Meet Alexander Wyglinski, associate dean of graduate studies and a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at WPI—the next professor in our Fireside Chat series.
For Wyglinski, the dream of becoming a professor began early in his education. “I’ve always dreamed of becoming a professor and mentoring the next generation of STEM innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders,” he says. “This became my raison d’être early in my undergraduate studies, and I’ve pursued it ever since.”
That pursuit was shaped during his studies in Canada, by mentors who helped prepare him for a career focused on education and research. Today, Wyglinski channels that inspiration into teaching, research, and mentoring at WPI, particularly through his work in wireless communications and networking.
Recently, Wyglinski developed a new course called Software Radio Design—a hands-on, experimental class for second-year undergraduates across multiple disciplines. “The course introduces students to the theory and practice of building real-world wireless systems like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 5G using cutting-edge software-defined radio technology,” he explains. “It’s a unique offering with no known equivalent worldwide.”
To support this course, Wyglinski is co-authoring a companion textbook with his former PhD student Galahad Wernsing. “Their dissertation explored how to make software radio more accessible to undergraduates from diverse technical backgrounds, including remote learners during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wyglinski says.
Wyglinski’s research focuses on applied wireless communications, with an emphasis on challenges in 5G/6G, satellite and space communications, GPS, radar, and vehicular networks. At the center of it all is software-defined radio (SDR), the tool that drives both his teaching and research. “Since all my undergraduate and graduate courses are project based, I often incorporate SDR-based research outcomes into class projects, giving students direct exposure to cutting-edge developments in wireless communications and networking,” he says.
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Wyglinski’s teaching approach encourages curiosity, application, and confidence. “I aim for students to strengthen their critical thinking, deepen their understanding of wireless theory, and develop the skills to solve complex problems in wireless communications and networking using software-defined radio and other cutting-edge tools.”
For Wyglinski, the most rewarding part of his work is watching students grow into leaders. “Seeing them think independently, work well in teams, and confidently ‘run with it’ when faced with complex technical challenges using modern tools and techniques is deeply rewarding,” he says.
Wireless communications may be invisible, but their impact is everywhere. “Reliable connectivity is essential to nearly every aspect of modern life,” Wyglinski says. “Imagine being unable to access the internet on your phone, use real-time navigation, or communicate via calls or texts. When wireless networks work, everything feels seamless, but when they fail, the disruption can significantly impact daily life.”
This is the reason he believes the field needs the best minds tackling its challenges, especially as technology evolves. “With emerging technologies like space-based and satellite networks and the growing integration of AI into telecommunications, innovative solutions and new expertise are more critical than ever for advancing this vital infrastructure.”
Wyglinski also encourages students from other disciplines to explore wireless communications. “A career in wireless communications isn’t limited to ECE majors,” he says. “I’ve had students from robotics, computer science, aerospace engineering, math, physics, and other fields successfully complete my courses and go on to work in the wireless connectivity industry.”
He adds that most of his graduate students now use AI and machine learning tools in their research. “The wireless communications and networking field needs individuals from diverse technical backgrounds to develop interdisciplinary solutions to emerging challenges. You don’t need prior knowledge of wireless systems, signals, radio frequency, or electromagnetics to begin exploring this area.”
Wyglinski sees a bright and fast-moving future for the field. “As society becomes increasingly hyper-connected—not just between people, but between humans and devices, and between devices themselves—wireless technologies are enabling a cyber-physical world that enhances healthcare, education, finance, national security, and entertainment,” he says. “There is strong national and global momentum to expand connectivity, driven by emerging technologies like space-based networks, AI, 6G, the Internet of Things, and vehicle-to-everything systems.”
For Wyglinski, that growth means one thing—opportunity. “Most exciting of all is the urgent need for new problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to shape this future,” he says. “The opportunities are vast, and I’m thrilled to mentor the next generation as we advance this dynamic and impactful field.”
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