Harris Alexander Ransom
Ph.D. Student
Columbia University Higgins Fellow
Electrical Engineering
Columbia University
Email: harris.ransom[at]columbia.edu
I am a Ph.D. student in the WiMNet and SNL labs studying under Professors Gil Zussman and Ethan Katz-Bassett. I received a B.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rutgers University in 2025 (Summa Cum Laude). My research interests span network security, satellite networks, wireless communication systems, and digital signal processing.
Education
M.S./Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
Columbia University (2025 – Present)
B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Rutgers University (2025)
Research Experience
Wireless and Mobile Networking (WiMNet) and Systems and Networking Lab (SNL)
Columbia University (09/2025 – Present)
Advisors: Profs. Gil Zussman and Ethan Katz-Bassett
- Improving the reliability of satellite communications in the presence of physical obstructions and interference through network-level performance measurements and LiDAR-based performance prediction to model network performance against terrain/environment geometry
- Investigating how network dynamics impact the security of deep-space networks via theoretical modeling and implementation of side-channel attacks
Coding and Secure Information (CSI) Lab
Rutgers University (03/2024 – 05/2025)
Advisor: Prof. Salim El Rouayheb
- Designed and implemented novel graph data mixing methods to accelerate the training of federated machine learning algorithms in large-community network structures [1]
- Implemented distributed GNN systems using Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and PyTorch to support GNN training research
Work Experience
RF Research Intern
Department of Defense (05/2025 – 08/2025)
- Researched, designed, and tested a novel physical-layer security system to defend against various geolocation algorithms
- Conducted RF experiments with a distributed software-defined radio (SDR) processing system to investigate how waveform properties influence geolocation accuracy
- Implemented physical-layer geolocation simulations using MATLAB and Python to assist in designing geolocation experiments
Telecommunications Research Intern
Department of Defense (06/2024 – 08/2024)
- Investigated the security of satellite communication systems through binary analysis
- Conducted comprehensive vulnerability analysis of binary programs
- Documented and tested static and dynamic program analysis tools
Electrical Engineering Intern
New Jersey Space Grant Consortium (06/2023 – 05/2024)
- Integrated software-defined radio (SDR) communication systems into a 6U cube satellite as part of the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP)
- Utilized Matlab/Simulink and Ansys STK to create orbital electrical power consumption and link budget simulations
- Collaborated with other system teams to test, integrate, and document the satellite’s systems to ensure mission success
Teaching Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Computer Networks
Columbia University (2025 – 2026)
Undergraduate Course Assistant, Discrete Math
Rutgers University (2024 – 2025)
Awards
Higgins Fellowship, Columbia University (2025)
Awarded to outstanding incoming graduate students.
Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award, Rutgers Electrical Engineering (2025)
Awarded to an undergraduate student who performs noteworthy research, nominated by a professor.
Tau Beta Pi (2025)
Engineering honor society
Dean’s List, Rutgers University (2022 – 2025)
Maintained Dean’s List status (GPA > 3.5) during all undergraduate semesters.
