Our People

Prof. Harald Haas
Director LiFi Research and Development Centre, Van Eck Professor of Engineering

Prof. HARALD HAAS FREng FRSE FIEEE FIET is the Director of the LiFi Research and Development Centre (LRDC) at the University of Cambridge. He is also the initiator, co-founder, and Chief Scientific Officer of pureLiFi Ltd. He received the PhD degree from The University of Edinburgh in 2001. He has authored 650 conference and journal papers, including papers in Science and Nature Communications. Haas’ main research interests are in optical wireless communications, hybrid optical wireless and RF communications, spatial modulation, and interference coordination in wireless networks. His team invented spatial modulation. He introduced LiFi to the public at an invited TED Global talk in 2011. This talk on Wireless Data from Every Light Bulb has been watched online over 2.79 million times. LiFi was listed among the 50 best inventions in TIME Magazine in 2011. He gave a second TED Global lecture in 2015 on the use of solar cells as LiFi data detectors and energy harvesters. This has been viewed online over 2.90 million times. In 2016, he received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the International Solid State Lighting Alliance. In 2019 he was recipient of IEEE Vehicular Society James Evans Avant Garde Award. Haas was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) in 2017. In the same year he received a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award and was elevated to IEEE Fellow. In 2018 he received a three-year EPSRC Established Career Fellowship extension and was elected Fellow of the IET. Haas was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) in 2019. He received the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany in 2022. In 2023, he was shortlisted for the European Patent Office Inventor Award in the category ‘Research’.

Dr Iman Tavakkolnia
Assistant Professor

 

IMAN TAVAKKOLNIA is an Assistant Professor at the Electrical Engineering division at the University of Cambridge, UK. His research focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of the energy-efficiency of current and future telecommunication systems and lies at the frontier of communication theory, advanced materials, signal processing, and optical communications. He also works on low-complexity optical space communication systems for small satellites. He is a coinvestigator on two EPSRC Future Communication Hubs in the UK (TITAN and HASC) as well as the project REASON under the Future Open Networks Research Challenge grant funded by the UK’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). He was a working group member of the European COST Action, CA19111 NEWFOCUS, and an Associate Editor of the IEEE Communications Letters. He has been a co-chair of the optical wireless communication workshops in WCNC 2023, WCNC 2024 and GLOBECOM 2024, a local organising committee member of ECOC 2023, and TPC member of several workshops and conferences. Iman Tavakkolnia obtained his PhD degree from the University of Edinburgh in 2018. He was a Research Associate at the University of Edinburgh until 2020 and then at the University of Strathclyde until September 2021, before being appointed as the Strathclyde Chancellor’s Fellow (Lecturer) until February 2024.

Dr Sina Babadi
Optical Research Engineer

SINA BABADI received his MSc in Power Electronics from the University of Bradford in 2011 and completed his PhD in Optical Engineering in 2017. After his doctorate, Sina worked as an Optical Engineer at Optical Limited, where he focused on the application of micro-optics in lighting systems and related technologies. Sina joined the LRDC in 2021, specialising in the design of optical components for transmitters and receivers in optical wireless communication, with a particular emphasis on free-space optics for both short- and long-distance applications. His research interests include high-efficiency power and data transmission using lasers and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, and the development of reliable optical systems.

Dr Hossein Kazemi
Research Associate

HOSSEIN KAZEMI received his PhD in Electrical Engineering from The University of Edinburgh, UK, in 2019. He received his MSc degree in Electrical Engineering (Microelectronic Circuits) from Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, in 2011, and his MSc degree (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering (Wireless Communications) from Özyeğin University, Istanbul, Turkey, in 2014. He is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the LiFi Research and Development Centre, University of Cambridge, UK. Dr Kazemi was the recipient of the Best Paper Award for the 2022 IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM). His current research interests mainly focus on the design, analysis and optimization of ultra-high-speed optical wireless communication systems and networks for 6G.

Dr Hossein Safi
Research Associate

HOSSEIN SAFI joined the LRDC in 2023, and was a visiting PhD student at the School of Engineering at The University of British Columbia in Canada in 2019. He has contributed to major UK telecom projects such as REASON and TITAN, serving as both Research Associate and interim Project Manager. Hossein has also worked in consultancy firms, advising on 5G deployment, providing IoT solutions and digital transformation strategies. His research interests include optical wireless communication, 6G systems, non-terrestrial networks, statistical signal processing, deep learning for wireless systems, and network standardisation. He is a Member of IEEE, and has served as Guest Editor and session Chair for various journals and conferences.

Dr Isaac N. Osahon
Research Associate

ISAAC N. OSAHON received his BEng (Hons) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (First Class) from Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, in 2012. He earned his MSc degree in Internet Engineering from University College London, in 2015, and obtained a PhD degree at the Institute of Digital Communications, University of Edinburgh in 2020. He has worked as a researcher on digital signal processing for optical fibre and optical wireless communication at several UK universities. Currently, Isaac is a Research Associate in optical wireless communication at the University of Cambridge. He specialises in setting up experimental optical wireless communication testbeds and characterising optical components.  His research interests include optical communications, advanced modulation schemes, artificial neural networks, digital equalisation techniques, power harvesting, visible light positioning and physical layer security.

Dr Othman Younus
Research Associate

OTHMAN YOUNUS holds a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from Northumbria University, UK, which he received in 2022. He received his MSc degree in Microelectronics and Communication Engineering in 2019, also from Northumbria University. He was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow and Academic Associate at Northumbria from 2022-2024. He specialises in designing and building experimental optical wireless communication test beds and models, along with the thorough characterization of their components. His work spans various optical signal applications and environments, such as free space optics, optical camera-based positioning, and communication. He has developed significant skills in digital and optical signal processing to address challenges like low bandwidths, blocking/shadowing, and atmospheric conditions in internet data transmission.

Dr Mohamad Ghaddar
Assistant Research Professor

MOHAMAD GHADDAR is an Assistant Research Professor in the Electrical Engineering division of the University of Cambridge and was born in Beirut, Lebanon. His research focuses on radio communications in the millimetre-wave and terahertz (THz) bands, with emphasis on theoretical prediction, experimental characterisation, channel sounding, wireless sensing and deep learning. Mohamad has led studies on 5G and 6G multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) propagation in underground mines and hospital environments, for mining and biomedical applications respectively. He received his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Quebec, Canada and completed his Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Durham. Mohamad was a recipient of the IET ICWCA Award for Best Research Paper.

Dr Yi Liu
Research Associate

YI LIU holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cambridge, UK (2024). He earned his MRes in Integrated Photonic and Electronic Systems from University College, London, (2018), as well as his BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with first-class honours. He is currently a Research Associate in Optical Wireless Communication at the University of Cambridge. Yi specialises in designing and developing experimental optical wireless communication systems and free-space optics. His work includes high-capacity optical wireless communication systems, focusing on low-cost optical transmitters, high-sensitivity optical detectors, and multi-user connectivity. His research interests cover high-speed optical communication, wireless fronthaul, nano and micro-optics design, and physical layer security.

Dr Aravindh Krishnamoorthy
Research Associate

ARAVINDH KRISHNAMOORTHY received his MSc and PhD (Dr-Ing.) from the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Germany, in 2015 and 2024. He obtained his B.E. from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India, in 2003. From 2003 to 2024, he was employed at Philips and NXP Semiconductors, Ericsson, Fraunhofer IIS, and FAU. In 2025, he joined the LiFi Research and Development Centre. Aravindh’s industrial experience spans system and algorithm design for 2/4/5G communication systems, standardization, numerical and matrix analysis, digital signal processing, and embedded (vector) programming. His research areas include system and algorithm design for radio frequency and optical systems, linear algebra, and information and communication theories. Aravindh is the author of several patents and IEEE journal articles. He is also an open-source programmer and an open research proponent. Aravindh’s doctorate was sponsored by the Fraunhofer Foundation via Fraunhofer IIS.

Dr Rizwana Ahmad
Research Associate

RIZWANA AHMAD specialises in optical wireless communication. She earned her PhD in 2021 from IIIT Delhi and has since pursued research in orbital angular momentum (OAM)-based LiFi, hybrid LiFi–WiFi networks, advanced modulation, and machine learning for communication systems. Rizwana was a visiting researcher at the University of Edinburgh in 2019 and has served on the technical programme committees of major conferences, including Globecom, PIMRC and ICC. She demonstrated SolarLiFi at Mobile World Congress 2025 and has reviewed for leading IEEE journals such as IEEE Transactions on Communications. Riwana’s work has earned her Fellowships from ERCIM Alain Bensoussan and Intel Research.

Dr Behnaz Majlesein
Research Associate

BEHNAZ MAJLESEIN received her PhD in Electrical Engineering at the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (2020–2023), while working as an Early-Stage Researcher at LightBee Corp, Spain. As part of the Marie Curie PhD programme, she was a visiting scholar at the University of Edinburgh (2022–2023). She has been with the LRDC since January 2024 as a Research Associate and has been contributing to several telecom projects such as REASON and GreenCom. Behnaz’s research interests include end-to-end system design and prototyping of energy-efficient, high-speed optical communication and positioning systems for underwater, indoor and free-space optical applications.

Yifan Huang

YIFAN HUANG received his MSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Distinction from the University of Strathclyde in 2022. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Cambridge, where his research focuses on advanced optical wireless technologies, including Visible Light Positioning (VLP), Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS), and energy-efficient Optical Wireless Communications (OWC).In addition to his research at Cambridge, Yifan has actively engaged in significant academic activities. He presented his work at the prestigious IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (WCNC) in 2023 and at the 49th European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC) in 2023. Further enhancing his academic experience, Yifan also served as a visiting scholar at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

Tiankuo Jiao

TIANKUO JIAO received his BEng degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with First Class Honours from the University of Liverpool in 2023. He went on to earn an MRes degree in Photonic and Electronic Systems from the University of Cambridge in 2024. Currently, Tiankuo is undertaking his PhD studies at Cambridge, where his research focuses on coherent optical wireless transmission (SISO and MIMO), serial digital interface (SDI) communication and advanced modulation techniques. His recent work also investigates coherent integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) technologies, aiming to enhance data capacity, link reliability and real-time sensing performance in next-generation optical wireless systems that integrate communication and perception.

matthew anderson

MATTHEW ANDERSON obtained his undergraduate MPhys degree in Physics with First Class Honours from the University of Exeter in 2022, before joining the Connected Electronic and Photonic Systems Centre for doctoral training at University College London (UCL) in 2023, and earning his MRes degree. The MRes entailed research at both the University of Cambridge and UCL, where he investigated band gap engineering for terahertz devices, and medical applications of near infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Presently, Matthew is pursuing his PhD at Cambridge, exploring both commercial and emerging, e.g. organic, perovskite, photovoltaic materials for optical wireless communications, to act as energy independent receivers, or simultaneously serve data transmission and power production needs.

Ziheng Wang

ZIHENG WANG received his BEng in Electronic Engineering from the University of Manchester in 2024 and joined the Centre for Doctoral Training in Connected Electronic and Photonic Systems (jointly between University College London and the University of Cambridge), where he completed his MRes exploring quantum key distribution based on entanglement and dispersive wavelength LiDAR. He is now pursuing a PhD at the LRDC in Cambridge, focusing on inter-satellite free-space optical communication. His research interests include photonic integrated systems, CubeSat optical links, and quantum communication technologies for high-capacity, energy-efficient space networks. He is particularly interested in advancing compact optical terminals for future satellite constellations.

maxim chu

DEMI WORMGOOR
RESEARCH COORDINATOR | Lrdc & titan

DEMI WORMGOOR joined the LiFi Research and Development Centre (LRDC) in 2024 as Research Coordinator. She manages the organisation and operational development of the LRDC and coordinates key aspects of grant-funded projects, including applications and reporting.

She is committed to advancing Knowledge Exchange initiatives, ensuring the LRDC’s pioneering research delivers transformative real-world impact. With a diverse background in academic publishing and higher education, including her role as Programme Coordinator at Nyenrode Business University, Demi brings a wealth of expertise in driving projects and fostering collaboration.

Demi holds an MA in Medieval Literatures and Languages from the University of York, where her research explored John Gower’s Confessio Amantis and its codicological contexts.

WENDY RAYMOND
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

SARAH PAYNE
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | LRDC

SARAH PAYNE is a Chartered Marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing and has over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications. Sarah joined the LRDC in July 2025 from global research and technology organisation TWI Ltd, where she managed the marketing and communications for a wide range of projects, programmes and services, as well as a portfolio of Innovation Centres (university-TWI partnerships).

Her skills set ranges from formulating and implementing integrated marketing communications plans and strategies through to tactical delivery of targeted campaigns, branding and event management. With a background spanning most major industries, Sarah particularly enjoys working with technical experts to turn complex subject matter into compelling stories that generate impact.

DR SAMuel GILTRAP
HEAD OF PROJECTS | titan

SAMUEL GILTRAP is the Head of Projects at TITAN, where he oversees the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of research projects across over 20 academic partner institutions within the TITAN Technology Hub. With a strong foundation in scientific research, including a PhD in plasma physics from Imperial College London, he brings a unique blend of analytical and problem-solving skills to project management.

Samuel’s experience spans both academic and industrial settings, having previously led commercial research and development of novel wavelength-selective switching technology, and conducted research projects in the field of nuclear fusion diagnostics. This diverse background allows him to approach challenges with a scientific rigor and an innovative mindset.

At TITAN, Samuel leverages his expertise to deliver projects that push to boundaries of telecommunication technology.

SARAH HARDY
Marketing Director | Federated Telecoms Hubs

SARAH HARDY is the Marketing Director for the Federated Telecoms Hubs, where she leads high-impact campaigns to drive innovation and promote the future of global connectivity.

As a marketing and communications professional with extensive experience in the research and technology sectors, Sarah has a proven track record of building strategic marketing functions from the ground up.

Sarah’s approach to marketing is strategic and data-driven. She focusses on setting clear objectives, crafting key messages, and selecting the most appropriate channels to ensure campaigns are aligned with organizational goals. This includes ongoing research, analysis, and evaluation to optimize communications for impact and effectiveness.

At TITAN, Sarah is excited to bring these skills to the telecoms sector, supporting next-generation innovations and fostering collaboration across the industry.

SRINJOY DEY
mARKETING & cOMMUNICATIONS mANAGER | titan

SRINJOY DEY is the Marketing and Communications Manager at TITAN Telecoms Hub, University of Cambridge. He has previously held various marketing, communications and engagement roles at University College London and City St. George’s University of London. Before his foray into the UK higher education and research sector, he was a journalist at India’s foremost media organisations. He holds an MA in English Literature from University College London, where his multidisciplinary academic work spanned literature, philosophy, social relations, critical race theory, games and technology.

Catarina Lopes
Project administrator

CATARINA LOPES is the Project Administrator at the LRDC and TITAN. With over a decade of experience at the University of Cambridge, Catarina has developed extensive expertise in administrative roles, particularly within the clinical trials sector based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Over the years, she has contributed to various departments, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the university’s operations and fostering strong organizational skills. Her primary focus has been ensuring the smooth execution of clinical trials administrative part, where she excels in project coordination, stakeholder management, and meticulous documentation. Catarina’s vast administrative experience is complemented by a commitment to efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration in all aspects of her work.

PETER J. LOVE
PROJECT MANAGER | TITAN

PETER JOHN LOVE is an experienced leader of diverse teams and a trusted advisor for Cx0/CxO-1 leaders. Educated with Six Sigma Yellow Belt, ITIL, and with a PMP certification, his skillset lies in the ability to excel in global project delivery, demystify complexities, and handle challenges with tenacity and good humour. He is committed to fostering industry dialogue and has chaired telecoms forums and acted as a Special Interest Group champion to drive collaboration and impact. His career has spanned many multidisciplinary roles including global strategy & operational development; geographic management of both sales and delivery teams across telecoms infrastructure vendor & consumer electronics. Peter is a seasoned leader with extensive experience managing diverse teams and serving as a trusted advisor to CxO and senior leadership. He holds certifications in Six Sigma, ITIL, and PMP, equipping him with a robust skill set for global project delivery. Known for his ability to simplify complex challenges and address them with resilience and a positive attitude, Peter thrives in high-stakes environments. A strong advocate for industry collaboration, Peter has chaired telecom forums and led Special Interest Groups to foster dialogue and drive meaningful impact. Throughout his career, he has held various multidisciplinary roles, including global strategy and operational development, as well as managing sales and delivery teams in the telecom infrastructure and consumer electronics sectors.