Jill Nelson

Jill Nelson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at George Mason University's College of Engineering and Computing. Her research focuses on statistical signal processing, machine learning, sonar systems, and STEM education. She leads projects funded by the NSF and Office of Naval Research, including work on adaptive active sonar and pedagogical reform initiatives.

Dr. Nelson holds a BS/BA in Electrical Engineering and Economics from Rice University, and MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. She is a 2010 NSF CAREER Award recipient and active member of IEEE societies.

Her research portfolio includes groundbreaking work on cognitive radar algorithms, eclipse-based ionospheric studies (EclipseMob), and faculty development programs for active learning adoption. Key grants include a three-year NSF grant for building active learning communities (2018-2021) and ONR-funded research on cognitive sonar architectures.

Award-winning educator, she explores teaching strategies in engineering education, including graduate teaching assistant development and inclusive STEM outreach programs. Her work bridges technical innovation with educational equity, emphasizing scalable faculty development frameworks like the SIMPLE model.