Dr. Martin H. Graham
Pioneer in Computer Engineering and Electromagnetic Health
Dr. Martin H. Graham (1926–2015) was a distinguished American electrical engineer, computer scientist, and Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. Renowned for his pioneering contributions to early computer architecture, biomedical instrumentation, and power quality research, Dr. Graham left an indelible mark on both the technological landscape and the field of electromagnetic health.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Dr. Graham’s early career placed him at the forefront of the computer revolution. While working as an engineer at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, he was a key member of the team that built an improved version of the Los Alamos MANIAC computer.
In 1957, he joined the faculty at Rice University, where he rose to the rank of Professor of Electrical Engineering and Director of the Computer Project. At Rice, he served as the project leader and chief architect of the Rice Institute Computer (R1), which was the largest and fastest university-based computer in the United States at the time.
In 1966, Dr. Graham joined the faculty at UC Berkeley as a Professor of Electrical Engineering. He played a foundational role in the university’s computing legacy, serving as Associate Director of the Computer Center and later as Chair of the newly formed Computer Science Department from 1970 to 1973.
Advancements in Biomedical Engineering
During his tenure at UC Berkeley, Dr. Graham expanded his research focus to include biomedical instrumentation and computer communications. He was instrumental in establishing a bioelectronics program within the Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) department, which eventually evolved into a joint biomedical engineering graduate program with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
His work in this field led to significant advancements in the analysis of electrocardiograms and data transmission techniques, resulting in numerous patents and publications. Over his career, he held more than 40 U.S. patents.
Discovering and Mitigating “Dirty Electricity”
In the latter part of his career, Dr. Graham applied his extensive knowledge of electrical systems to the emerging problem of power quality. He recognized that modern electronic devices were introducing high-frequency transients and harmonics onto electrical wiring—a phenomenon that became widely known as “dirty electricity.”
Collaborating with master electrician Dave Stetzer, Dr. Graham researched the biological impacts of this ubiquitous electrical pollution. Together, they developed practical solutions to help the public measure and mitigate these hazards:
1. The Microsurge Meter: A tool designed to measure high-frequency electrical noise on building wiring. The measurements are recorded in Graham-Stetzer (GS) units, named in recognition of their joint research.
2. STETZERiZER® Filters: (Also known as Graham-Stetzer filters) Capacitive filters designed to plug into standard electrical outlets, effectively reducing harmful radio frequency energy and restoring power quality.
Legacy
Dr. Graham officially retired in 1993 but remained an active and passionate researcher, filing his final patent application in 2008. He passed away in May 2015, leaving behind a legacy of innovation that spanned from the earliest days of digital computing to groundbreaking solutions in environmental health. His co-inventions continue to provide relief to individuals suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity and remain vital tools in the pursuit of healthy electrical environments.