Steve Burns

Steve Burns built his career on a foundation of rigorous academic training in nuclear engineering at the University of Florida and electronic engineering at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville. This dual expertise in nuclear and electronic systems laid the groundwork for his lifelong pursuit of solving complex engineering challenges across medical, aerospace, and energy sectors.

Engineering Contributions to Medicine

One of Steve’s earliest and most notable achievements was as part of the three-engineer team that developed the first ATL medical color flow Doppler ultrasound. He was instrumental in creating the executive software that managed six microcomputers operating in real time—a pioneering accomplishment in medical imaging that transformed diagnostic capabilities worldwide.

Role in the Birth of the Personal Computer

Steve’s career trajectory also brought him into the seminal era of personal computing. Working at the interface of Intel and IBM engineering teams, he provided microcomputer emulator technical support during the development of IBM’s first and second-generation PCs. His efforts helped bridge the early design challenges that shaped what would become the modern computing landscape.

Aerospace and Defense Systems

Steve’s engineering vision extended into aerospace innovation. He designed a digital FPGA HDTV display system for Flight Dynamics aircraft head-up displays. This technology fused infrared imaging from a nose-mounted camera with real-world visuals, enhancing pilots’ ability to safely land in poor weather. His contributions anticipated today’s advanced augmented-reality navigation tools.

Energy and Utility Innovations

Later in his career, Steve applied his expertise to energy infrastructure. He contributed to the development of the Elster electrical utility meter cell phone interface for the Energy Smart Grid, helping lay the groundwork for modern intelligent utility networks. He also advanced software for Schlumberger’s thermal neutron density logging tool, which identifies hydrocarbon zones in oil wells, further expanding the scope of his engineering impact.

Nuclear Science and Instrumentation

Drawing from his nuclear engineering background, Steve designed a U-235 fission proportional counter to monitor low-level neutron fluxes in high gamma-ray background fields—a critical tool for assessing nuclear reactor status during restarts. His work in nuclear detection and monitoring directly supported operational safety in reactor systems.

Contributions to Gravity and Advanced Propulsion

In retirement, Steve has turned his attention toward frontier science. He is actively engaged in research on gravity-control technologies, specifically working with Professor Fran De Aquino’s System-H ELF gravity-control model. This line of inquiry places him at the cutting edge of theoretical and experimental efforts to understand and potentially harness gravitational phenomena for propulsion and energy applications.

Additional Technical Achievements

Steve’s career also spans contributions to high-tech fields including:

FPGA HDTV display systems for aerospace.
Electrical utility smart grid interfaces.
Advanced nuclear monitoring instrumentation.
Signal processing innovations, including noise-rejection methods in RF systems (a subject of his published research).

Legacy and Vision

Steve Burns exemplifies the spirit of multi-disciplinary innovation. From revolutionizing medical imaging and supporting the dawn of personal computing, to advancing aerospace systems and pushing the boundaries of gravitational research, his career reflects both technical mastery and a restless curiosity about the future.

Even in retirement, Steve remains at the forefront of scientific exploration, contributing to projects that challenge established physics and hint at transformative breakthroughs. His work stands as a testament to the power of engineering ingenuity applied across domains, shaping technologies that save lives, expand human capabilities, and explore the very forces of the universe.