Boulat Bash

Boulat Bash is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Optical Sciences, and Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Arizona. He is also a Member of the Graduate Faculty, contributing to interdisciplinary research and education in quantum and classical information security.

Education:

• PhD in Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2015
• MS in Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2008
• BS in Economics, Dartmouth College, 2001

Research Interests: His work centers on covert communications and secure sensing, leveraging quantum and classical information theory to enable communication and sensing systems that are not only secure but undetectable. He explores the theoretical limits of low probability of detection (LPD) systems and develops experimental prototypes. His research spans quantum-optical systems, network security, and applications in electronic and distributed systems.

Publication Trends: His recent publications (2013–2019) consistently advance the theory and practice of covert communication, with a growing emphasis on quantum-secure systems. Key themes include the impact of noise, jamming, and channel uncertainty on detection avoidance, and the extension of LPD principles to sensing and multi-hop networks. His work appears in top-tier journals such as IEEE Transactions and Physical Review A, and venues like ISIT and CLEO.

Scientific Awards:

• Honorable Mention, 2015 NSA Best Scientific Cybersecurity Paper Competition

Advising and Grants: He actively mentors graduate students and recruits postdocs and PhD candidates for research in secure communication and sensing. While specific grants are not listed, his sustained publication output and lab activities suggest active external funding. He previously worked at Raytheon BBN Technologies, bridging academic and applied research.

Labs and Teams: He collaborates closely with experts in optical and radio systems engineering, and his research group at the University of Arizona integrates theoretical analysis with experimental validation of covert communication systems.