Ismail Guvenc

Dr. Ismail Guvenc is a Full Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. He holds an IEEE Fellowship and is a Senior Member of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors. His research focuses on 5G/6G wireless systems, UAV communications, heterogeneous networks, and spectrum management. He leads the NSF AERPAW project and serves as the NC State Site Director for the NSF BWAC I/UCRC center. Dr. Guvenc has authored/co-edited four books and holds over 30 U.S. patents.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida (2006)
• Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico (2003)
• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Bilkent University, Turkey (2001)

Research Interests:

Dr. Guvenc’s work spans UAV communication systems, 5G/6G networks, spectrum sensing, and machine learning for network optimization. He emphasizes experimental validation through platforms like AERPAW, focusing on drone-based networks, radio dynamic zones, and testbed-driven innovation. His contributions address challenges in UAV localization, interference management, and energy-efficient networks.

Grants & Leadership:

• PI and Director of NSF AERPAW (2019–Present)
• NC State Site Director for NSF BWAC I/UCRC (2019–Present)
• Recipient of NSF CAREER Award (2015) and NC State Faculty Scholar Award (2021)

Publications & Awards:

He has authored over 130 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to standardization efforts. His awards include the R. Ray Bennett Faculty Fellow Award (2019) and the USF Outstanding Dissertation Award (2006).

Labs & Teams:

Dr. Guvenc directs research in the ECE’s wireless communications group, leveraging AERPAW’s experimental capabilities to advance UAV networks and 6G technologies. His team collaborates with industry and government on spectrum policy and autonomous systems.