Raj Nadakuditi receives ONR Young Investigator Award

Raj Nadakuditi, assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was recently awarded a 2011 Young Investigator Award from the Office of Naval Research for the research project, “Fundamental Limits and Algorithms for Quiet Signal Detection, Estimation and Classification.”

This proposal aims to bring into sharp focus fundamental statistical limits of quiet signal detection, estimation and classification in the context of undersea signal processing and to develop robust, implementable algorithms that operate efficiently at these limits.

The theoretical component of the work uses random matrix theory to quantify performance losses and fundamental limits in undersea signal processing due to randomness in the operating environment. The algorithms developed will potentially allow the US Navy to detect and classify quieter targets than it presently can. Quantification of the achievable gains and the limits of quiet signal detection, estimation and classification will provide a scientifically principled common basis for evaluating candidate next-generation algorithms, help prevent futile efforts and guide innovation toward the most significant challenges.

Prof. Nadakuditi joined the Department in 2009 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he was a post-doctoral research associate developing “smart” undersea signal processing technologies and characterizing their fundamental limits. He has taught courses in Digital Signal Processing and Analysis (EECS 451), Mathematical Methods for Signal Processing (EECS 551), as well as a new graduate course in Random Matrix Theory and Applications.

About the Award

The ONR Young Investigator Program was created to support outstanding academic scientists and engineers at the start of their careers who show exceptional promise for doing creative research, and to encourage their teaching and research careers. The research conducted will be in areas of interest to the ONR.

More about Professor Nadakuditi

Rajesh R. Nadakuditi
Assistant Professor

Systems Laboratory

PhD, Electrical and Oceanographic Engineering from MIT and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Applied Ocean Science and Engineering