Home

Dr. Mehdi Shadaram is the Briscoe Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.  His main area of research activity is in the broadband analog, digital fiber optic, and wireless communication systems. Shadaram has published more than 130 articles in refereed journals and conference proceedings. He served as the Interim Dean of Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) from 2013-2014.  He served as Associate Dean of Engineering at UTSA from 2007 to 2015.  In addition, since 2008 he has served as the Founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Engineering Research and Education (CEERE), and from 2003 to 2007, served as the Chairman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UTSA.

Shadaram has served as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator for numerous grants and contracts, bringing in more than $10 million in research funding over the past 20 years. Organizations such as NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Instruments, and Lucent Technologies have funded his research projects. Shadaram is the recipient of several awards including the 2017 UTSA’s President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Community Engagement; 2009 UTSA College of Engineering’s Excellence in Engineering Research Award; the best teacher award in the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1994; and NASA monetary award for contributions to space exploration in 1993. He has been the general chair, session chair, TPC chair, and panelist at several IEEE conferences.

Shadaram has served on several review panels for the National Science Foundation, National Research Council Ford Foundation, US Civilian Research and Development Foundation, and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. He also has served on the editorial boards of several scientific journals.

Currently, Shadaram is the Wireless Communications Area Editor for the Elsevier Journal of Computers and Electrical Engineering, is senior member of IEEE, and is a member of OSA, SPIE, ASEE, and HKN. He is also a Professional Registered Engineer in the state of Texas.  Shadaram received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering in 1984 from The University of Oklahoma.

 

Facility

Laboratory

 The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has thirteen research laboratories, each with an average area of 2,000 square feet.  Two main communications laboratories, the Fiber Optic Research Laboratory and Software Communications and Navigation System Laboratory, are used for student activities. Dr. Shadaram’s Fiber Optic Research Laboratory has several laser transmitters, RF and optical modulators, optical amplifiers, a 3 GHz spectrum analyzer, several low-hi frequency oscillators, more than 30 km of fiber optic links, several power supplies and numerous optical and RF devices.  The laboratory also has its own computer network with seven workstations. Students have access to several simulation packages such as VPI Virtual Photonic, Matlab and Pspice.  Dr. Akopian’s Software Communications and Navigation Systems Laboratory has various wireless system development boards, RF-Front ends, a wireless network testbed, positioning tools and receivers, six workstations and two servers.  The REU participants will utilize the lab space for their experiments and simulations.  They will use the individual cubicles and desks, equipped with PCs, for drafting their reports, presentations and private meetings with their mentors.

Computer

The research laboratories used for telecommunications are well equipped with network of personal computers loaded with all necessary software packages (VPI, MATLAB, PSPICE, etc.).  In addition to the research laboratories computing facilities, resources are exclusively available to the students enrolled in the College of Engineering.  The Engineering computing facilities include PC lecture room, CAD lecture/lab, and several PC Laboratories (more than 100 Dell computers).  Computers and data acquisition systems are also available at many other laboratories in the College.   Basic application software (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) are available at all university-wide computer facilities.   Some computational software (e.g., MATLAB, LabView, etc.) are also available in the college computation facilities

Equipment in Fiber Optic Research Laboratory:

  • National Instruments Embedded Controller,
  • Quiet, modular 8-slot chassis for flexible lab instrumentation
  • 3.0 GHz Pentium Embedded Controller for PXI
  • PXI and CompactPCI specifications compliance
  • Graphical programming with LabVIEW The National Instruments PXI-1042Q/8196 Academic
  • Ando Tunable Laser Sources
  • National Instrument shielded connector block for M series
  • Data aquisation devices.
  • Advantest Modulation Spectrum Analyzer
  • ST Series Smart Table – Optical Bench
  • USB interface
  • Helium Neon Lasers
  • Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier
  • Newport 4×8 optical table
  • Numerous optical and RF devices and connectors
  • Several Fiber Bragg Grating devices
  • Optical power meters
  • Wavelength Detector
  • Fiber preparation kits
  • More than 30 km of single mode optical fibers
  • VPItransmissionMaker™ WDM
  • VPIcomponentMaker™ Optical Amplifiers
  • VPIcomponentMaker™ Active Photonics
  • VPItransmissionMaker™ Cable Access
  • 6 Dell Desktops
  • Dell Precision 380 Workstation
  • 2 Dell Laser Printers

Research

Research Thrusts

Mehdi Shadaram has been either PI or Co-PI on numerous grants and contracts, totaling more than $10 million in the past 20 years.  NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, Department of Defense, US Department of Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, UT System, Texas Instruments and Lucent Technologies have funded his research projects. His main area of research activity is in the broadband analog and digital fiber optic communication systems and photonic devices.  In addition, he has extensive experience in Engineering Education Research.

Areas of Research Interests

  • Optical fiber communications
  • Broadband communications
  • Photonic generation of millimeter waves
  • Photoacoustic imaging
  • Fiber optic sensing
  • Engineering Education

 

Research Projects

“A Comprehensive Strategy Based on Established Best-Practices for Increasing Female Minority Participation and Success in Engineering”

US Department of Education, PI: M. Shadaram, Center for Excellence in Engineering Education, $557,00, 10/1/2009 – 09/30/2013.
“Lift Off: Curriculum Improvement for Enhancing Minority Engineering Education”

National Aeronautic and Space Administration, CIPAIR Program, Co-PI: M. Shadaram (PI: Sharif), Center for Excellence in Engineering Education, $409,000, 01/01/1010 – 06/30/2013.
Integrating High Performance Computing in Research and Education for Simulation, Visualization and Real-Time Prediction,
National Science Foundation, CREST, Co-PI: M. Shadaram (PI: Y. Feng), Simulation, Visualization and Real Time Prediction Center (SiViRT), $5,000,000, 10/0 1/2009 – 09/30/2014
“A National Model for Engineering Mathematics Education”

Sub-agreement with the Wright State University, under NSF Prime Agreement DUE-0817332,

PI: M. Shadaram, Center for Excellence in Engineering Education, $100,000, 08/01/2008 – 08/31/2012.
“Engineering Summer Residential Camp for Texas High School Students”

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, THECB Award Number: 16715, PI” M. Shadaram,  $13,000, 06/01/2016 – 12/30/2016
“A Structured HS to Engineering Undergraduate Pipeline for Hispanic Females”

US Department of Education, PI: M. Shadaram, $195,000, 10/01/2006 – 09/30/2009
“Distribution of RF Signals via WDM Networks”

Office of Naval Research, PI: M. Shadaram, $590,000, 03/01/2003 – 06/31/2007

 

Media

Published article, “New math program at UTSA boosts retention of engineering students,” San Antonio Business Journal, January 31, 2014

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/blog/2014/01/new-math-program-at-utsa-boosts-retention-of.html

Interviewed by WOAI News Radio, San Antonio, Texas, “New Professors Drive UTSA’s Push Toward Tier One,” September 2, 2013

http://www.woai.com/articles/woai-local-news-119078/new-profesors-drive-utsas-push-toward-11618525/

Published article, “Better connections: Phone co-op brings tech to homes,” San Antonio Business Journal, June 19, 2009.

http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2009/06/22/focus3.html

Published article, “Young researchers sought for summer,” San Antonio Express News, April 11, 2009.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/education/Young_researchers_sought_for_summer.html

Published article, “UTSA College of Engineering hosts Summer Internship Program,” Texas Nonprofits, June 2008

http://www.txnp.org/Articles/articles.asp?ArticleID=8796

Published article, “Summer internships at UTSA inspire young engineers,” Sombrilla, The University of Texas at San Antonio magazine, Winter 2008, Vol. 24, No.1, p. 11

http://www.utsa.edu/pub/sombrilla/

Articles and TV news about UTSA being awarded nearly $200,000 to support minority-engineering recruitment for women

San Antonio Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2008/01/14/daily3.html?ana=from_rss

Dallas Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/othercities/austin/stories/2008/01/14/daily2.html

Austin KTEN News Channel

http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=7620616

Published article in San Antonio Express News on June 6, 2007 in regards with Summer Internship Program for High School Students in the College of Engineering at University of Texas at San Antonio

www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA060607.utsa.internships.EN.1d1eedab.html

Interviewed by San Antonio TV Channel 12 (KSAT-12) in regards with Summer Internship Program for High School Students, June 5, 2007

http://streamer.utsa.edu/ramgen/streaming2/video.productions/communications/6-5-07_KSAT_NOON_UTSA_ENGINEERING_mpg.rm

Recognized on the Texas Public Radio and cited on their website for organizing a team of students from the Colleges of Engineering and Architecture to participate in Texas Public Radio-UTSA Canstruction® Project, organized by the Society for Design Administration, October 7-14, 2007

http://www.tpr.org/articles/2007/10/canstruction.html

Interviewed by San Antonio Business Journal in regards with the new MS program in Computer Engineering, March 29, 2005

http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2005/03/28/daily10.html

Interviewed by Graduating Engineer and Computer Careers Online Magazine in regards with employment of minority engineers in governmental agencies, November 2003.

http://www.graduatingengineer.com/articles/feature/01-05-04c.html

Interviewed by UTSA Today, an online news outlet for UTSA, in regards with the new position as the new chair of electrical engineering department

http://www.utsa.edu/today/2003/11/shadaram.cfm

Cited in the Horizon, UTEP quarterly magazine, “Faculty Earn Chairs and Professorships,” April 28, 2002

www.horizon.utep.edu/Releases/2002/Apr02/recognition1.html

Interviewed by the Minority Science and Engineering Initiative Office at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “The Year in Review,” Hispanic Initiative, 1991, pp 9-10

Publications

Published in peer reviewed journals

  1. A. Barnes, C. C. Roth , H. T. Beier , G. Noojan, C. Valdez, J. Bixler, M. Shadaram and B. L. Ibey, “Probe beam deflection optical imaging of thermal and electrostrictive phenomena resulting from nano-second electric pulse exposure (nsEP) in-vitro,” Optics Express, Vol. 25, No. 6, March 20, 2017, pp. 6621 – 6643.
  2. M. Shadaram, M.H. Rehmani, Y. Q. Song, R.Varatharajan, “Contemporary research issues in wireless communication networks,” Journal of Computers and Electrical Engineering Special Issue on Wireless Communications, Vol. 56, November 2016, pp. 109-112.
  3. C. Roth, R. Barnes Jr. , B. Ibey , H. Beier , L. Mimun , S. Maswadi , M. Shadaram , R. Glickman, “Characterization of pressure transients generated by nanosecond electrical pulse (nsEP) exposure, Scientific Reports, 5, 15063; doi: 10.1038/srep15063, 2015.
  4. M. Shadaram, M. H. Rehmani, A. Izadzadeh, “Emerging Wireless Networks” Journal of Computers and Electrical Engineering Special Issue on Wireless Communications, Vol. 48, 2015, pp. 60-61.
  5. M. H. Rehmani, M. Shadaram, S. Zeadally, and P. Bellavista, “Special Issue on recent developments in cognitive radio sensor networks” Journal of Pervasive and Mobile Computing, Vol 22, 2015, pp. 1-2.
  6. M. Shadaram and M. H. Rehmani, “Wireless Systems: Networks, Routing, Security and Reliability’’ Journal of Computers and Electrical Engineering Special Issue on Wireless Communications, Vol. 41, 2015, pp. 157-158.
  7. M. Niknamfar and M. Shadaram, “Framework for optical millimetre-wave generation based on tandem single side-band modulation,” IET Journal of Engineering, 10-1049, October 2014
  8. R. A. Barnes Jr., S. Maswadi, R. Glickman, M. Shadaram, “Probe beam deflection technique as acoustic emission directionality sensor with photoacoustic emission source,” Applied Optics, Vol. 53, Issue 3, January 2014, pp 511-519.
  9. M. Shadaram, S. Smys, S. Zeadally, “Wireless systems: New technologies, resource optimization and security,” Journal of Computer and Electrical Engineering, Vol. 40, Issue 2, February 2014, pp. 289-290.
  10. M. Niknamfar and M. Shadaram, “Optimization of optical single sideband configurations for radio over fiber transmission and multi-type data communication over a DWDM link,” Journal of Computer and Electrical Engineering, Vol. 40, Issue 1, January 2014, pp. 83-91.
  11. M. Shadaram, P. Cotae and C. Lacatus, “Introduction to the Special Issue on the wireless systems: modeling, monitoring, transmission, performance evaluation and optimization,” Journal of Computer and Electrical Engineering, Vol. 39, Issue 6, August 2013, pp. 1585-1586.
  12. C. Lacatus, D. Akopian, and M. Shadaram, “Reduced complexity crosscorrelation interference mitigation in GPS-enabled collaborative ad-hoc wireless networks,” Journal of Computer and Electrical Engineering, Vol. 38, May 2012, pp. 603-615.
  13. M. Shadaram, D. Akopian and G. H. S. Carvalho “Introduction to the Special Issue on The design and analysis of wireless systems: New inspirations,” Journal of Computer and Electrical Engineering, Vol 38, May 2012, pp. 471-472.
  14. A. Moghadas and M. Shadaram, “Fiber Bragg grating sensor for fault detection in radial and network transmission lines,” Sensors, Vol. 10, Issue 10, October, 2010, pp. 9407-9423.
  15. C. Lacatus, D. Akopian, P. Yaddanapudi, and M. Shadaram, “Flexible spectrum and power allocation for OFDM unlicensed wireless systems,” IEEE Systems Journal, Vol. 3, No. 2, June 2009, pp. 254-264.
  16. C. Lacatus, D. Akopian and M. Shadaram, “Reduced complexity algorithm for spreading sequence design,” IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II, Vol. 55, Issue 12, December 2008, pp. 1309-1313.
  17. C. Lacatus, D.C. Popescu, M. Shadaram, “Distributed algorithm for optimal sequence and power allocation in uplink code division multiple access systems,” IET Communications (formerly IEE Proceedings Communications), Vol. 2, Issue 2, February 2008, pp. 292-299.
  18. J. Medrano, V. Gonzalez, A. Musa, and M. Shadaram, “Architecture of a dual stage optical label switch using out-of-band wavelength and code optical properties,” IEEE Journal of Selected Topics on Quantum Electronics, Vol. 13, Issue 5, Part 2, September-October 2007, pp. 1568-1578.
  19. M. Shadaram, A. Musa, V. Gonzalez, J. Medrano, “Routing algorithm using the flooding mechanism in a hybrid optical-CDMA and WDM all-optical network” Journal of Optical Fiber Technology, Vol. 13, April 2007, pp. 149-155
  20. P. Cotae, M. Aguirre, M. Shadaram, “Characterization of sum capacity of overloaded S-CDMA,” Military Technical Academy Review, ISSN 1453-259X, No. 1, 2006, pp. 29-38

Referred Book Chapter

  1. M. Shadaram and V. Gonzalez, “Optical Fiber Local Area Networks”, a chapter in the Encyclopedia of Telecommunications, Edited by John G. Proakis, John Wiely & Sons, ISBN 0-471-36972-1, December 2002.

Refereed conference proceedings

  1. M. K. Eghbal and M. Shadaram, “Tandem modulation for W-band OCDMA radio-over-fiber system,” 5th International Conference and Exhibition on Lasers, Optics & Photonics, Atlanta, GA, November 28-30, 2016.
  2. Niknamfar and M. Shadaram, “Two cascaded Mach–Zehnder modulators’ harmonic distortion analysis in optical single side-band millimeter wave generation system,” 17th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks (ICTON), Budapest, Hungary, July 5-9, 2015.
  3. R. A. Barnes, C. C. Roth, M. Shadaram, H. T. Beier, B. L. Ibey, “Finite element method (FEM) model of the mechanical stress on phospholipid membranes from shock waves produced in nanosecond electric pulses (nsEP),” SPIE West BIOS, Energy-based Treatment of Tissue and Assessment VIII, San Francisco, CA, February 8-9, 2015.
  4. M. Shadaram and B. Alger, “Improving engineering retention and degree completion through infusion of online experiments in math courses,” E-LEARN 2014 – World Conference on E-Learning, New Orleans, LA October 26-29, 2014.
  5. M. Niknamfar and M. Shadaram, “Electrical power setting for optical single side-band millimeter-wave generation,” Frontiers in Optics/Laser Science Conference, Tucson, AZ, October 19 – 23, 2014.
  6. S. Agaian, M. Roopaei, M. Shadaram, and S. Bagalkot “Bright and dark distance based image decomposition and enhancement,” IEEE International Conference on Imaging Systems and Techniques (IST 2014), Santorini, Greece, October 14 – 17, 2014.
  7. M. Roopaei, S. Agaian, M. Shadaram, and F. Hurtado, “Cross-entropy histogram equalization,” IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics (SMC2014), Paper 1076, San Diego, CA, October 5 – 8, 2014.
  8. M. Roopaei, S. Agaian, M. Shadaram, D. Akopian and H. Rios, “Thermal conditions of breast cancer progress-treatment,” IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics (SMC2014), paper 1075, San Diego, CA, October 5 – 8, 2014.
  9. M. Niknamfar and M. Shadaram, “Two sub-carriers multiplexed millimeter wave generation using Mach-Zehnder modulators,” 16th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks (ICTON), Graz, Austria, July 6-10, 2014.
  10. M. Shadaram, B. Alger, M. Agrawal “Implementation of just in time math in order to improve retention and graduation rates,” IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, Oklahoma City, OK, October 21-25, 2013.
  11. R. A. Barnes, S. Maswadi, R. Glickman, M. Shadaram, “Characterization of photo-acoustic wave imaging using probe beam deflection technique,” Biotechnology 2013 Conference, Raleigh-North Carolina, September 23-25, 2013.
  12. M. Niknamfar and M. Shadaram, “OSSB and ODSB-SC configurations for radio over fiber transmission through DWDM link,” 15th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks (ICTON), Cartagena, Spain, June 23-27, 2013.
  13. M. Niknamfar and M. Shadaram, “Cost effective RoF communication system for CATV channels over WDM network using fuzzy modeling of the system,” IEEE International Conference on Computing, Networking and Communications (ICNC), San Diego, CA, January 28-31, 2013.
  14. M. Niknamfar, R. Barnes and M. Shadaram, “Comparative study of the performance of CATV channels over DWDM network using direct and external modulator,” 14th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks (ICTON), Coventry, UK, July 2-5, 2012.
  15. M. Shadaram, T. Morrow and M. Agrawal, “A Comprehensive plan with emphasis on math preparation to improve retention and graduation rates in engineering fields,” ASEE 119th Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX, June 10-13, 2012.
  16. M. Shadaram, “A detailed process for student outcomes assessment for baccalaureate level programs,” ABET Symposium, St. Louis, MO, April 19-21, 2012.
  17. A. Moghadas, R. Barnes, M. Shadaram, “Fiber Bragg grating sensor for fault detection in high voltage transformers,” IEEE EnergyTech 2011, Cleveland, OH, May 25-26, 2011
  18. M. Shadaram, M. Niknamfar, R. Barnes, J. Medrano, A. Musa “Limitations of all optical circuit-switched high data rate networks,”    13th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks ICTON 2011, Stockholm, Sweden, June 26-30, 2011.
  19. A. Moghadas and M. Shadaram, “Novel fiber Bragg grating sensor applicable for Fault detection in high voltage transformers,” IEEE Conference on Innovative Technologies for an Efficient and Reliable Energy Supply, Boston, MA, September 27-29, 2010.
  20. M. Shadaram and K. Meyer, “The successful pathway to academic excellence and diversity is wide enough for transfers,” The National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students, creating pathways for STEM transfer student success,”, Asheville, North Carolina, September 19-21, 2010.
  21. M. K. Eghbal and M. Shadaram, “Tandem-modulator generated W-band OCDMA radio-over-fiber system.” 18th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks (ICTON), Trento, Italy, July 10 – 14, 2016.
  22. Dimitriu and M. Shadaram,” “Promoting engineering and technological literacy,” 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, DOI: 10.18260/p.26987, New Orleans, LA, June 26-29, 2016.
  23. M. Roopaei, M. Eghbal, M. Shadaram, S. Agaian, “Novel fuzzy-based image enhancement” IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging, San Francisco, CA, February 14-18, 2016.
  24. M. Shadaram, “Photonic generation of millimeter wave signals for wireless applications,” International Conference and Business Expo on Wireless Communication and Networks, Baltimore, MD, September 21-23, 2015.
  25. A. Moghadas and M. Shadaram, “Fiber Bragg grating sensor for differential fault detection in overhead transmission line systems,” 10th International Conference on Numerical Simulation of Optoelectronic Devices, Atlanta, GA, September 6 – 9, 2010.

Trade Journals/Magazine Articles

  1. Muldavin and M. Shadaram, “RWW 2015 TPC Chairs’ Message,” IEEE Microwave Magazine, Vol. 15, Issue 7, November/December 2014.
  2. M. Shadaram, “Special Speakers, Panel, and Plenary Session,” IEEE Microwave Magazine, Vol. 13, Issue 7, November/December 2012, p. S12,
  3. M. Shadaram, G.F. Lutes, R.T. Logan, and L. Maleki, “Adjustable fiber-optic microwave transversal filters,” NASA Tech Brief, Laser TB 94-2, May 1994, p. 29.
  4. M. Shadaram, “Build a 16 channel point sensor for discrete field measurements,” Fiber Optic Product News, Vol. 4, July 1989, pp. 18-19.
  5. M. Shadaram, “Optical frequency domain reflectometry,” an abstract, Optics News, Vol. 11, January 1985, p. 15.