Resume

Dr. Akl has over 15 years of industry and academic experience. He is currently an Associate Professor at the University of North Texas and a Senior Member of IEEE. He has designed, implemented, and optimized both hardware and software aspects of several wireless communication systems for CDMA, WiFi, and sensor networks. Dr. Akl is adept at technology investigations and engineering management. He has broad expertise in wireless communication, Bluetooth, CDMA/WCDMA network optimization, VoIP, computer architecture, and computer networks. He is a very active researcher and is well published and cited.

Education
D.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Washington University, Aug 2000,
GPA: 4.0/4.0
M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Washington University, May 1996,
GPA: 4.0/4.0
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Washington University, May 1994,
GPA: 4.0/4.0
B.S. in Computer Science, Washington University, May 1994,
GPA: 4.0/4.0
Graduated summa cum laude and ranked first in undergraduate class.
Dissertation: “Cell Design to Maximize Capacity in Cellular Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Networks.” Advisors: Dr. Manju Hegde and Dr. Paul Min
Research Interest

Wireless Communication, Wireless Sensors, VoIP, Multi-cell Network Optimization, Call Admission Control, Channel Coding, Ad-hoc Networks, Computer Architecture.
Employment Experience

5/2008–present          University of North Texas         Denton, TX
Associate Professor

  • Conducting research on sensor networks.
  • Teaching wireless communication courses.
  • Advising graduate and undergraduate students.

3/2004–5/2008          University of Arkansas              Little Rock, AR
Adjunct Assistant Professor

  • Supervising 2 PhD students doing research on wireless communications.

9/2002–5/2008          University of North Texas         Denton, TX
Assistant Professor

  • Conducting research on WCDMA wireless networks.
  • Teaching wireless communication and computer architecture courses.
  • Advising graduate and undergraduate students.

1/2002–8/2002         University of New Orleans         New Orleans, LA
Assistant Professor

  • Designed and taught two new courses “Computer Systems Design I and II”.
  • Developed a Computer Engineering Curriculum with strong hardware-design emphasis.
  • Formed a wireless research group.
  • Advised graduate and undergraduate students.

10/2000–12/2001      Comspace Corporation             Coppell, TX
Senior Systems Engineer

  • Designed, coded (in Matlab), and simulated Viterbi decoding, Turbo coding, trellis coded modulation (TCM), and Reed-Muller codes.
  • Optimized soft decision parameters and interleavers for additive white Gaussian and Rayleigh faded channels.
  • Extended the control and trunking of Logic Trunked Radio (LTR) to include one-to-one and one-to-many voice and data messaging.

8/1996–8/2000         MinMax Corporation                Saint Louis, MO
Research Associate

  • Designed a software package that provides the tools to flexibly allocate capacity in a CDMA network and maximize the number of subscribers.
  • Validated, simulated (logical and timing), and developed the hardware architecture for an ATM switch capable of channel group switching.

8/1994–8/2000         Washington University            Saint Louis, MO
Research and Teaching Assistant

  • Taught, consulted, and graded Circuit Analysis at the undergraduate level and Network Design at the graduate level.
Consulting History

4/2007–5/2007         Collin County Sheriff's Office         McKinney, TX
Analyzed cellular record data and determined user location for a homicide investigation.

4/2004–5/2004         Allegiant Integrated Solutions     Fort Worth, TX
Designed and developed an integrated set of tools for fast deployment of wireless networks. The tools optimize the placement of Access Points and determine their respective channel allocations to minimize interference and maximize capacity.

3/2002–4/2002         Input/Output Incorporated       New Orleans, LA
Designed an implemented an algorithm in MATLAB for optimizing the frequency selection process used by sonar for scanning the bottom of the ocean.

6/1998–7/1998         Teleware Corporation           Seoul, South Korea
Designed and developed a software package for analyzing the capacity in a CDMA network to maximize the number of subscribers.

Litigation Support and Expert Witness Experience

2008 Kaye Scholer LLP
Case: eBay Inc. v. IDT.
Matter: Patent infringement, long distance communication system using Internet
Project: Prior art research, claim chart, claim construction

2007 Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Case: Confidential.
Matter: Patent infringement
Project: Prior art research

2006 Woodfill & Pressler
Case: Charles Russell vs. Interinsurance Exchange of the Auto Club
Matter: House fire and insurance claim.
Project: Determining user location using cellular phone records.

2005 Verizon Wireless
Case: Confidential
Matter: Patent infringement, 2 patents, push-to-talk voice messaging.
Project: Prior art research, infringement analysis, and protocol analysis.
Publications
Journal Papers

  1. R. Akl, P. Kadiyala, and M. Haidar, “Non-Uniform Grid-Based Coordinated Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks”, Journal of Sensors, article ID 491349, volume 2009, 11 pages.

  2. M. Haidar, M. Al-Rizzo, Y. Chan, R. Akl,  “User-Based Channel Assignment Algorithm in a Load-Balanced IEEE 802.11 WLAN”, International Journal of Interdisciplinary Telecommunications & Networking (IJITN), April-June 2009, 1(2), pp. 66-81.

  3. R. Akl, D. Keathly, and R. Garlick, “Strategies for Retention and Recruitment of Women and Minorities in Computer Science and Engineering,” iNEER Special Volume: Innovations 2007- World Innovations in Engineering Education and Research, 9 pgs, 2007.

  4. R. Garlick and R. Akl, “Motivating and Retaining CS2 Students with a Competitive Game Programming Project,” iNEER Special Volume: Innovations 2007- World Innovations in Engineering Education and Research, 9 pgs, 2007.

  5. R. Akl and S. Nguyen, “UMTS Capacity and Throughput Maximization for Different Spreading Factors,” Journal of Networks, July 2006, vol. 1,  issue 3, pp. 40-49. ISSN: 1796-2056

  6. W. Li, K. Kavi, and R. Akl,  “A Non-preemptive Scheduling Algorithm for Soft Real-time Systems,” Journal of Computer and Electrical Engineering, vol. 32. ISSN: 0045-7906

  7. R. Akl, A. Parvez, and S. Nguyen, “Effects of Interference on Capacity in Multi-Cell CDMA Networks,” Journal of Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, 2006, vol. 3, no. 1, p825612. ISSN: 1690-4524

  8. R.G. Akl, M. Hegde, and M. Naraghi-Pour, “Mobility-based CAC Algorithm for Arbitrary Traffic Distribution in CDMA Cellular Systems,” IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, March 2005, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 639-651.

  9. R.G. Akl, M.V. Hegde, M. Naraghi-Pour, and P.S. Min, “Multi-Cell CDMA Network Design,” IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, May 2001, vol. 50, no. 3, pp. 711-722.
Refereed Conference Papers

  1. R. Akl, P. Kadiyala, and M. Haidar, “Non-Uniform Grid-Based Routing in Sensor Networks”, 9th IEEE Malaysia International Conference on  Communications, December 2009, paper no. 1569243649, 5 pgs.

  2. M. Haidar, M. Al-Rizzo, Y. Chan, R. Akl, M. Bouharras, “Throughput Validation of an Advanced Channel Assignment Algorithm in IEEE 802.11 WLAN”, ICCSN 2009 – International Conference on Communication Software and Networks, February 2009, paper no. P385, 6 pgs.

  3. M. Haidar, R. Ghimire, M. Al-Rizzo, R. Akl, Y. Chan, “Channel Assignment in an IEEE 802.11 WLAN Based on Signal-to-interference Ratio”, IEEE CCECE – Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering: Communications and Networking, May 2008, paper no. 1569092894, 6 pgs.

  4. H. Al-Rizzo, M. Haidar, R. Akl, and Y. Chan, “Enhanced Channel Assignment and Load Distribution in IEEE 802.11 WLANs,” IEEE International Conference on Signal Processing and Communication, November 2007, paper no. 1569042132, 4 pgs.

  5. R. Akl and Y. Saravanos, “Hybrid Energy-Aware Synchronization Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks,” Proceedings of IEEE PIMRC: 18th Annual IEEE International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications, September 2007, paper no 692, 5 pgs.

  6. M. Haidar, R. Akl, and H. Al-Rizzo, “Channel Assignment and Load Distribution in a Power-Managed WLAN,” Proceedings of IEEE PIMRC: 18th Annual IEEE International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications, September 2007, paper no. 463, 5 pgs.

  7. D. Keathly and R. Akl, “Attracting and Retaining Women in Computer Science and Engineering: Evaluating the Results,” Proceedings of American Society for Engineering Education: ASEE Annual Conference, June 2007, paper no. AC 2007-1229, 10 pgs.

  8. M. Haidar, R. Akl, H. Al-Rizzo, Y. Chan, R. Adada, “Optimal Load Distribution in Large Scale WLAN Networks Utilizing a Power Management Algorithm,” Proceedings of IEEE Sarnoff Symposium, May 2007, 5 pgs.

  9. R. Dantu, P. Kolan, R. Akl, and K. Loper, “Classification of Attributes and Behavior in Risk Management Using Bayesian Networks,” Proceedings of IEEE Intelligence and Security Informatics Conference, May 2007, pp. 71-74. (76 accepted)

  10. R. Akl and A. Arepally, “Dynamic Channel Assignment in IEEE 802.11 Networks,” Proceedings of IEEE Portable 2007: International Conference on Portable Information Devices, March 2007, pp 309-313. (65 accepted)

  11. R. Akl and U. Sawant, “Grid-based Coordinated Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks,” Proceedings of IEEE CCNC 2007: Consumer Communications and Networking Conference, January 2007, pp. 860-864. (acceptance ratio 33%, 540 submitted and 181 accepted)

  12. R. Akl and A. Arepally ,  “Simulation of Throughput in UMTS Networks with Different Spreading Factors,” Proceedings of IEEE VTC Fall 2006: Vehicular Technology Conference, September 2006, pp. 1-5. (acceptance ratio 36%, 1126 submitted and 409 accepted)

  13. A. Alhabsi, H. Al-Rizzo, and R. Akl, “Parity Assisted Decision Making for QAM Modulation,” Proceedings of International Conference on Mobile Computing and Wireless Communications, September 2006, paper no. 1568988776, 5 pgs.

  14. R. Akl and R. Garlick,  “Retention and Recruitment of Women in Computer Engineering,” Proceedings of ICEE 2006: International Conference on Engineering Education, July 2006, paper no. 3318, 5 pgs.

  15. R. Garlick and R. Akl,  “Intra-Class Competitive Assignments in CS2: A One-Year Study,” Proceedings of ICEE 2006: International Conference on Engineering Education, July 2006, paper no. 3325, 5 pgs.

  16. R. Akl, D. Tummala, and X. Li ,  “Indoor Propagation Modeling at 2.4 GHz for IEEE 802.11 Networks,” Proceedings of WNET 2006: Wireless Networks and Emerging Technologies, July 2006, paper no. 510-014, 6 pgs.

  17. P. Chen,  K. Kavi, and R. Akl, “Performance Enhancement by Eliminating Redundant Function Execution,” Proceedings of IEEE: 39th Annual Simulation Symposium, April 2006, pp. 143-150. (acceptance ratio 41%, 89 submitted and 37 accepted)

  18. R. Akl and S. Nguyen, “Capacity Allocation in Multi-cell UMTS Networks for Different Spreading Factors with Perfect and Imperfect Power Control,” Proceedings of IEEE CCNC 2006: Consumer Communications and Networking Conference, January 2006, vol. 2, pp. 928-932. (acceptance ratio 23%, 600 submitted and 140 accepted)

  19. W. Li, K. Kavi, and R. Akl, “An Efficient Non-Preemptive Real-Time Scheduling,” Proceedings of 18th International Conference on Parallel and Distributed Computing Systems, Las Vegas, NV, September 2005, pp. 154-160. (acceptance ratio 27%, 205 submitted and 57 accepted)

  20. S. Nguyen and R. Akl, “Approximating User Distributions in WCDMA Networks Using 2-D Gaussian,” Proceedings of CCCT 05: International Conference on Computing, Communications, and Control Technologies, July 2005.

  21. R. Akl and S. Park, “Optimal Access Point Selection and Traffic Allocation in IEEE 802.11 Networks,” Proceedings of 9th World Multiconference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (WMSCI 2005): Communication and Network Systems, Technologies and Applications, July 2005, vol. 8, pp. 75-79. (acceptance ratio 59%, 1539 submitted and 913 accepted)

  22. R. Akl, M. Naraghi-Pour, and M. Hegde, “Throughput Optimization in Multi-Cell CDMA Networks,” Proceedings of IEEE WCNC: Wireless Communications, and Networking Conference, March 2005, vol. 3, pp. 1292-1297. (acceptance ratio 40%, 1000 submitted and 400 accepted)

  23. R. Akl, “Subscriber Maximization in CDMA Cellular Networks,” Proceedings of CCCT 04: International Conference on Computing, Communications, and Control Technologies, August 2004, vol. 3, pp. 234-239. (acceptance ratio 55%,  1000 submitted and 550 accepted)

  24. R. Akl and A. Parvez, “Global versus Local Call Admission Control in CDMA Cellular Networks,” Proceedings of CITSA 04: Communications, Information and Control Systems, Technologies and Applications, July 2004, vol. 2, pp. 283-288. (acceptance ratio 47%, 550 submitted and 260 accepted)

  25. R. Akl and A. Parvez, “Impact of Interference Model on Capacity in CDMA Cellular Networks,” Proceedings of SCI 04: Communication and Network Systems, Technologies and Applications, July 2004, vol. 3, pp. 404-408. Selected as best paper of those presented in the session: Tele-Communication Systems, Technologies and Application II. (acceptance ratio 53%, 2250 submitted and 1200 accepted)

  26. R.G. Akl, M.V. Hegde, M. Naraghi-Pour, and P.S. Min, “Call Admission Control Scheme for Arbitrary Traffic Distribution in CDMA Cellular Systems,” Proceedings of IEEE WCNC: Wireless Communications and Networking Conference, September 2000, vol. 1, pp. 465-470.

  27. R.G. Akl, M.V. Hegde, M. Naraghi-Pour, and P.S. Min, “Cell Placement in a CDMA Network,” Proceedings of IEEE WCNC: Wireless Communications and Networking Conference, September 1999, vol. 2, pp. 903-907.

  28. R.G. Akl, M.V. Hegde, P.S. Min, “Effects of Call Arrival Rate and Mobility on Network Throughput in Multi-Cell CDMA,” Proceedings of IEEE ICC: International Conference on Communications, June 1999, vol. 3, pp. 1763-1767.

  29. R.G. Akl, M.V. Hegde, M. Naraghi-Pour, and P.S. Min, “Flexible Allocation of Capacity in Multi-Cell CDMA Networks,” Proceedings of IEEE VTC: Vehicular Technology Conference, May 1999, vol. 2, pp. 1643-1647.
Book Chapters
Technical Papers
Research Proposals

  1. “Micro Air Vehicle Design: A Collaborative Undergraduate Project for Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science Students,” under UNT Undergraduate Research Initiative. Submitted 9/25/2009.  Robert Akl (co-PI), awarded $8,000.

  2. “Energy-aware Synchronization and Energy Efficient Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks,” under NHARP 2009. Requested amount is $150,000. Submitted 9/14/09. Robert Akl (PI), pending.

  3. “IUCRC Center Proposal: Net-Centric Software and Systems,” under NSF-07-537: Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers. Requested amount is $349,482. Submitted 9/26/08. Krishna Kavi (PI), Robert Akl (co-PI), awarded $60,000 per year for 5 years.

  4. “Energy-aware Routing for Sensor Networks,” under ARP 2007. Requested amount is $148,000. Submitted 10/23/07. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  5. “Wireless Noise-Canceling Headset System,” under Sky-Tec. Requested amount is $74,157. Submitted 9/14/07. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  6. “REU Site: Sensor Networks Projects for Undergraduates,” under NSF-07-569. Requested amount is $175,202. Submitted 9/13/07. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  7. “IUCRC-Planning Proposal: UNT Research Site Proposal to join Embedded Systems I/UCRC,” under NSF-01-116: Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers. Requested amount is $10,000. Submitted 3/31/07. Krishna Kavi (PI), Robert Akl (co-PI), awarded $10,000.

  8. “High-assurance NCCS: Ultra Dependability Integration Engineering,” Department of Defense. Requested amount is $20,000. Submitted 3/12/07. Krishna Kavi (PI), Robert Akl (coPI), awarded $20,000.

  9. “Energy-Aware Synchronization in Wireless Sensor Networks,” UNT Junior Faculty Summer Research Fellowship for Summer 2006, Robert Akl (PI), $5,000, not awarded

  10. “New Analytical Methods for Analysis and Optimization of Computer Systems and Networks based on Queuing Network Models” under U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation -  2005 Cooperative Grants. Requested amount is $69,698. Submitted 3/15/05. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  11. “SST: Research in Communication and Signal Processing for Wireless Sensor Networks” under NSF-05-526: ECS Sensor Small Teams. Requested amount is $735,579. Submitted 3/2/05. Robert Akl (co-PI), not awarded.

  12. “Robust Interference Mitigation and Spread Spectrum Signaling” under U.S. Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program - 13.20.01.B4266. Requested amount is $15,000. Submitted 1/7/05. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  13. “STTR Phase I: Cost-Effective Indoor Wireless Coverage for Distributed Enterprises” under NSF-04-604: Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase I. Requested amount is $47,093. Submitted 12/8/04. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  14. “Research Infrastructure for Network and Secure Processors Design and Implementation” under NSF-04-588: CISE Computing Research Infrastructure (CRI). Requested amount is $255,635. Submitted 8/12/04. Robert Akl (co-PI), not awarded.

  15. “Network-based Cellular Geolocation Technologies for Rural America” in response to “NSF/USDOT Partnership for Exploratory Basic Research on Information and Communications Systems for Surface Transportation (ICSST)” NSF 03-556, Robert Akl (co-PI), $140, 957, not awarded.

  16. “UNT Faculty Research Grant for Fall 2003, PI, $5,000, awarded $4,000.

  17. “UNT Junior Faculty Summer Research Fellowship for Summer 2003, PI, $5,000, awarded $5,000.

  18. “Airport Surveillance and Security Management System Proposal” in response to the “Integrated Sensing, Computation, and Networked Systems for Decision Action” NSF-02-039, Robert Akl (co-PI), $499,719, not awarded.
Educational Proposals

  1. “Robotics and Game Programming Summer Camps” under Texas Workforce Commission: Summer Merit Program. Requested amount is $62,000. Submitted 10/16/09. Robert Akl (PI), pending.

  2. “INSPIRE: INfluencing Stereotype Perceptions and Images Regarding Engineers” under NSF. Requested amount is $499,917. Submitted 3/26/09. Robert Akl (co-PI), not awarded.

  3. “Game Design and Development for Xbox 360 Summer Camp” under Texas Workforce Commission: Summer Merit Program. Requested amount is $42,000. Submitted 3/20/09. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $42,000.

  4. “Robocamp at Stewpot” under Dallas Women's Foundation. Requested amount is $20,000. Submitted 2/23/09. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $18,600.

  5. “Robocamp Jump Start” under RGK Foundation. Requested amount is $14,810. Submitted 2/23/09. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  6. “Robocamp Jump Start” under Motorola Foundation Innovation Generation Grant. Requested amount is $29,852. Submitted 2/12/09. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $30,700.

  7. “Game Design and Development for Xbox 360 Summer Camp” under Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: Engineering Recruitment Program. Requested amount is $7,944. Submitted 2/13/09. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $11,111.

  8. “Texas Youth in Technology” under Texas Workforce Commission. Requested amount is $152,393. Submitted 11/10/08. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $152,393.

  9. “Robocamp and Beyond” under Motorola Foundation Innovation Generation Grant. Requested amount is $30,000. Submitted 6/20/08. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $30,000.

  10. “Texas Youth in Technology” under Texas Workforce Commission. Requested amount is $30,000. Submitted 2/27/08. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $31,500.

  11. “2008 Summer Camps” under ERP: Engineering Recruitment Programs. Requested amount is $19,885. Submitted 12/12/07. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  12. “Robocamp Program for Young Women” under RGK foundation. Requested amount is $30,000. Submitted 11/5/07. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $15,000.

  13. “Texas Youth in Technology” under Texas Workforce Commission. Requested amount is $102,514. Submitted 10/22/07. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $102,514.

  14. “Women Art Technology” under Hispanic and Global Studies Initiatives Fund. Requested amount is $14,125. Submitted 9/30/07. Jennifer Way (PI), Robert Akl (co-PI), awarded $12,785.

  15. “Robocamp Mobile Unit” under Motorola Foundation Innovation Generation Grant. Requested amount is $35,000. Submitted 6/20/07. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $30,000.

  16. “ITEST: Youth-Based Projects: TACIT -  Access to Increase Participation in CS and Engineering Education” under NSF 07-514. Requested amount is $852,263. Submitted 5/10/07. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  17. “ICER: UNT Engineering Challenge Camps” under NSF 0547299. Requested amount is $35,000. Submitted 4/27/07. Oscar Garcia (PI), Robert Akl (senior personnel), awarded $32,792.

  18. “Robocamps” under Intel Corp. Requested amount is $25,000. Submitted 4/20/07. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  19. “CPATH CB: The Changing Face of Computer Science and Information Technology in the 21st Century” under NSF 06-608. Requested amount is $285,780. Submitted 1/23/07. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  20. “Youth-Based Projects: IT Access to Increase Broader Participation in CS and Engineering Education” under NSF 07-514. Requested amount is $807,390. Submitted 1/5/07. Robert Akl (PI), (pre-proposal encouraged).

  21. “Innovative Information and Systems Technology Program” under NSF-PD 05-1340. Requested amount is $953,534. Submitted 8/15/06. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  22. “Strategies to Support Recruiting, Retention, and Mentoring for Computer Science at UNT” under Texas Technology Workforce Development Grant Program – 2006. Requested amount is $284,338. Submitted 7/1/06. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  23. “Summer Robotics Camps” under Wells Fargo Grant Competition from Division of Advancement. Requested amount is $9,500. Submitted 6/9/06. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  24. “ITEST: Youth-Based Projects: IT Access to Increase Broader Participation in CS and Engineering Education” under NSF-05-621. Requested amount is $853,901. Submitted 2/24/06. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded .

  25. “ITEST: Comprehensive Projects: Girls Exploring Mathematics and Science Through Opportunities to Network and Engage (GEMSTONE)” under NSF-05-621. Requested amount is $1,202,130. Submitted 2/24/06. Robert Akl (co-PI), not awarded .

  26. “Retention and Recruitment of Women in Computer Engineering” under Engineering Information Foundation – 2005. Requested amount is $21,961. Submitted 2/14/06. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  27. “ITEST: Youth-Based Projects: IT Access to Increase Broader Participation in CS and Engineering Education” under NSF-05-621. Requested amount is $837,325. Submitted 11/2/05. Robert Akl (PI), (pre-proposal encouraged).

  28. “Retention and Recruitment of Women in Computer Engineering” under Engineering Information Foundation – 2005. Requested amount is $66,881. Submitted 9/29/05. Robert Akl (PI), (encouraged to resubmit for 1 year instead of 3 years).

  29. “The North Texas RoboCup League” under Texas Technology Workforce Development Grant Program – 2005. Requested amount is $42,411. Submitted 3/17/05. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  30. “Recruiting and Retention Strategies for Computer Science at UNT” under Texas Technology Workforce Development Grant Program – 2005. Requested amount is $163,322. Submitted 3/17/05. Robert Akl (PI), awarded $125,322.
    RoboCamp 2005: pictures05, newscoverage05,
    RoboCamp 2006: pictures06, newscoverage06.

  31. “Information Assurance Scholarship Program” under NSF-05-507, DUE – SFS Scholarships. Requested amount is $1,538,822. Submitted 1/12/05. Robert Akl (co-PI), not awarded.

  32. “Adaptation and Implementation of Wireless Robots in an Introductory Course in Computer Science and Engineering” under NSF-04-565, Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) – Adaptation and Implementation Track. Requested amount is $99,808. Submitted 12/2/04. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  33. “Information Assurance Scholarship Program” under NSF-04-505, DUE – SFS Scholarships. Requested amount is $1,437,547. Submitted 1/12/04. Robert Akl (co-PI), not awarded.

  34. “Adaptation and Implementation of Autonomous Wireless Mobile Units in an Introductory Survey Course in Computer Science and Engineering” under NSF-03-598, Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) – Adaptation and Implementation Track. Requested amount is $99,122. Submitted 12/4/03. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  35. “North Texas League Consortium: Retention and Recruiting with RoboCup” under Texas Technology Workforce Development Grant Program – 2003. Requested amount is $347,183. Submitted 8/5/03. Robert Akl (PI), not awarded.

  36. “Summer Camps and Creative Design Projects to Aid in Recruiting and Retaining Computer Science Students” under Texas Technology Workforce Development Grant Program – 2003. Requested amount is $295,829. Submitted 8/4/03. Robert Akl (co-PI), not awarded.

  37. “Autonomous Wireless Mobile Units in an Introductory Survey Course in Computer Science and Engineering” in response to the “Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) Adaptation and Implementation Track” NSF-02-095, Robert Akl (PI), $99,327, not awarded.
Courses Developed

  1. CSCE 5593: Fundamentals of VoIP
    Fundamentals of VoIP, with emphasis on network infrastructure implementation and security. Topics include IP protocol suite, SS7, speech-coding techniques, quality of service, session initiation protocol, and security issues.

  2. CSCE 5540: Introduction to Sensor Networks
    Topics include: design implications of energy (hardware and software), and otherwise resource-constrained nodes; network self-configuration; services such as routing under network dynamics, localization, time-synchronization and calibration; distributed data management, in-network aggregation and collaborative signal processing, programming tools and language support.

  3. CSCE 5510. Wireless Communication.
    Point-to-point signal transmission through a wireless channel, channel capacity, channel encoding, and multi-user transmissions. First, second, and third generation cellular systems, and mobility management.

  4. CSCE 3510. Introduction to Wireless Communication.
    Fundamentals of wireless communications and networking, with emphasis on first, second, and third generation cellular systems. Topics include point-to-point signal transmission through a wireless channel, cellular capacity, multi-user transmissions, and mobility management.

  5. CSCE 3020. Fund. of Communication Theory
    Introduction to the concepts of transmission of information via communication channels. Amplitude and angle modulation for the transmission of continuous-time signals. Analog-to-digital conversion and pulse code modulation. Transmission of digital data. Introduction to random signals and noise and their effects on communication. Optimum detection systems in the presence of noise.

  6. ENEE 3583. Computer Systems Design I (UNO).
    The design process of digital computer systems is studied from the instruction set level, system architecture level, and digital logic level. Topics include machine organization, register transfer notation, processor design, memory design, and input/output considerations. Includes semester project.

  7. ENEE 3584. Computer Systems Design II (UNO).
    The design and evaluation of contemporary computer systems are analyzed to compare the performance of different architectures. Topics include performance metrics, computer arithmetic, pipelining, memory hierarchies, and multiprocessor systems.

  8. ENEE 3514. Computer Architecture Laboratory (UNO).
    Selected experiments examining programmable logic, VHDL and logic synthesis, and including a final design project, to accompany and complement the lecture course ENEE 3584. Three hours of laboratory.

Professional Activities
Membership in Professional Organizations:
  • SENIOR Member IEEE, Communication Society, Computer Society, Vehicular Technology Society
  • Member, Eta Kappa Nu Electrical Engineering Honor Society.
  • Member, Golden Key National Honor Society.
  • Member, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

Offices and Committee Assignments in Professional Organizations:

  • Technical Program Committee Member, WTS Wireless Telecommunications Symposium 2009
  • Technical Program Committee Member, Mosharaka International Conference on Computer Science and Engineering, Amman, 2008
  • Invitation to serve as an NSF reviewer/panelist for Engineering Research Centers (ERC) proposals, 2007
  • Technical Program Committee Member, 18th IEEE International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communication, Greece, 2007.
  • Technical Program Committee Member, Mosharaka International Conference on Computer Science and Engineering, Amman, 2007
  • International Program Committee, IASTED International Conference on Wireless and Optical Communication, Canada, 2007
  • Program Committee Member, Fifth Annual Wireless Telecommunications Symposium, CA, 2006
  • Technical Publications Chair, IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, Dallas TX, 2005
  • Session Chair, International Conference on Computing, Commun. and Control Tech., Austin TX, 2004
  • Session Chair, International Conference on Cybernetics and Information Technologies, Orlando FL, 2004
  • Session Chair, 8th World Multi Conference on Systemics, Cybernetic, and Informatics, Orlando FL, 2004

Additional Responsibilities and Other Activities:

  • Reviewer, IEEE International Conference on Advanced Networks and Telecommunication Systems (ANTS) 2008
  • Reviewer, Journal of Computers & Electrical Engineering 2008 – present
  • Reviewer, IEEE Globecom 2007, 2008
  • Reviewer, The International Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing Conference, 2007
  • Reviewer, Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking, 2007 – present
  • Reviewer, IEEE Transactions on Communications, 2007 – present
  • Reviewer, International Journal of Communication Systems, 2007 – present
  • Reviewer, IEEE Communications Magazine, 2005 – present
  • Reviewer, Journal of Wireless Networks, 2004 – present
  • Reviewer, IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, 2004 – present
  • Reviewer, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 2002 – present
  • Reviewer, IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, 2004 – present
  • Reviewer, ACM Crossroads, 2004 – present
  • Reviewer, Telecommunication Systems Journal, 2004
  • Reviewer, Systems, Man and Cybernetics Journal, 2003
  • Reviewer, Prentice Hall, 2002 – present

Honors:

  • IEEE Professionalism Award, 2008
  • UNT College of Engineering Outstanding Teacher Award, 2008
  •  Certificate of  Appreciation: IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, Dallas, TX, 2005.
  • Certificate of  Appreciation: Denton County Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) Robotics Competition, 2004.
  • Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Ranked First in Undergraduate Class.
  • The Computer Science Departmental Award for Academic Excellence, Washington University, 1993.
  • The Dual Degree Engineering Award for Outstanding Senior, Washington University, 1993.
  • The 1992 Technical Writing Competition Award, The Society for Technical Communication.