While working at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) during 1968-1971, Van Trees published a three-volume series of textbooks on the detection, estimation, and modulation theory.[5][6][7] Van Trees' theory provided a "unified approach to communications, radar, and sonar."[8]
In 1987, Van Trees joined George Mason University (GMU) as a Distinguished Professor of Information Technology, and Electrical and Systems Engineering. Van Trees was also the founding director of Mason's Center of Excellence in Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I).[8][9] In 2002, Van Trees published the fourth volume of his textbook titled Optimum Array Processing. This textbook provided a more comprehensive look at optimum array processing. In 2013, Van Trees worked with Dr. Kristine L. Bell and Dr. Zhi Tian, both of GMU, to publish a second edition of the first volume.[10] This version was revised and expanded.[8]
Van Trees was also the creator of the family of Bayesian bounds. The first bound was published in 1964; and in 2007, Van Trees collaborated with Bell to publish Bayesian Bounds for Parameter Estimation and Nonlinear Filter/Tracking.[8][11][12]
Van Trees also worked with two colleagues from M/A-Com and founded CommQuest Technologies Inc.[10] CommQuest was a "developer and supplier of advanced semiconductors for wireless comms."[13] CommQuest was purchased by IBM in 1999.[14][15] Van Trees and his wife established the Harry and Diane Van Trees Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Endowment at West Point.[3]
Van Trees was married to Diane Enright on April 25, 1953. They had seven children, 19 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.[16][citation needed] He died in Ruckersville, Virginia on December 29, 2022, at the age of 92.[17][18]
^ ab"National Academy of Engineering Member Elections." United States Military Academy West Point. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. http://www.usma.edu/eecs/SitePages/Home.aspx
^Van Trees, Harry L. Detection, Estimation, and Modulation Theory, Part IV, Optimum Array Processing. New York: Wiley-Interscience, 2002. Print.
^Van Trees, Harry L., and Kristine L. Bell. Bayesian Bounds for Parameter Estimation and Nonlinear Filtering / Tracking. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE, 2007. Print.
