Welcome to Prof. Shakil Ahmed’s website!

Shakil Ahmed, Ph.D.
Core faculty at Center for Wireless, Communication and Innovation (WiCI)
Office: Durham 317
613 Morrill Rd., Ames, IA 50011
Phone: +1 (515) 294 0777
Email: shakil[at]iastate[dot]edu
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Bio: Dr. Shakil Ahmed is an Assistant Professor (Term) of Computer Engineering at Iowa State (previous appointment with Computer Science). He earned his PhD in Computer Engineering (Co-major) and Electrical Engineering (Co-major) from same institution in December 2023, completing the program in an accelerated time frame of 2 years and 8 months. Dr. Ahmed’s doctoral research focused on performance enhancement strategies for 6G and beyond wireless communication systems. Dr. Ahmed also holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Engineering (Co-major) and Electrical Engineering (Co-major) from Utah State University, where his research centered on physical layer security techniques for 5G wireless technologies. Additionally, Dr. Ahmed completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Bangladesh, with an senior design emphasis on radio resource management in wireless networks. Since his undergraduate studies, Dr. Ahmed has demonstrated a consistent record of scholarly productivity, publishing in high-impact factor journals and presenting research at leading international conferences. Dr. Ahmed’s recent research addresses advanced challenges in the classical and quantum NextGen wireless/networking aspects of diverse domains, including Digital Twin, IoT Systems, Edge Computing, Tactile Internet, MIMO, RIS, 3GPP, Radio Resource Management, Virtual/Augmented Reality, PHY/Cybersecurity, and more. To develop algorithms and innovative solutions for wireless networking challenges, Dr. Ahmed extensively leverages advanced techniques such as Reinforcement Learning (RL), Deep RL (DRL), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Assembly AI, SHAP and LIME for explain-ability, various APIs, NS3 for network simulation, federated learning, and advanced AI/ML frameworks. His work also incorporates Quantum Neural Networks (QNN), Neural Networks (NN), Deep Learning, Large Language Models (LLM), Explainable AI (XAI), optimization techniques, stochastic processes, transfer learning, meta-learning, multi-agent systems, and distributed learning. These methodologies enable him to tackle the complexities of modern networking, communication systems, and interdisciplinary challenges. Dr. Ahmed is a Guest Editor at Sensors, Special Issue “Quantum-Enhanced Wireless Communication: Recent Advances in MIMO Systems and Networking (Link)“ and “Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) in Wireless and Wired Networks (Link)”. Dr. Ahmed is also a technical articles reviewer at Advanced Quantum Technologies.
Dr. Ahmed’s research thrives at the intersection of interdisciplinary innovation and next-generation networking advancements. He actively collaborates and envisions impactful partnerships across diverse fields, including the Control/Robotics/Biomedical/Circuit Group, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Economics, College of Packaging and Medical College. Through these collaborations, Dr. Ahmed aims to revolutionize next-generation networking by advancing next-generation communication systems and fostering transformative solutions that bridge technology with real-world challenges, driving impactful progress across academia, industry, and society.
Beyond his research pursuits, Dr. Ahmed is deeply committed to teaching and takes great joy in guiding undergraduate and graduate students in the dynamic fields of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He employs innovative pedagogical approaches such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Team-Based Learning (TBL) to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills among his students. Recognizing the transformative potential of generative AI, Dr. Ahmed integrates tools like ChatGPT into his teaching to enhance learning experiences, provide personalized assistance, and support students in exploring complex coding and problem-solving tasks.
Research Interest:
- Classical and Quantum AI-driven Secured Next-Generation Wireless Networking, such as 6G and beyond
- Secrued Protocol Design for Tactile Intenet in Quantum Space
- AI/ML, and Quantum-ML for Secure and Efficient Networks Achieving URLLC
- Stochastic Processes and Optimization Techniques in Networking
- Emerging Applications in Networking, such as Digital Twin, AR/VR
- Interdisciplinary research with next-generation networking focus