Over the last four decades of his distinguished career, Dr. Sajjad "Saj" Durrani advanced the design and analysis of satellite communications systems. He began at the RCA Space Center in 1966 where he worked on the Orbiting Data Relay Network study. He joined COMSAT in 1969 where he rose to manage the Systems Analysis branch supporting INTELSAT. In 1974 he joined NASA where his roles included Chief Scientist of the Communications Division at NASA Headquarters, and Research and Planning Manager of the NASCOM and Tracking and Data Relay Satellite ground segment manager at Goddard. Dr. Durrani retired 18 years later but soon returned to work full time as a Consulting Engineer at CSC from 1992 to 1998 on TDRS and other communications related projects. He was a guest lecturer on space communications at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France in 1998, and was a consultant with SUPARCO under the United Nations Development Program in 1999. He served as an IEEE-USA executive fellow and technical advisor with the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2001, and was a senior technical advisor with the U.S. Department of State during 2004 and 2005.

Throughout his professional life, Dr. Durrani was an active volunteer for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and its predecessor the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. He was elevated to IEEE Fellow in 1976, served as President of the Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society, was a member of the IEEE Board of Directors, and chaired the National Capital Area Council. He served as a distinguished lecturer for AESS and his courses on satellite communications earned him a continuing education award from the Educational Activities Board. His contributions shaped the IEEE's evolution and inspired many others to become lifelong volunteers.

Dr. Durrani also held leadership roles in and was recognized by other volunteer organizations, including Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Past President of the DC Council of Engineering and Architecture Societies, and VP and Fellow of the Washington Academy of Sciences after he retired. He also taught at several universities and encouraged the study of science, technology, engineering, and math at local high schools and with his own three children. The IEEE Washington and Northern VA Sections honor Saj's many years of technical innovation, humble mentoring, and selfless dedication to our profession.