Prof. Michael Wicks of University of Dayton

In this talk, a number of concepts and technologies forming the foundation for the exploitation of sensors from a Big Data perspective are presented. A signal processing and systems engineering approach is discussed, and heuristic techniques are presented as being critical to leap ahead advances in sensor exploitation.  While Space-Time Adaptive Processing) oriented and radar centric in nature, the foundation for a more general sensors approach to Big Data exploitation is discussed. Archival data is considered to be essential to the optimal exploitation of sensor phenomena, as humans are unable to fully observe or even comprehend the volumes of rapidly changing data available today. Topics as diverse as radio frequency tomography for below ground imaging, millimeter wave sensing for exquisite feature extraction, target resonance and dynamic imaging of targets obscured by clutter and cover, as well as Space-Time Adaptive Processing are presented. The integrating theme of Big Data exploitation in the Internet of Radar is discussed within the context of these enabling sensor technologies as is the “Velocity of Sensor Data.”

Biography:

Michael C. Wicks, Ph.D.

Endowed Chair

Ohio Scholar for Sensor Exploitation and Fusion

Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Dayton Distinguished Research Scientist University of Dayton Research Institute

300 College Park Dayton, OH 45469

Senior Scientist US Air Force (retired)

http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/105121/dr-michael-c-wicks.aspx

Relevant Experience

Dr. Wicks is a leading research scientist in remote sensing, signal processing and systems engineering, with a current focus on distributed sensing and radio frequency technology. He has pursued a variety of research interests in his career, including: cognitive radar, radio frequency tomographic radar, counter explosive sensor technology, cognitive radar and radio, space object sensing, missile defense, deep earth probing radar, multi-dimensional adaptive processing for airborne and space based radar, ultra-wideband radio and radar, passive and active multi-static systems, and concealed weapons / contraband detection and carrier identification. He pioneered the concept of knowledge-based signal processing and waveform diversity, and has led national and international research teams on the design, development and fielding of novel algorithms, architectures and systems for remote sensing from space, air and surface platforms.

Recent Research

Sponsored research is currently focused on advanced algorithms for the detection and track processing of airborne targets obscured by wind farm clutter, as is research on spatially and spectrally diverse sensing for the automatic detection, identification, and feature exploitation of objects under cover, e.g. below ground, inside structures, or under foliage. Space object identification is also a topic of current research. The design and analysis of distributed radar for exoatmospheric surveillance is complimented by analysis and experiments for side-looking imaging and surface moving target indication radar. Recent research has resulted in the development of a mobile waveform diverse distributed MIMO radar system and a radio frequency tomography test bed at the University of Dayton. Research on integrated close-in sensing and long range wide area surveillance radar is addressing feature extraction, in addition to detection processing and track formation. Algorithms and architectures for the numerical and symbolic (heuristic) processing of sensor data is a primary focus of this research.

Professional Positions

United States Air Force

1981-2011    Research Scientist

University College London

2004-2009    Adjunct Professor School of Engineering

Cranfield University

2006-2011    Adjunct Professor Defence College of Management and

Technology

University of Dayton

2011-            Distinguished Research Scientist at UDRI

2012-            Ohio Scholar for Sensor Exploitation and Fusion

Wright State University

2012-            Adjunct Professor of Electrical Engineering

Education

AS        MVCC, Utica NY                                                             1979

BSEE    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY                      1981

MSEE   Syracuse University, Syracuse NY                                   1985

PhD      Syracuse University                                                          1995

MAPA  Maxwell School at Syracuse University                           2000

Notable Professional Honors and Awards

• IEEE Nathanson Award to the Young Engineer of the Year, 1998
• IEEE Fellow, 1998
• US Air Force Research Laboratory Fellow, 1999
• Mohawk Valley Engineers Executive Council 1999 Engineer of the Year
• MVCC Alumni of the Year, 2001
• IEEE Warren White Award for Excellence in Radar Engineering, 2009
• IEEE Dennis J Picard Medal for Radar Technologies Applications 2013
• IEEE AESS Pioneer Award 2016
• IEEE AESS M. Barry Carlton Award 2017 (transactions paper published in 2013)

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