Jacob A. Bills
Graduate Research Assistant, Flux Research Group, University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT, USA
Bio
Jacob is a Graduate Research Assistant in the School of Computing at the University of Utah; his current research is investigating spectrum usage between 2.7GHz and 2.9GHz as part of the NSF Spectrum Innovation Initiative.
Education
University of Utah (Combined BS/MS) Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Masters of Computer Science: GPA 3.889 Aug 2022 - May 2024 (Expected)
Bachelors of Computer Engineering: GPA 3.811 Aug 2017 - May 2024 (Expected)
Work Experience
University of Utah Flux Research Group
Graduate Research Assistant Aug 2022 - Present
- Studied spectrum occupancy between 2.7GHz and 2.9GHz along with details of weather radar operations
- Developed automated radio sample collection system using cronjobs, bash scripts, and SDRs in the POWDER platform
- Engineered high-performance C code to process files containing raw IQ samples on the order of terabytes
- Created workflow to visualize and analyze collected radio IQ samples looking for spectrum-sharing opportunities
- Pattern matched known data from National Weather Service radar logs to processed IQ data using Python
- Developed logging system to diagnose network issues with remote SDRs operating over multi-gigabit links
- Deployed custom data back-haul protocol to provide up-to-date spectrum occupancy data to central occupancy management system
University of Utah Flux Research Group
Undergraduate Research Assistant May 2020 - Aug 2022
- Explored wireless signal parameters in a controlled RF matrix on the PhantomNet testbed
- Instantiated end-to-end LTE network using SDRs and COTS UE on the POWDER wireless testbed
- Evaluated performance impacts of adjacent-channel interference WiFi on established DSRC/802.11p connection
- Debugged beta software for next generation C-V2X equipment with vendor engineering team
- Ensured repeatability in measurements by developing GNU Radio based SDR Calibration procedure
University of Utah Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Teaching Assistant | Intro to Electric Circuits Jan 2020 - May 2020
- Instructed a weekly lab session for Intro to Electric Circuits
- Aided students with RLC circuit design for both labs and assignments
- Provided students with in-person and remote homework help during the week
- Assisted in the development of modified coursework during the transition to online learning for COVID-19
University of Utah Pathology IT Department
Office Assistant Feb 2019 - Jan 2020
- Assisted with administrative duties within the department
- Processed documents and entered them into the knowledge base
- Prepared computers for retirement and surplus sales
- Ensured compliance with HIPPA standards for a secure chain of data destruction
Publications
Skills
Programming
- C/C++
- Python
- Verilog HDL
- MATLAB
- Java
- C#
Technologies
- Linux
- Git
- LaTeX
- Quartus
- Icarus Verilog
- ModelSim
- Wireshark
- GNU Radio
- EAGLE
- GDB
- Bash
- Docker
- Quagga
Select Coursework
Graduate Coursework
- Advanced Computer Networks
- Graduate Algorithms
- Digital VLSI Design
- Operating Systems
- Software and System Security
- Security Operations
Undergraduate Coursework
- Algorithms
- Web Browser Internals
- Fundamentals of Electromagnetics and Transmission Lines
- Embedded System Design
- Computer Organization
- Digital System Design
- Software Practice
- Computer Networks
Projects
Containerized Network | Python, Docker, Quagga
- Instantiated a virtual network containing clients and routers with docker compose
- Pre-configured Quagga routing stack defining preferred paths between hosts via docker compose
- Configured OSPF link weights to determine default paths and make the network fault-tolerant to sudden removal of routers
- Developed python-based software controller to edit path weights and re-route traffic dynamically
Ball Balancing Game | Verilog, C
- Designed a ball game using Altera Cyclone FPGA with Quartus
- Developed VGA driver to display score counter on a monitor
- Created robust RS232 driver for FPGA to communicate with motor controller
- Enumerated state machine with exhaustive testing suite in ModelSim
- Developed functional 3D models to be 3D printed and controlled via the FPGA
Matrix Processing Unit | Verilog
- Designed a chip to perform matrix operations faster than embedded CPUs
- Simulated and verified logical operation with Icuarus and ModelSim
- Synthesized logic using Synopsys to optimize design
- Brought chip to tape-out stage by checking DRC and LVS compliance in Virtuoso
Web Browser | Python
- Developed HTTP/2 network stack for requesting and receiving web pages
- Parsed HTML into a tree and drew respective components on the user's display
- Designed basic graphical user interface for users to interact with
Wirelessly controlled Rover | C, C++, Python
- Developed python-based control server to issue commands over a network using custom communication schema
- Built receiving network stack on ESP32 using C++ to forward commands to the rover controller over UART
- Constructed a rover controlled by a Cortex-M0 based arm micro-controller which interpreted commands to complete actions remotely
Secure Network Server | Python
- Built a client server setup for secure messaging across a network
- Used RSA key pairs for message security and authentication
- Used SHA1 and DES3 for hashing and encrypting messages
Dynamic Memory Allocator | C
- Designed a custom implementation of Malloc
- Maximized speed and latency performance
- Outpaced average class performance by 10%
Flight Optimizer | Java
- Built a tool that found optimal routes based on cost
- Handled multiple cost parameters like dollars or time
- Searched an imported list of weekly flights
Space Wars | C#
- Developed a networked game using both a client and server
- Ensured smooth operation with over a dozen concurrent clients
- Streamlined network performance to reduce latency in a multiplayer environment
- Produced a GUI for user interaction with game and integrated menus
Contact
Email: jacobbills14@gmail.com
Phone: (435)-754-9451
PDF Resume