Dr. Andrew Harms, assistant professor in electrical and computer engineering, in his lab at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
Meet Dr. Andrew Harms
Dr. Andrew Harms, NSRI Fellow and assistant professor in the electrical and computer engineering department at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), shares his time at both UNL and the Peter Kiewit Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). His research focuses on signal processing, efficient sampling and processing of signals, information theory and signal processing for radar systems.
Dr. Harms served as a cohort leader for the 2024 NSRI strategic deterrence interns, facilitating a project that focuses on Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (JEMSO) and the development of advanced algorithms for active radio frequency (RF) signal cancellation using destructive interference techniques.
Dr. Harms' research contributes in the NSRI focus area of strategic deterrence and nuclear programs, specifically, joint electromagnetic spectrum operations.
Q&A
Why are you interested in supporting national security?
Our country and our world are filled with profoundly creative and interesting people. I want to see each of them reach their potential. A safe and secure country would help to achieve that potential. History has also taught us that preparation is the best way to support security, so I try to contribute as a researcher to ensure our country is always prepared for the next battle.
Have you done work in the national security space prior to being an NSRI Fellow?
I have done work in passive sensing and communications for and with a variety of organizations. Primarily, the U.S. Air Force and the Australian Defense Science & Technology (DST) Group.
What national security challenges do you think you could offer your expertise to solve?
I am eager to contribute to challenges in robust communication systems that are resilient to interference and can offer secure and reliable communication links. I am also eager to contribute to the challenge of ensuring situational awareness in the presence of small targets and from large standoff distances.
How do you think your area of expertise can contribute to national security challenges?
My research expertise is in signal processing, and most of my experience is related to communication and radar systems. I believe I can contribute especially to challenges in advanced radar systems for detecting and tracking small and difficult targets, as well as ensuring secure communications links in challenging environments, including those with heavy interference.
What do you see in the next five or 10 years in your space that you think is important for national security leaders to consider?
I think advances in data-driven approaches to signal processing — machine learning, neural networking and artificial intelligence — will have a huge impact in the next 5 to 10 years. Not only do we need to develop new algorithms and approaches that take advantage of these advances, but we also need to understand the limits and the impact of data quality for training these algorithms.
What are you working on now that excites you and why?
Currently, I'm working on research that is aimed at interference mitigation for radio frequency (RF) systems, such as radar and communication systems. The use of RF spectrum has exploded, especially with the flourishing of wireless communications such as wi-fi and cellular. Handling interference in a robust way will be vital to ensuring the continued operation of wireless systems with an increasing need for data throughput.
Learn more about Dr. Harms via his UNL Bio.
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About the National Strategic Research Institute
Through the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska leading scientists deliver innovative national security research, technology, product and strategy development, training and exercises, and subject matter expertise to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies. One of only 15 DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Centers in the country, NSRI is sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and works to ensure the United States’ safety and preparedness against increasingly sophisticated threats. Read about our mission.
