John B. Goodenough is a professor of mechanical and electrical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He received the Japan Prize in 2001 for his pioneering work on lithium ion batteries, which is used in almost all portable electronics from camcorders to iPods to laptops. A professor is a senior teacher and researcher, usually in a college or university. ... Mechanical engineering is the application of physical principles to the creation of useful devices, objects and machines. ... Electrical engineering is an engineering discipline that deals with the study and application of electricity and electromagnetism. ... University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at Austin (full official name), often UT or Texas for short, is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System, the largest public university system in Texas, established in 1883. ... The Japan Prize is awarded to people from all parts of the world whose original and outstanding achievements in science and technology are recognized as having advanced the frontiers of knowledge and served the cause of peace and prosperity for mankind. ... Li-Ion Camera Battery Lithium ion batteries (or Li-ion) have become very common and dropped in price recently. ...