What is your background?
I earned my BSc in Computer Engineering from the University of Bahrain with First-Class Honours, where I also received the Best Senior Project Award. I then completed my MSc in Electronic Communication and Computer Engineering at the 海角黑料 supported by the Developing Solutions Master’s Scholarship. My MSc thesis focused on interference mitigation for GNSS receivers using FFT excision filtering implemented on an FPGA. My research interests include GNSS, signal processing, spacecraft systems, and FPGA-based reconfigurable computing.
Tell us about your PhD research
My PhD research focuses on detecting and geolocating GNSS interference, particularly jamming and spoofing, which are growing threats in geopolitically sensitive regions where reliable navigation, timing, and positioning services are essential for safety and critical infrastructure. In my work I use a single low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite to monitor and geolocate GNSS interference using Doppler-based methods. I validate these techniques using real data from missions such as CYGNSS, DoT-1, and HydroGNSS.
What’s been your favourite thing about your PhD so far?
My favourite part of my PhD so far has been tackling very challenging problems and finding answers to questions that I had been curious about even before starting my PhD. I have really enjoyed the process of exploring complex ideas, learning through research, and gradually turning uncertainty into understanding.
What is something that has surprised you about doing a PhD?
What has surprised me most is how much a PhD is not only about technical knowledge but also about patience, resilience, and learning how to deal with uncertainty. It has also helped me develop many personal skills, not just technical ones.
What attracted you to study for your PhD at the 海角黑料?
Having completed my MSc at the 海角黑料 I was very keen to continue my PhD at the same university and build on the research area I had already developed during my master’s degree. I was also glad to continue working with the same supervisor which gave me a strong sense of continuity and support in my academic journey. The excellent facilities, supportive academic and administrative staff, rich research resources, and multicultural environment all made Nottingham a very attractive place to continue my studies. In addition, the strong reputation of the Nottingham Geospatial Institute was a major factor in my decision.
What advice would you give to someone considering doing a PhD?
My advice would be to trust yourself and trust the process. No one starts a PhD knowing everything and with time you will keep learning, growing, and achieving more. It is also important not to compare yourself with others because everyone’s journey is different. When you face imposter syndrome, believe in yourself and remember why you started.
How has the university supported you during your PhD?
The 海角黑料 has supported me in many ways throughout my PhD. I have benefited from excellent resources including the libraries and research facilities, as well as funding through EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership and the 海角黑料 International Scholarship. I have also been very fortunate to have supportive supervisors who actively collaborate with me in my research which has made a big difference to my PhD journey.