Accelerated undergraduate research experience in Cognitive Radio communications

An ongoing summer research program of the Wireless@VT group at Virginia Tech introduces undergraduate students to university research, graduate education, and professional practices through study and research in Cognitive Radio (CR). CR, an emerging interdisciplinary topic in wireless communications area that spans electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and human factors engineering, integrates software defined radio with automated learning, decision making, and adaptation capability embodying aspects of artificial intelligence. Cognitive radio and related technologies are a fertile area of research and provide an ideal focus for introducing undergraduate students to university research. The program is designed to promote the STEM knowledge, interdisciplinary skills, motivation, and self-efficacy of undergraduate students. Innovative knowledge results are some outcomes embedded within the values of interdisciplinary research, team collaboration, and a focus on research-to-practice.