Helena Mitchell

Helena Mitchell is a Regents’ Researcher at Georgia Institute of Technology’s Ivan Allen College, affiliated with the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy. Her role as Principal Investigator for the Wireless RERC emphasizes accessible wireless technologies for people with disabilities. She has held leadership roles in federal agencies like the FCC and NTIA, driving policy initiatives in telecommunications and emergency communications. Mitchell’s expertise spans broadband policy, emergency systems, and inclusive technology design. She holds a Ph.D. in Telecommunications Policy from Syracuse University. Awards include the U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Medal and recognition for FCC’s Emergency Broadcast System team.

Education: Ph.D. (Syracuse University, Maxwell and Newhouse Schools), M.S. (Newhouse School, Syracuse), B.S. (SUNY Brockport).

Research Interests: Accessibility of wireless technologies, emergency communications, regulatory policy, and equitable access for vulnerable populations. Her work bridges academia, government, and industry to advance inclusive policies and technologies.

Grants & Projects: Led the Wireless RERC ($5M+ funding from NIDILRR), DHS-funded emergency comms projects, and international grants via NTIA. Projects include the Emergency Alert System modernization and mobile accessibility frameworks.

Awards:

• U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Medal
• FCC Organization of the Year (2001)

Labs & Teams: Wireless RERC focuses on transformative wireless ecosystems for disability inclusion. Collaborates with FCC, DHS, and international entities on policy and tech solutions.