ALUMNI PROFILES

A Corporate Leader in Engineering & Technology:
Dr. Reza Ghanadan
Technical Director for Networking and Information Processing
BAE Systems

B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, 1988
B.S., Physics, University of Maryland, 1988
M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, 1990
Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, 1993

"The most valuable thing I learned... was that every one of us can make a major impact in advancing technology."

Dr. Reza Ghanadan is Technical Director for Networking and Information Processing, Network Systems division at BAE Systems. He provides leadership to engineering and management staff to identify, develop, and deliver advanced technology and capabilities to satisfy a wide range of customer requirements.

Reza was born in Ghuchan, Iran. He received a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (1993), M.S. in Electrical Engineering (1990), and two B.S. degrees in Electrical Eng. & Physics (1988) both Summa Cum Laude, all from University of Maryland College Park. He was a recipient of NSF Graduate Fellowship from Institute for Systems Research at UMCP and Tau Beta Pi Graduate Fellowship. Reza is currently completing his MBA degree at New York University, Stern School of Business Executive MBA program.

At BAE Systems, Reza directs several technology research and development programs in wireless networking, communications, and information processing and management systems. He is also chief systems architect for Airborne Networking initiative at BAE Systems. In 2006, under his leadership, he and his team (FAST Airborne Networking) received global BAE Systems Gold Chairman's Award for Innovation which is the highest technical achievement at global BAE Systems. Prior to BAE Systems, Reza was with Flarion Technologies (now part of Qualcomm) since its foundation in early 2000 where he was responsible for creating and executing Flash OFDM wireless internet technology and its market trial. Prior to Flarion, Reza was a member of technical staff at Bell Laboratories, Lucent technologies and AT&T Bell Labs Federal Systems. Reza is a fellow of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society. He holds four patents and has several applied on file. He was recently selected as “Engineering Fellow” at BAE Systems, an honor is given to only 1% of the Engineering population.

Q & A with Reza:

Q. What aspects of the University of Maryland's Electrical Engineering program did you enjoy most as a student?

As an undergraduate, I enjoyed the wide array of opportunities available to students both culturally and academically within the ECE department. I worked at several ECE labs on campus and was able to not only earn money but also learn a lot about electronics and advanced technologies. This was crucial to me later in my career as I was able to better apply myself in advancing interdisciplinary programs in industry, and adapt to ever changing technology. At Graduate school, I interacted with many world renowned researchers and faculties at ECE, and many outstanding students in the field of my studies. I also really liked the people of ECE and University of Maryland. Everyone was always warm, fun and open, many with diverse cultural background and national origins. People at ECE also maintain a good network and think of themselves as a community. For example, many people at Flarion were recruited from the ECE department at Maryland.

Q. Name the most valuable thing you learned at Maryland.

The most valuable thing I learned from ECE department was that every one of us can make a major impact in advancing technology. I learned not to be afraid of tackling challenging problems and be results oriented. I also learned about myself that the more I do and the more I am challenged, the better results I get and the more I accomplish. Other than receiving a high quality education, I appreciated the diverse set of opportunities available to me in the ECE department which helped me to grow personally as well.

Q. How did your experiences here at the University of Maryland change you?

At the ECE department, I acquired the skills and knowledge in my field to be successful in industry, as well as an ability to adapt and learn new technologies over time. I also became more confident in applying myself and expanding to new fields of technology over time. Moreover, I acquired proficiency in communications (presentation, technical writing, etc.) and other non-technical skills, such as team work, that are important for success in industry today. After attending ECE at Maryland, I also appreciated the importance of diversity in life and society, and realized the value of being able to view things with diverse and fresh outlooks.  

Q. What advice would you offer to incoming students to get the most out of their experiences here?

I recommend students be proactive and take responsibility for their advancement. In addition to developing expertise in their technical field, students should learn to be adaptable, acquire communication skills, and learn leadership qualities in life. I also strongly suggest for ECE students to learn about business fundamentals, including marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurial opportunities in technology. A good understanding of the global marketplace is also very important.  

Q. What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside work, I like to spend time with my family (wife and three sons), play a variety of sports (soccer, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, etc.), read, listen to music, and watch adventure movies.

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