Yahya Rahmat-Samii

Yahya Rahmat-Samii is a Distinguished Professor and holder of the Northrop Grumman Chair in Electrical Engineering/Electromagnetics within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He directs the Antenna Research, Analysis, and Measurement Laboratory, focusing on cutting-edge electromagnetic systems for space, medical, and communication applications.

His research spans electromagnetics with specialization in satellite communication antennas, personal communication antennas (including human interaction effects), biotelemetry, RFID applications, and antennas for remote sensing and radio astronomy. Recent work emphasizes CubeSat antenna miniaturization, implantable/wearable medical devices, and reconfigurable systems using liquid metal and 3D printing. His laboratory pioneers innovations in antenna measurement techniques and optimization algorithms.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in space-constrained antenna design for CubeSats, biomedical applications (ingestible/implantable systems), and reconfigurable structures using novel materials. Key subfields include orbital angular momentum communications, liquid metal microfluidics, metamaterial lenses, and brain-inspired optimization algorithms, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary connections between electromagnetics, aerospace engineering, and medical technology.

His scientific awards include the 2019 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, 2017 ACES Computational Electromagnetics Award, 2009 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Distinguished Achievement Award, 2008 National Academy of Engineering membership, and numerous IEEE and NASA recognitions. Notable honors span fundamental contributions to reflector antennas, near-field measurements, and optimization algorithms.

Rahmat-Samii leads the Antenna Research, Analysis, and Measurement Laboratory at UCLA, which develops advanced measurement systems including bipolar near-field ranges and diagnostic techniques. The lab collaborates extensively with NASA, JPL, and medical research institutions on projects ranging from Mars rover communications to brain-machine interface antennas, maintaining leadership in both theoretical electromagnetics and practical antenna implementation.