News | November 3, 2025
Distinguished Professor Rahmat-Samii and his Former PhD Student Published an Invited Paper in IEEE AP-S Magazine
Professor Rahmat-Samii and his former Ph.D. student, Dr. B. Zhang, have published an invited 15-page paper in the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Magazine titled “A Data-Driven Neural Network Applied to Solving Maxwell’s Equations: A Novel Fourier Neural Operator Approach” (Early Access, October 2025). The paper explores the Fourier Neural Operator (FNO) — a recently introduced neural network architecture for solving partial differential equations (PDEs) — as a tool to accelerate electromagnetic (EM) simulations. FNOs are data- driven models that learn to map material property distributions to electromagnetic field solutions, using datasets generated from full-wave simulations. Unlike traditional computational electromagnetic (CEM) solvers that compute individual instances of Maxwell’s equations, FNOs learn an entire family of these equations, offering a generalizable and efficient alternative. The FNO framework excels at global feature extraction through its Fourier-based representation. When configured as cascaded multilayer Fourier Neural Operators, the network mimics iterative solution techniques such as the Born series expansion commonly used in integral equation formulations. In the study, the authors demonstrate the FNO’s capability through two representative cases. In an electrostatic example, the FNO predicts electric potential distributions for arbitrary permittivity profiles within a unit square. In the electrodynamic case, it models scattering from arbitrary-shaped objects governed by 2D TMz-coupled Maxwell’s equations. Benchmark comparisons show that the Fourier Neural Operator achieves state-of-the-art accuracy while providing orders-of-magnitude speedup over conventional finite-difference method (FDM) solvers, underscoring its potential to revolutionize data-driven electromagnetic modeling. One of the figures below positions the Fourier Neural Operator (FNO) approach for electromagnetic problems within the broader framework of machine learning techniques applied to solving Maxwell’s equations, while the other figure presents representative comparative results for electromagnetic scattering from an arbitrarily shaped object.
UCLA Integrated Sensors Laboratory Demonstrates Low-Power Open-Loop AFE for Neural Sensing Applications
UCLA Integrated Sensors Laboratory, led by Professor Aydin Babakhani, has demonstrated a low-power open-loop analog front-end (AFE) for neural sensing applications. The proposed chip employs a voltage-controlled delay line (VCDL) architecture that enables voltage-to-time and time-to-digital conversion, eliminating the need for power-hungry amplifiers. This VCDL-based open-loop design significantly relaxes clock-recovery requirements in wirelessly powered implantable devices, thereby improving system robustness for modern wireless power transfer links. The chip consumes only 1.2 μW and supports fully wireless operation. In-vivo animal validation confirms reliable neural signal acquisition. This work was presented at the 2025 IEEE Biomedical Circuits and Systems (BioCAS) Conference.
Iman Habibagahi, Roshan P. Mathews, Hamid Jafari Sharemi, Jacob A. Alderete, and Aydin Babakhani,
“A Wirelessly Powered Sensing Implant With 1.2 μW VCDL-Based Analog Front-End,” BioCAS 2025.
Professor Carbajo Takes the Stage at World Laureates Forum
Professor Sergio Carbajo took the stage at the World Laureates Forum, a premier gathering that unites Nobel laureates and other distinguished scientists from across the globe. Professor Carbajo from UCLA and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a leading voice in ultrafast laser physics and quantum science, joined this international dialogue to discuss the future of basic curiosity-driven science and its impact in a fractured society.
UCLA Team Selected as XPRIZE Quantum Applications Competition Semifinalist
Los Quanta, a team of UCLA students and researchers led by Assistant Professor Leo Zhou, has been selected as one of 20 Semifinalists worldwide in the XPRIZE Quantum Applications competition. The three-year, $5 million global competition invites innovators to propose and analyze quantum algorithms and applications that harness the power of quantum computing to solve real-world problems. Los Quanta is one of only three semifinalist teams from California, chosen from a pool of 133 teams representing 31 countries.
The competition aims to bridge the gap between quantum theory and implementation by encouraging new algorithms, applications, and performance enhancements that could one day deliver tangible benefits in areas such as clean energy, climate adaptation, and public health. Notably, half of the semifinalists (including Los Quanta) proposed new quantum algorithms, which is an uncommon feat in a field where developing genuinely novel approaches is exceptionally difficult. The next stage of the competition will involve a deeper technical evaluation, where teams must demonstrate measurable progress toward quantum advantage, real-world impact, and technical feasibility to advance to the finals.
More information about the competition
Awards
Iman Habibagahi Awarded 2025 IEEE BioCAS Charles Desoer Life Science Systems Student Grant
Professor Aydin Babakhani’s student, Iman Habibagahi, was one of the two recipients of the 2025 IEEE BioCAS Charles Desoer Life Science Systems Student Grant. His research focuses on the design and development of wirelessly powered and controlled implantable devices for neural sensing and stimulation.
Professor Cong and Co-Authors Receive the 10-Year Retrospective Most Influential Paper Award at ICCAD 2025
Congratulations to Professor Jason Cong and his co-authors, Chen Zhang, Zhenman Fang, Peipei Zhou, Peichen Pan for receiving the ICCAD 10-Year Retrospective Most Influential Paper Award for the paper titled “Caffeine: Towards uniformed representation and acceleration for deep convolutional neural networks” presented at the 2016 International Conference on Computer-Aided Design (ICCAD). The award was presented at ICCAD 2025 in Munich, Germany, on October 27, 2025. The paper can be accessed from IEEE Xplore here.
Events/Seminars
Upcoming Ph.D. Defenses
Technical Talk
ElectroRent/Rohde&Schwarz Technical Talk
ElectroRent and Rohde&Schwarz will be coming to UCLA on Friday, November 14th, at 1PM in Mong Auditorium to give a technical talk on the fundamentals of oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers. The talk will cover everything from how to properly use the equipment to specific capabilities. They will also be bringing some equipment to demo in person for students. An R&S applications engineer will also be available to answer any specific questions. Food will be provided.
Date: Friday, November 14th, 2025
Time: 1-2PM
Place: Mong Auditorium
Please RSVP here.
Fellowships
CISAC at Stanford University Fellowship Program
The Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) at Stanford University is seeking applicants for its 2026-2027 Fellowship Program. Every year, CISAC offers approximately eight to ten fellowships to predoctoral students, postdoctoral scholars, and junior faculty members who are researching topics related to international security, nuclear security, biosecurity and digital security that contain elements of policy-relevance.
The application deadline is December 3, 2025. Interested candidates can learn more here. Any questions, contact cisacfellowship@stanford.edu.
Student Organizations
Submit your research & get published in UCLA’s Undergraduate Science Journal (Volume 39)
Hello Bruins!
Have you completed a research course at UCLA (SRP 199, 198, URSP, URFP) or a summer program like Amgen scholars, that required you to write a final paper? Or have you written a manuscript or thesis as part of your undergraduate research? If so, your work may be eligible for publication in Volume 39 of the Undergraduate Science Journal (USJ), UCLA’s premier student-run STEM research journal! We welcome submissions from undergraduates across all STEM disciplines who have conducted research at UCLA or
under the mentorship of a UCLA faculty member.
SUBMIT HERE! (https://forms.gle/jEQM7HWzHtNSWYgG7)
Priority Submission Deadline: Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST
Final Submission Deadline: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
Publishing with USJ is a great way to share your work with the UCLA scientific community and strengthen your research profile for graduate school, medical school, or industry opportunities!
Follow us on Instagram @usjucla for updates, and email us at usjucla@gmail.com if you have any questions!
We look forward to reading your work!
IEEE EDS/EPS Hosting AI Hardware Professional Seminar
The QCSA is are organizing and hosting a workshop at UCLA on quantum algorithms and error correction.
This workshop will be held at the UCLA James West Alumni Center from MondayNovember 10th to Wednesday November 12th from 9am to 5pm.
Students and Scholars can participate in person or via zoom and register via the website: https://quarc.squarespace.com/
Job Opportunities
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Seeking AI Foundations Researcher
The ECE Division of the EECS Department at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, seeks a full-time, tenured faculty member with a focus on foundational work in artificial intelligence and/or statistical machine learning. This position is part of a cluster hire with the Mathematics and Statistics departments and the CSE division of the EECS Department. We seek exceptional candidates with proven track records of publishing impactful work and generating significant external funding. This appointment will be at the level of tenured associate or full professor, but we will also consider candidates who are currently advanced assistant professors.
Interested candidates should apply through the University of Michigan ECE Division application portal. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by November 30, 2025. Review of applications will be carried out on a continuous basis until the position is filled. For any questions, please contact me Vijay Subramanian at vgsubram@umich.edu.
Postdoctoral Researcher: Modeling and Stability Analysis for Modern Power Systems
Please see this link for more information regarding this position.
Postdoctoral Researcher: Bulk Power Systems Multi-timescale Operation, Modeling and Simulation
Please see this link for more information regarding this position.
Researcher II/III: EMT Modeling, Simulation and Analysis for Large-Scale Power Systems
Please see this link for more information regarding this position.
Part time Project with Professor Pirouz Kavehpour
We’re seeking an expert developer for a project‑based engagement (not hourly) to build and optimize scalable applications, deploy on Azure Cloud, and integrate GPU‑accelerated embedding software. This role requires deep technical expertise, independence, and the ability to deliver high‑quality solutions within defined project milestones.
What You’ll Work On
- GPU Embedding Service (Containerized)—FastAPI (Python), ML/embeddings, Docker + NVIDIA Container Toolkit, Azure GPU (VM/AKS/ACI), CI/CD with Azure Container Registry (ACR).
- Triage Pipeline with DB & Integrations—Node.js/TypeScript (workers/cron), PostgreSQL (SQL, locks), REST API integration, Azure services (Blob, AI Search, Webhooks).
- Website Integration & Admin UI—Next.js 15 (App Router, API routes, Server Actions), TypeScript + React, PostgreSQL queries, UI/UX for job tables & status.
Requirements
- Expertise in Next.js 15, Node.js, TypeScript, React, and PostgreSQL.
- Hands‑on experience deploying to Azure (preferably using ACR, AKS/ACI, Web Apps, andmanaged services).
- Proficiency with containerized GPU workflows (Docker, NVIDIA Container Toolkit).
- Strong understanding of REST APIs, background workers/cron, SQL performance (indexes,
locks), and secure auth patterns. - Track record of independently delivering production‑grade solutions on schedule and tospec.
Nice to Have
- FastAPI and Python ML/embeddings experience.
- Azure AI Search, Blob, and Webhooks integrations.
- CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions or Azure DevOps).
- Admin UI/Design System experience for operational dashboards.
How We Work
Project‑based milestones, clear acceptance criteria, frequent check‑ins, and code reviews.
We value pragmatic engineering, performance, and maintainability.
Send your information to: Prof. Pirouz Kavehpour—Pirouz@seas.ucla.edu
The University of Alabama is in search of Professors
If you are completing your PhD this year (or who have recently graduated) that are interested in opportunities to continue your research careers on the tenure track, the University of Alabama is in search of an assistant professor.
The search is currently active and they’ll begin reviewing applications received through the online submission system in the next few weeks.
They are also recruiting at the Associate and Full Professor levels. Those links with further details are below:
Electrical and Computer Engineering – Professor – 527632 – Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Electrical/Computer Engineering Intern at Sophia Space
A well-funded deep-tech startup in Pasadena is seeking Electrical/Computer Engineering Interns to help develop its AI-powered product prototypes. The interns are expected to blend electronics hardware and embedded software to build groundbreaking AI infrastructure in space. Roles are available full-time or part-time starting immediately, with the option to continue part-time (~10–15 hrs/week) during the academic year.
Please see this link for more information regarding this position.
ECE Telecom Faculty Position at Texas Tech University
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Whitacre College of Engineering at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track, open-rank (Assistant/Associate/Full Professor) to begin January 16, 2026.
Please see this link for more information regarding this position.
Cellular SOC Design Verification Engineer – Entry Level at Apple
Do you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? This position gives you an opportunity to be a part of one of the most cutting edge and key projects that Apple’s Silicon Engineering Group has embarked upon to-date. As a Design Verification Engineer on our team, you’ll be at the center of the verification effort within our silicon design group responsible for crafting and productizing state-of-the-art Cellular SoCs!
You will have the opportunity to contribute to the verification effort of a set of complex SOCs delivering the Cellular solution. You will integrate multiple sophisticated IP level DV environments, craft highly reusable best-in-class UVM based test bench, implement effective coverage driven and directed test suites, deploy new tools and methodologies to deliver chips that are right-first-time. By collaborating with other product development groups across Apple, you can push the industry boundaries of what cellular systems can do and improve the product experience for our customers across the world!
Minimum Qualifications:
BS in EE or CS is required
Object Oriented Programming
Coursework in Digital Design
Preferred Qualifications:
MS in EE or CS
Coursework in Computer Architecture, Networking Protocol
Should be a great teammate with excellent communication and problem-solving skills and the
desire to seek diverse challenges.
Programming experience in SystemVerilog, Python, C++
Application details:
- Candidates must be graduating this December
- Please include your current GPA with your resume
- Please send resume directly to Junhui Lou at j_lou@apple.com
Engineer or Project Manager at DMF Lighting
DMF Lighting designs and builds industry-leading LED downlighting that sets the standard for flexibility, performance, and quality. Founded over 30 years ago, DMF has grown into a leader in the lighting industry, driven by a passion for innovation and customer service.
Our in-house engineers constantly push the boundaries of lighting, delivering products that combine exceptional performance with beautiful design. At DMF, we believe in a collaborative, forward-thinking culture that empowers our team to bring creative ideas to life and make a lasting impact. If you’re looking for a company where creativity and innovation are part of the DNA, DMF is the place for you.
We currently have the following openings available:
Electrical Engineer, Sr. Electrical Engineer, Embedded Firmware Engineer, Mechanical Engineer I, Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager
Website: www.dmflighting.com
Please see this link for more information regarding these positions.
Contact: Helen Portillo, Human Resources Generalist at HPortillo@dmflighting.com
Newsletter Submissions
To be included in future newsletters, please send the latest news, awards, publications and any upcoming PhD oral defenses to the Chair’s assistant, Winda Mak, at wmak@seas.ucla.edu. Please include “newsletter submission” in the subject line. The ECE newsletters will be sent bimonthly on the first and third Mondays of the month. Please ensure all submissions are received by the Wednesday before distribution to be included in the newsletter.