After a relatively short career as a mechanical engineer, Michael Pounds turned his energies toward composition, studying at Bowling Green State University, Ball State University, the University of Birmingham in England, and the University of Illinois, where he is currently completing a doctoral degree. He has studied electro-acoustic composition with Jonty Harrison, Scott Wyatt, Guy Garnett, Cleve Scott, Jody Nagel, and Burton Beerman. His recent awards include the 1998 ASCAP/SEAMUS Student Commission Award, a Residence Prize at the 25th Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Competition, and a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship for studies in England. Mr. Pounds began teaching in the Music Engineering Technology program at Ball State University in 2000.