The beginning of the fall semester at Florida Atlantic University is always an exciting time of year for me. While others dread resuming classes and work, I find the faster pace more stimulating. The incoming students get better every year. The football team should also be entertaining, despite the challenging schedule. There seems to be more and more fans every season.

This semester I’m finishing the only remaining dissertation credits standing between me and the PhD. In other words, I’ll have completed all requirements except the dissertation and its defense. I’m glad to be teaching Introduction to Microprocessor Systems again. Last time I taught it everyone learned a lot (or so it seemed!) and I have some new, interesting plans for the class this semester. I’m also continuing my sponsored research. Part of the work is completing a research grant studying Secure Telecommunications while most will be for the Center for Coastline Security.

Finally, MLAB, my research group’s new face, is taking shape. The new and planned equipment will let us undertake more promising experiments. The website is nearly ready for release.