Nerd Voices: Good day, Dr. Ahmad Bazzi. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. I’m very glad you accepted this invitation after multiple ones. To begin, could you share a bit about your journey from France to Abu Dhabi and how it shaped your passion for electrical engineering?
Ahmad Bazzi: Thank you for having me. Indeed, my move from France to Abu Dhabi in 2022 marked a central moment for me. It was in France that I took on my academic journey in electrical engineering and wireless communications at EURECOM. The environment and exposure to diverse cultures fueled my curiosity, laying the foundation for my future pursuits in this field. Currently, I work at New York University Abu Dhabi as a research scientist, contributing to integrated sensing and communications, within Prof. Marwa Chafii’s group called the Wireless Research Lab. I feel really happy to be part of such an exciting group and working along with talented researchers as well.
Nerd Voices: What is it like to live in Abu Dhabi?
Ahmad Bazzi: Living in Abu Dhabi is truly a remarkable experience. The city combines modernity with a rich cultural heritage, offering a unique and vibrant lifestyle. People there are very generous. The welcoming and diverse community, coupled with the impressive infrastructure and amenities, creates a dynamic and comfortable living environment. The blend of traditional markets, breathtaking architecture, and world-class leisure options makes Abu Dhabi a place where one can enjoy both professional opportunities and a high quality of life. I feel privileged to call Abu Dhabi home, and the city’s continuous growth and development only add to the positive and enriching experience of living here. I was also born in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is renowned for its breathtaking islands and world-class theme parks like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is also a multicultural city, with a diverse range of attractions. Whether it’s the scorching desert, serene nature, impressive architecture, Islamic cultural richness, or perennial sunshine, there is something for everyone, regardless of age or interest. The activities and experiences in Abu Dhabi are consistently thrilling, captivating, and entertaining.
Nerd Voices: That’s fascinating. Moving forward, could you tell us about the inspiration behind your choice to focus on wireless communications and eventually pursue a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at EURECOM?
Ahmad Bazzi: Certainly. Wireless communications have always intrigued me due to their transformative impact on connectivity. During my undergraduate studies at the Lebanese University, I developed a keen interest in this domain. Pursuing a Ph.D. at EURECOM allowed me to delve deeper into the intricacies of electrical engineering, especially in the context of wireless communications. The pursuit of knowledge and the opportunity to contribute to advancements in wireless technology motivated me throughout my doctoral journey.
Nerd Voices: Impressive. Moving to your professional career, you’ve been involved in groundbreaking work as the Algorithm and Signal Processing team leader at CEVA, Inc. Could you shed some light on your experiences there, particularly in the realm of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth intellectual property for IoT?
Ahmad Bazzi: Certainly. My time there was incredibly rewarding. Leading the Algorithm and Signal Processing team allowed me to contribute to the development of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth intellectual property products tailored for the Internet of Things. This experience exposed me to the dynamic landscape of IoT and the challenges involved in creating innovative solutions to meet evolving industry demands. I am also very excited to see that one of the many patents we had filed has been catching up within the semiconductor market, where many clients have bought or licensed the underlying product using U.S. Patent No. 11,496,343.
Nerd Voices: Your achievements as an exemplary reviewer for IEEE journals highlight your commitment to academic rigor. How do you balance your roles as a researcher, industry professional, and educator on platforms like YouTube?
Ahmad Bazzi: It’s indeed a balancing act, but a fulfilling one. My roles complement one another. Research and industry experiences inform my educational content, ensuring that it remains relevant and insightful for learners. Platforms like YouTube provide a unique avenue to share knowledge and engage with a broader audience, contributing to the dissemination of information beyond traditional academic boundaries.
Nerd Voices: Lastly, your YouTube channel has gained substantial popularity. Could you share your vision for the channel and the impact you aim to make in educating your audience on mathematics, algorithms, and coding?
Ahmad Bazzi: The vision for my YouTube channel is rooted in democratizing knowledge. I aim to make complex topics accessible to a global audience, fostering a love for learning in the realms of mathematics, algorithms, and coding. By breaking down barriers to understanding, I hope to inspire the next generation of engineers and enthusiasts to embrace the world of technology with confidence and curiosity.
Nerd Voices: Dr. Bazzi, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It’s been a pleasure gaining a deeper understanding of your journey and contributions to the field of electrical engineering.
Ahmad Bazzi: The pleasure is mine. Thank you for this opportunity.
