National Science Foundation Sponsored Radio Spectrum Workshop Sizzles in Baylor ECS’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department 

Baylor University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) welcomed undergraduate students at this summer’s Spectrum Sizzle, an event designed to develop future stewards of the wireless spectrum and sponsored by the National Science Foundation.  

“Events like this are a great way to get students engaged and excited about the opportunities and challenges involved in spectrum science," says John Chapin, NSF's Special Advisor for Spectrum. “The demand for trained spectrum experts in the U.S. is only growing and it's a rewarding career path for students who want to work on important and interdisciplinary topics.” 

From June 5-8, ECS’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering hosted a group of undergraduate students, almost all from other universities. Guided by instructors from Baylor and from industry, the group honed their skills during technical workshops designed to give students hands-on, real-world experiences with development, use, and management of wireless systems.  

“We are very grateful to the National Science Foundation for their visionary forethought in making this event possible through their sponsorship,” said Charles Baylis, PhD, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Baylis and his team utilized equipment support from Keysight Technologies to help students immerse themselves in an action-packed schedule of learning.  

Through this workshop, students participated in many unique projects, experiments, and even a scavenger hunt.  

Some of the work included:  

• experiments with an automotive-grade radar system 

• designing, building, and testing microwave frequency filters 

• performing live, real-time spectrum analysis of deployed wireless systems 

• encoding and decoding their own over-the-air transmissions 

• discussion of policy implications of recent public debates about the future of the AM radio band 

• tracking down transmitters hidden across campus 

Through these projects, students experienced hands-on learning from a group of leading experts in different areas. Not only did they get to participate in these technical workshops, but they also got the opportunity to talk with these experts about their experiences.  

With 15 students as part of the first-year cohort, the group was able to ask more questions related to personal motivations and challenges related to instructors’ experiences in the field to inquiries about what graduate school is like. Dr. Baylis spoke of how “it was special to watch the students take interest in finding hidden transmitters, processing data from radar systems, building filters, and discussing deeper matters of career and life motivation,” he said. 

The group has begun planning to host the workshop again in Summer 2024. 

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY 

Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) has been preparing its students for more than 25 years as innovators for worldwide impact by training graduates for professional practice and responsible leadership with a Christian view. Students can choose from majors including bioinformatics, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, general engineering, and mechanical engineering. ECS also offers graduate programs in all areas of study within the School. We stand out from the crowd through Christian commitment, a strong community, expert accessibility, leading practical experience and teamwork. Visit the ECS website to learn more and follow on Facebook or Instagram.  

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY 

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.