Engineering Instructor Discusses Anti-Jamming Technologies, Student-Driven Research Opportunities

Electrical engineering instructor Delores Baker recently showcased research aimed at strengthening communication and sensing systems in challenging operational environments during the University's inaugural research engagement with U.S. Space Command officials.

Baker was among several Alabama A&M faculty members invited to present research initiatives to a SPACECOM delegation that included Joint Training Manager Richard Fierro, Maj. Gen. Samuel C. Keener, Dan Mark and Michael Madsen. The meeting marked an important step in strengthening collaboration between the university and the military command as U.S. Space Command expands its presence in Huntsville.

An instructor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and a doctoral candidate at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), Baker presented research focused on resilient spectrum sensing and communications in contested electromagnetic environments. Her work examines adaptive anti-jamming techniques, cooperative sensing networks and software-defined radio platforms designed to maintain reliable communications when interference or intentional disruption is present.

The presentation also explored radar and sensor fusion technologies, artificial intelligence-assisted sensing applications and potential opportunities to support U.S. Space Command priorities in space domain awareness, electromagnetic spectrum operations and resilient communication architectures.

“Our goal is to develop communication and sensing systems that remain effective even when operating in challenging environments where interference or intentional jamming may be present,” said Baker. “Through this work, Alabama A&M students are gaining hands-on research experience while contributing to technologies that support future advancements in resilient communications, spectrum awareness and national security applications.”

Baker's research has been underway for approximately four years through her graduate studies at UAH, where wireless communications, spectrum awareness and resilient sensing systems have been central areas of focus. Her current work involving cognitive radio networks, adaptive decision fusion and resilient sensing technologies forms the foundation of her doctoral dissertation. Baker expects to earn her Ph.D. in electrical engineering from UAH in December.

Since joining Alabama A&M in January 2025, Baker has collaborated with Distinguished Research Professor Dr. Chance Glenn to expand the practical applications of the research while creating opportunities for student engagement.

“One of the most important aspects of this work is the opportunity it creates for our students,” said Baker. “Through this research, undergraduate and graduate students are contributing to projects that address complex communication and sensing challenges while developing skills that prepare them for careers in industry, government and research.”

For Baker, the opportunity to share Alabama A&M's research capabilities with U.S. Space Command highlights the University's growing role in addressing national security and space-related challenges.

“Reliable communication and sensing in contested or congested environments are critical challenges for national security and space operations,” she said. “Our research focuses on improving the resilience of sensing and decision-making systems when interference or jamming is present, which aligns with broader interests in spectrum awareness, electromagnetic superiority and resilient communications.”

University presentations during the meeting were led by Glenn, Dr. Majed Dweik and Dr. ZT Deng, with additional participation from Dr. Timothy Mantz and Dr. Paul Ruffin. Faculty presentations highlighted a range of research areas supporting national defense and space innovation, including propulsion systems, radiation detection technologies, quantum optimization, secure decision-making systems, integrated circuit fabrication and advanced materials research.

SPACECOM officials also toured research facilities in the Howard J. Foster Research Center and laboratories within the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences.

The engagement comes as U.S. Space Command continues to expand its footprint in Huntsville, with approximately 1,400 personnel expected to transition to Redstone Arsenal in the coming years. For Alabama A&M, the meeting provided an opportunity to demonstrate how University research and student talent can contribute to the future of space operations, communications resilience and national defense.

Photo by Shannon Schmalfeldt