Join the WCNS Group

Overview 

We welcome motivated students interested in developing new ideas at the intersection of wireless communications, networking, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence. Our research combines theory, optimization, machine learning, simulation, software development, and experimental validation. Depending on the project, students may work with software-defined radios, wireless testbeds, edge computing platforms, UAVs, cellular networks, and real-world measurement systems.

Research Environment and Outcomes 

WCNS research spans both fundamental and experimental work. Students have opportunities to develop mathematical models and algorithms while also working with real communication systems and experimental platforms. The group collaborates with researchers across electrical engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, and other disciplines.

Graduate students are encouraged to develop strong foundations in research methodology, technical communication, experimental validation, and problem-solving capabilities, while publishing their work in leading communications, networking, and systems venues.

WCNS students have pursued careers in research and engineering at various organizations including Qualcomm, Meta, Nokia, Siemens, Tesla, and other technology companies.

If your interests align with our research, please review the following instructions and contact Prof. Hashemi at mhashemi@ku.edu.

Group Photos

WCNS Group Moments

Capturing some of our group gatherings, celebrating milestones, and attending conferences.

Top left: WCNS group dinner before Thanksgiving holidays, 2024
Top right: WCNS members at IEEE INFOCOM 2023 in New York City

Bottom left: Group dinner at a local spot in Lawrence, 2022
Bottom right: Hosting Prof. Jacob Chakareski from NJIT, 2024

Prospective Students

We are interested in highly motivated graduate students in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science, and with backgrounds in communications, networking, signal processing, optimization, machine learning, or related fields.

Strong applicants typically have some combination of:

  • Solid mathematical and analytical skills
  • Interest in optimization, machine learning, or signal processing
  • Experience in wireless communications or computer networks
  • Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or related tools
  • Interest in experimental systems, software-defined radios, embedded systems, or UAV platforms

Prior experience in all of these areas is not required. More important are strong fundamentals, curiosity, independence, and an interest in conducting rigorous research.

Students who believe their interests align particularly well with WCNS are also encouraged to contact Prof. Hashemi. When reaching out, please include:

  • Your CV
  • A brief description of your research interests
  • Why you are interested in the WCNS Group

A short and specific message describing your research interests is much more helpful than a generic inquiry.

We welcome undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on research experience. Undergraduate projects may involve:

  • Wireless and network experimentation
  • Software and hardware development
  • Data collection and visualization
  • Machine learning and signal processing
  • Performance monitoring and analysis
  • Simulation and experimental testbed development

Students do not need extensive prior research experience. Instead, willingness to learn, reliability, and sustained interest in a project are highly valuable. Students interested in undergraduate research should send a CV and a short description of the type of research they would like to explore.