In 2002, Michaels joined the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), where he served as an associate professor and a professor of the practice until 2016. Michaels came to Georgia Tech from industry with over 30 years of experience in the development and successful deployment of complex automated measurement systems incorporating materials characterization, ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation, instrumentation development, and machine design and control. In other positions in industry, including two start-up companies of which he was a principal, he led the development of measurement systems for manufacturing process control and in-service inspection of critical power generation equipment. 

While at Georgia Tech, he and his wife, ECE Professor Emeritus Jenny Michaels, led the Quantitative Ultrasonic Evaluation, Sensing, and Testing Laboratory. His research interests were in the areas of nondestructive evaluation of components and structures, materials characterization using ultrasonic methods, development of instrumentation and controls for automated testing, digital signal processing of ultrasonic signals, and measurement technology and sensor development. He also held a joint appointment in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held for Michaels at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 8 at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane, Washington, 99224, followed by his burial at Fairmount Cemetery. A loving tribute to Michaels was also placed on the funeral home website at http://www.heritagefunerals.com/obituaries/Thomas-Ellsworth-Michaels?obId=3105041#/obituaryInfo. 

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a contribution “in memory of Tom Michaels” is encouraged to consider a donation to Baptist Global Response (www.gobgr.org), the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), the Loon Lake Historical Society (www.loonlakehistoricalsociety.com), or the charity of your choice.