Center Projects
SpectrumX, an NSF Spectrum Innovation Center, is leading the way in cross-institutional collaborations across scientists, engineers, and educators with background in electrical engineering, computer science, aerospace, astronomy, geoscience, economics, policy, and workforce development.
Center Flagship Projects
Center Flagship Projects (FPs) include FP 1: Spectrum Awareness for Coexistence, and FP 2: Scientific Coexistence. Center members engage in working groups and flagship projects to work together to apply research efforts to areas of great interest to researchers and policymakers in the U.S. to help create the best environment domestically spectrum resources.
NSF SpectrumX Flagship Projects are currently led and organized by Frank Lind, SpectrumX Research Deputy Director, and research engineer at MIT Haystack Observatory.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU+)
SpectrumX invites applications by current undergraduate students to participate in its 2025 REU+ Program to be hosted during Summer 2025 at the following sites: University of Notre Dame, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, University of California Los Angeles, and University of Virginia.
Students will have the opportunity to work with an experienced, trained mentor in their field of interest including, but not limited to, Spectrum Use Cases and Coexistence, Radio & Network Technologies, Data & Machine Learning, Spectrum Economics and Policy, Science Communication, Science Education, and Social Justice.
Learn more about our 2025 opportunities here.
Broadband Mapping Using Smartphones (Broadband MAP US)
This project is dedicated to mapping coverage data for the major cellular carriers.
SpectrumX Grade 6-12 Lessons
Lessons were created during a summer teacher experience that was part of the SpectrumX program. Educators were recruited from across the US and its territories to participate in Radio frequency workshops which were hosted by spectrum experts. The educators then used that knowledge and best practices to create these lessons.
More details can be found here.
Citizen Science
This project offers an opportunity for everyone to contribute as a scientist. To effectively manage the radio spectrum for the benefit of all, it is essential to understand the geographic locations and times of day when radio frequency bands are in use. Participation requires only an Android smartphone or an RTL-SDR dongle. You can sign up for a free RTL-SDR dongle by clicking here.
The webpage linked here provides detailed instructions for various activities that enable participants to collect data on radio frequency usage. This data will be invaluable in enhancing our understanding of how the radio spectrum is utilized in your area.
Learn more about this project here.
