The Latest News from NSF spectrumx
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Stay updated with the latest developments in research and innovation. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to research-focused headlines, our news section keeps you informed on stories that matter.
Throughout the National Science Foundation (NSF) Spectrum Week event at the end of April, three centers funded by NSF Spectrum Innovation Initiative grants came together to hold meetings and events in the collaborative environment. The opportunity to organize the event was driven by SpectrumX, an NSF Spectrum Innovation Center and the world’s largest academic hub for spectrum innovation. The multi-institutional and multidisciplinary center used the opportunity to meet with other SII funded centers, join discussions and sessions, and include students in these forward-thinking conversations.
SpectrumX’s Radio Shop Chat series regularly features speakers from across the electrical engineering, telecommunications, and spectrum sciences presenting on pressing topics and areas of innovation. On June 27, 2023, Gregory Hellbourg, Scientist and Spectrum Manager at Caltech and Owens Valley Radio Observatory, joined the series presenting “The Deep Synoptic Array DSA-2000.”
From April 24 through April 28, 2023 the National Science Foundation (NSF) hosted its first-ever Spectrum Week at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The purpose of the event was to foster conversation and discussions about research findings and implementations during official sessions as well as breaks between. The event featured a number of updates from three NSF Spectrum Innovation Initiative (SII) grant-supported programs and dynamic forecasts on what spectrum-related research, education, and policy engagement will look like in the United States.
Events in the spectrum science, policy, and education fields are hosted regularly by universities, research communities, and stakeholders around the globe. SpectrumX would like to invite our spectrum community to share details about upcoming events with the center, its members, and to our audience.
SpectrumX’s Radio Shop Chat series regularly features speakers from across the electrical engineering, telecommunications, and spectrum sciences presenting on pressing topics and areas of innovation. On May 30, 2023, Aleksandar Damnjanovic, Principal Engineer and Manager, Qualcomm, joined the series presenting “Technological innovations and spectrum for future wireless networks.” Qualcomm is now one of SpectrumX’s collaborating partners.
The University of Notre Dame has been selected for inclusion in the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of the nation’s leading public and private research universities, Notre Dame’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., announced today.
Throughout the Fall of 2022, assistant professor of engineering Whitney Lohmeyer guided undergraduate students through her Introduction to Analog and Digital Communication course at Olin College of Engineering, connecting them to radio spectrum experts.
The University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center became a national stage to host discussions on the formation of the U.S. National Spectrum Strategy on April 11, 2023. City employees, corporate representatives, trade associations and university researchers gave their input at the second of two National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Listening Sessions.
Paul Ransom’s interest in electrical engineering was piqued when he began working to upgrade his Walkman in elementary school. He was unsatisfied with the performance and began tinkering with it and other electronics to see how they functioned. “I wanted to boost the volume, because back in my days we liked to listen to our music loud,” Ransom said.
On Tuesday, April 11, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will hold a listening session at the University of Notre Dame to garner broad input about future spectrum allocations. The listening session is open to the general public, to attend as well as to potentially speak, and will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Patricia George Decio Theatre at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. Local and state policymakers and regional industry leaders are especially encouraged to participate as speakers.
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on Wednesday began seeking comment on identifying airwaves for more intensive use and innovative new uses by both the private sector and federal agencies. NTIA’s National Spectrum Strategy Request for Comment seeks input on creating a spectrum pipeline for the next decade of frequencies that could be studied for new or additional uses. The agency’s goal is to identify at least 1,500 megahertz of spectrum to study for potential repurposing – perhaps the most ambitious study goal for NTIA to date – to meet future requirements for non-federal
University of Notre Dame Professor of Electrical Engineering Monisha Ghosh will testify at 9 a.m. Friday (March 10) during a Congressional Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing on “Defending America’s Wireless Leadership.”
In early January, radio science researchers from across the United States and beyond came together for the National Radio Science Meeting (NRSM) at the University of Colorado Boulder. The meeting was attended by six SpectrumX members, who hosted workshops and participated in multiple panel discussions. The NRSM is sponsored by the U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Radio Science.
SpectrumX and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Institute for Telecommunication Services (ITS) have formally agreed to work together on the mutually beneficial goals of advancing policy-relevant research and workforce development. The NTIA ITS conducts research in spectrum sciences to advance and satisfy federal policy requirements. Through the collaboration, SpectrumX’s interdisciplinary research, education, and workforce development activities will complement NTIA ITS efforts and pilot new ways that academic institutions can partner with federal agencies going forward. The collaboration is structured through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) signed by NTIA ITS and the University of Notre Dame, lead
It seemed like a normal group meeting for students to share updates. Olin College of Engineering undergraduate students filtered into an open lab on a chilly Monday evening in Needham, Massachusetts. A large antenna laid on its side, mid-build in one corner of the room, a cube satellite (cubesat) in another, and stacks of amateur radio guides are along a wall for learners to borrow and prepare for the licensing test. Around 20 group members gathered around a table, briefing the room and their advisor, Professor Whitney Lohmeyer, on their latest updates.
Addressing U.S. radio spectrum challenges with innovative technology and policy options is one of the main objectives of SpectrumX, a National Science Foundation (NSF) Spectrum Innovation Center. Bringing together multi-disciplinary expertise, convening discussions, and prioritizing project directions is a key way the center is working with stakeholders to advance research, policy outreach, education, and more.
During the summer of 2022, SpectrumX along with its partners at its member institution the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) conducted a six-week virtual professional development program for ten middle and high school teachers. The educators were selected from across the United States through a competitive application process. The participants were chosen based on their experience creating original lessons and interest in incorporating more electromagnetic spectrum curricula into their classes.
Interference conflicts are ongoing challenges within the radio spectrum field. Within the U.S. spectrum ecosystem, commercial wireless networks for communication, internet access, scientific sensing for both environment and radio astronomy, broadcast, radar, position/navigation/timing, and more create a sometimes crowded atmosphere where signals compete.
In October, Admiral Christopher W. Grady, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined faculty members at the University of Notre Dame for an update on the University’s research activities. Admiral Grady, a 1984 graduate of Notre Dame, is also a past recipient of the University’s Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award for distinguished military service.
SpectrumX is pleased to be able to offer educational opportunities for undergraduate students.