Dr. Mehdi Sookhak Receives NSF CAREER Award to Advance the Future of Autonomous Systems
The future of transportation will rely on more than autonomous vehicles. It will depend on intelligent networks that keep vehicles, drones, and communities connected.
Dr. Mehdi Sookhak, Associate Professor of Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, is advancing that future through a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award supporting his research on next-generation wireless networks for autonomous systems.
The project, titled “SIM-Integrated Air-to-Ground Autonomous Vehicle Networks,” focuses on developing smarter, more resilient communication systems that allow autonomous vehicles, drones, and intelligent technologies to exchange information quickly and reliably.
Sookhak’s journey into this field began with his passion for computer science and emerging technologies. Originally from Iran, he earned his bachelor’s degree in software engineering before continuing his graduate studies in Malaysia, where he completed his master’s and Ph.D. in computer science. His research later expanded during his postdoctoral fellowship at Carleton University in Canada, where he explored wireless systems, autonomous technologies, and cyber-physical infrastructure.
“Over time, my research evolved from securing cloud and mobile systems to building intelligent and resilient systems for connected vehicles, drones, edge computing, and next-generation wireless networks,” Sookhak said.
Through the NSF CAREER project, Sookhak is exploring how drones can act as mobile communication and computing platforms. Instead of relying only on traditional infrastructure, drones could provide temporary network support in areas where connectivity is limited, such as rural communities, crowded transportation areas, and disaster zones.
“Drones can move to where network support is needed,” Sookhak explained. “They can provide communication and computing resources whenever the signal is weak or infrastructure is unavailable.”
The project also incorporates artificial intelligence and Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces (SIMs), programmable surfaces designed to guide wireless signals and improve energy efficiency.
“AI helps decide where drones should move, which vehicles should connect to resources, and how wireless systems should adapt as conditions change,” Sookhak said.
The research could have a lasting impact on autonomous transportation, emergency response, and smart communities, including coastal areas like Corpus Christi, where reliable communication is essential during severe weather events.
In addition to advancing technology, the award will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students. Undergraduate and graduate students will gain experience in artificial intelligence, wireless networks, drones, cybersecurity, digital twins, and other emerging technologies.
The project will also support outreach efforts, including drone coding activities, student competitions, and the development of a disaster-relief communication system that could help restore connectivity during emergencies.
“This research is about creating wireless networks that can automatically adapt to changing conditions,” Sookhak said. “The goal is to make communication faster, use less energy, and keep people connected more reliably.”
Through his research, Sookhak is helping prepare the next generation of engineers while building technologies that could shape the future of transportation and connectivity.