Research
Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Research
The Electrical and Computer Engineering department nourishes a vibrant research environment motivated by our dedicated faculty and graduate students. Our research programs are funded by many government agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Department of Homeland Security, and numerous local and national industries.
Research activities at the ECE Department can be classified by research areas and by research centers and institutes. The department offers eight research areas of focus and is either the lead or partner of nine research centers and institutes.
Faculty also conduct research in their labs. View faculty profiles to learn about their research, including work being conducted in their laboratories. Also, view our Annual Reports and college-wide Research Initiatives.
Quick Facts
Research Strengths
Our research strengths encompass the full gamut of cutting-edge ECE technologies: embedded systems and internet-of-things, robotics and cyber-human systems, networking (mobile/wireless as well as the Internet of the future), big data analytics and machine learning. Northeastern’s historic strengths in ECE include communications and digital signal processing, power and control systems, power electronics, RF/microwave magnetic materials, device technologies, and computer engineering.
Biomedical Research and Collaborations
Northeastern ECE faculty are engaged in a range of biomedical projects in collaboration with fellow world-class researchers in the Boston-area medical community. These projects span all disciplinary areas and include MEMS/NEMS sensors for biological detection; applications of wireless technology in biomedical implants; biomedical imaging hardware and signal processing; brain-computer interface technologies; disease detection and tracking; and many more.
Recent News
Improving Wireless IoT Signals Across Communication Channels
ECE Research Assistant Professor Salvatore D’Oro, William Lincoln Smith Professor Tommaso Melodia, and Assistant Professor Francesco Restuccia were awarded a patent for “Device and method for reliable classification of wireless signals.”
Integrating Deep Learning Algorithms to Enable Real-Time Spectrum-Driven Decision-Making
ECE Assistant Professor Francesco Restuccia and William L. Smith Professor Tommaso Melodia were awarded a patent for “Real-time cognitive wireless networking through deep learning in transmission and reception communication paths.” Abstract Source: USPTO Apparatuses and methods for real-time spectrum-driven embedded wireless networking through deep learning are provided. Radio frequency, optical, or acoustic communication apparatus include […]
Enabling the Automation of 5G Network Workloads
Northeastern’s Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things has been working with OpenShift, an Enterprise-level Platform-as-a-Service from RedHat, to enable the automation of 5G network workloads for ease of deployment by Mobile Network Operators.
Dahiya Publishes Book on Sensory Systems for Robotic Applications
ECE Professor Ravinder Dahiya has published a book on “Sensory Systems for Robotic Applications.”