Calderbank is an information technology pioneer who has made important contributions to communications technology. He developed voiceband modem technology used in more than a billion devices worldwide; signal coding for wireless standards incorporated into 3G, 4G, and 5G; and theoretical frameworks for quantum computation. Learn more about Calderbank's new honor.

Dear Colleagues,

This spring, Duke ECE celebrates the close of an outstanding school year and the final chapter of the Class of 2026's academic journey. In the 2025-26 academic year, we proudly graduated 106 undergraduates, 145 master's students, and 43 PhD students, each prepared to take their next steps as industry professionals, researchers, and leaders.

We also begin this newsletter with another celebratory recognition. Robert Calderbank's election to the National Academy of Sciences is an extraordinary honor that reflects his foundational contributions to communications, wireless standards, and quantum information science. With this distinction, he joins a small group of scholars elected to both the NAS and the NAE, a testament to the depth and lasting impact of his work.

Other stories in this issue reflect our strengths across education, research, and global engagement. You'll read about students shaped by creativity and curiosity, opportunities made possible through the Lamond Family's investment, and research with direct societal implications. 

Thank you for reading!

Hai "Helen" Li, PhD
Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
Marie Foote Reel E’46 Distinguished Professor

Wanghley Soares Martins combines gambiarra, the Brazilian spirit of creative resourcefulness, with an interdisciplinary approach to health technology. Read more about Martins's path to Duke in this senior spotlight.

Student interest has grown greatly for the ECE course on emerging nanoelectronic devices. See why students from the undergrad to doctoral levels are seeking to learn about the latest in semiconductor research.

The naming of the Pierre R. Lamond Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering strengthens Duke's ability to shape the next era of computing technologies. Learn how the $57 million gift will impact students at all levels.

A dozen members of Duke's IEEE student chapter attended SATSHOW 2026, one of the world's largest gatherings focused on satellite technology and the future of space. Hear about what is driving student interest in space right now. 

New research from Emily Wenger found that in tests of originality and creativity, human responses are much more diverse than LLMs. Learn more about the research that led her to this conclusion and what implications it might have for society.

Duke researchers are developing new ways to detect Earth‑bound asteroids earlier and more reliably using new observational and modeling methods. Read how these advances could help prevent future impacts.

ECE students are working with partners in Nepal to build an early detection system that provide critical seconds of warning before earthquakes strike. Learn how this collaboration is advancing earthquake preparedness.

Tingjun Chen studies how wireless and fiber optic networks work together to deliver fast, reliable connectivity to the internet. Chen breaks down what's really happening behind the scenes when you stream a YouTube video wirelessly. 

The Duke IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu chapter received an award that places it among the top 10 percent of chapters worldwide.

Follow @DukeECE on LinkedIn for more!

“This independent study crystallized something I already suspected: I love taking things that exist purely as software and giving them physical presence in the world.”

—GRADUATING SENIOR ANA STANISAVLJEVIC

on lessons learned from building a
physical-digital Settlers of Catan game board

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