About Us

Your right-hand academic partner

WPI Applied Communications Laboratory (Applied Comms Lab) is a dynamic model in which WPI faculty and students work directly with member companies on projects that yield successful outcomes.

Applied Comms Lab was created to benefit all stakeholders—member companies get custom, cost-effective results; students gain enriching professional growth experiences; and local economies are enhanced by accelerating the transfer of technologies from lab to market.

WPI applied research strategy

We love solving challenging problems

When you become a member of Applied Comms Lab, you partner with faculty and student researchers who are passionate about exploring the world around them and finding creative solutions to real-world problems.

On any given day, you might find us building prototype radio systems, experimenting with ways to use Internet of things for energy efficiency, and measuring wireless signals in the field.

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Backed by an innovative and impressive community 

This spirit of curiosity defines all of WPI, a world-class research institution widely recognized for its emphasis on project-based learning and applied research. WPI is a community of doers—inventors, entrepreneurs, leaders, and risk takers. By joining Applied Comms Lab, you become part of this community and all that is has to offer.

62

invention disclosures filed by WPI grad and undergrad students

FY 2018
43%

increase in research funding over the past three years

FY 2018
#1

faculty that best combine research and teaching

The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education (2016)

Our Team

Alexander Wyglinski

Applied Comms Wyglinski

Electrical & Computer Engineering

+1-508-831-5061

Alex is passionate about conducting applied research aimed at solving real-world technical problems. With over 14 years of experience managing industry-university collaborations, he has a proven track record of delivering successful practical outcomes across a wide range of areas, including wireless communications, vehicular technology, smart world, and Internet of things.

Shamsnaz Virani Bhada

Applied Comms Bhada

Electrical & Computer Engineering

+1-508-831-4848

Shams believes that experiential learning is the only way a student becomes an engineer. She has spent a decade engaging students and industry sponsors to develop innovative solution to their complex problems. She specializes in the broad area of Systems Engineering because 21st century engineering problems are multi-disciplinary and require systems skills to solve sustainably.

Seyed A. (Reza) Zekavat

Applied Comms Zekavat

Electrical & Computer Engineering

+1-508-831-6289

Reza is a world-renowned expert in wireless communications and localization. With over 20 years of experience, he has a proven track record of conducting both fundamental and applied research for government and industry sponsors across a breadth of topics ranging from wireless positioning technologies to radio hardware development. An accomplished authors and educator, Reza is passionate about mentoring the next generation of wireless designers, innovators, and leaders.