John L. Volakis given name John
Early life
John (Ioannis) Volakis was born on 13 May 1956 in Chios, Greece. He grew up in the small farming village of Olympi, part of the mastic villages located south of the island of Chios. During his early years, he enjoyed working in olive groves, wheat fields and the unique mastic trees of the region. When 12 years old, he moved to the city of Chios to attend the historic 1st gymnasium (now 1st lyceum). He immigrated to the United States in 1973, and after spending a few months in the Warren G. Harding High School to acquire a working knowledge of the English language, he went on to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an electrical engineer.
first name forename given title personal name