Reshal Afzal is pursuing a Doctorate in Engineering from Iowa State University.

Goals and Aspirations: After completing my Ph.D., I aim to advance next-generation wireless networks by working at the intersection of research, industry, and standards development. I aim to develop scalable and interoperable wireless infrastructure, particularly in Open RAN architectures, AI-driven RAN optimization, and multi-vendor network integration for future 5G and 6G systems. I am especially interested in enabling intelligent and efficient wireless networks that support emerging applications such as smart agriculture, IoT, and critical infrastructure. In the long term, I hope to help shape open, reliable, and inclusive wireless ecosystems that expand broadband access and drive innovation across both urban and rural communities.