued his work throughout the 1990’s by developing one of the first photographic quality thermal printing systems, derivatives of which are still in use in self-service imaging kiosks around the world today.
Steven has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to the field of digital photography which include his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, honorary degrees from the U of R and RPI and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation that was presented to him by President Obama in 2010.
