Startup Switch: Ta‑Seen Reaz Niloy’s Satellite Communication  Immersion in California

Ph.D. student Ta‑Seen Reaz Niloy is interning at Tiami Networks in California, where she’s developing 4G/5G testbeds and algorithms to support Non-terrestrial Network (NTN), Direct-to-Cell (DTC) communication in wireless systems. Her mentorship in a startup environment is expanding her research outlook and shaping her entrepreneurial ambitions.

Ta‑Seen Reaz Niloy, a doctoral candidate in electrical engineering at NC State, spent her summer at Tiami Networks, a startup in California focused on satellite-based 5G sensing.

Ta‑Seen’s work centers on spectrum sharing, satellite bands, and signal processing. She utilizes the srsRAN testbed to analyze communication signals, apply machine learning models for target detection and tracking, and design algorithms that enhance integrated sensing and wireless communication capabilities.

“A typical day involves collaborating with the engineering team, developing testbed, real-world data collection, running simulations and discussing technical solutions during team standups,” Ta‑Seen says. “I’m learning how research transitions into real-world systems.”

Beyond the technical work, she’s gaining valuable experience in project management, communication, and agile development — all essential skills for startups and entrepreneurship.

“Working on satellite and wireless communication features in a startup setting has been transformative,” she says. “It’s not just about algorithms and protocols, it’s about turning research into something people can use.”

Ta‑Seen credits her Ph.D. advisor, Assistant Professor Vijak K. Shah, with preparing her for this opportunity. “His mentorship in wireless systems, spectrum sharing, and applied signal processing has been instrumental,” she says.

This hands-on experience is influencing Ta‑Seen’s dissertation work and fueling her long-term goal of becoming a research scientist in wireless communication. For now, she’s focused on learning from Tiami’s fast-paced, collaborative team and building a bridge between academic research and real-world impact.