Super-LoRa: Enhancing LoRa Throughput via Payload Superposition
S. Abdeljabar and M.-S. Alouini. (2025). “Super-LoRa: Enhancing LoRa Throughput via Payload Superposition.” IEEE Internet of Things Journal.
CV
Summary
PhD candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at KAUST with expertise in wireless communications, IoT, and network optimization. Strong background in computer networking, LoRa communications, and hybrid RF/FSO systems. Experienced in system design, signal processing, and software development, with hands-on deployments and collaborations with industry. Skilled in SDRs, Python, MATLAB, and machine learning frameworks.
Education
- PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia — May 2023 – Present
- Advisor: Prof. Mohamed-Slim Alouini
- Thesis: Towards Global Connectivity for Devices and People
- MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, KAUST — Aug 2021 – May 2023
- Advisor: Prof. Mohamed-Slim Alouini
- Thesis: On the Optimization of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for Visible Light Communications
- Erasmus Exchange Student, Lund University, Lund, Sweden — Aug 2017 – Jan 2018
- Courses in Digital Communications, Antenna Technology, and Digital IC-Design; designed and implemented a 2.4 GHz Bluetooth patch antenna
- BSc in Electrical Engineering (ABET accredited), The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan — Sep 2014 – Jun 2019
- GPA 3.95/4.0 (ranked 1st); courses in Communication Systems, Communication Networks, and Applied Mathematics
Professional Experience
- Graduate Research Assistant — Communication Theory Lab, KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia — Aug 2021 – Present
- Designed and implemented superposition techniques to increase LoRa data rates
- Conducted LoRa transmission experiments over TV White Spaces in collaboration with Microsoft Research
- Developed a Delay-Tolerant Networking-enabled digital learning platform for rural areas
- Assisted in designing and deploying a hybrid Free-Space Optical (FSO) / Microwave (MW) link to connect remote areas and islands
- Assisted in designing a positioning and protection system to assist firefighters in complex environments (Prototypes for Humanity, Dubai, UAE)
- Investigated and optimized RIS-assisted VLC systems to improve data rates and fairness among users in mobile scenarios
- Graduate Teaching Assistant — KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia — Jan 2023 – Present
- Courses: Numerical Optimization (Spring 2023), Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning (Fall 2023), Embedded Machine Learning (TinyML), Applied Mathematics (Summer 2024), Linear Algebra (Spring 2025)
- Managed classes of 40+ students; assisted in projects; graded papers; delivered review sessions; proctored exams; held weekly office hours
- Head TA and local organizer for the TinyML Engineering for IoT Workshop (Jan 2025): led hands-on sessions, mentored participants, and prepared course materials
- Research Fellow — Marconi Lab, International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy — Sep 2024 – Dec 2024
- Conducted research on DTN and public transport systems as data mules
- Modeled stochastic processes to improve data transfer reliability in delay-tolerant networks
- Technical Consulting Engineer — ESTARTA Solutions (Cisco Systems), Amman, Jordan – Kraków, Poland — Jun 2019 – Jul 2021
- TAC Enterprise Switching: support for worldwide partners and customers on high-impact issues in hardware, software, and network design
- Expertise in Enterprise Routing & Switching, Cisco IOS-XE, Catalyst 9000, IE and CDB series switches
- Software Engineer (Intern) — JO VISION, Amman, Jordan — Feb 2019 – Jun 2019
- Image processing using C++/OpenCV and ML algorithms for digital pathology
- Designed a real-time image stitching algorithm for microscope slide images using OpenCV
- Electrical Design Engineer (Intern) — Dar Al-Handasah, Amman, Jordan — May 2018 – Jul 2018
- Worked on electrical design projects, including low current systems (structured cabling, CCTV) and power systems (cable sizing, protection devices, PV systems, UPS) using DIALux, AutoCAD, and Revit
Publications
Delay-Tolerant Networking to Extend Connectivity in Rural Areas Using Public Transport Systems: Design And Analysis
S. Abdeljabar, M. Zennaro, and M.-S. Alouini. (2025). “Delay-Tolerant Networking to Extend Connectivity in Rural Areas Using Public Transport Systems: Design And Analysis.” IEEE Internet of Things Journal.
Bridging the Educational Divide: A Delay-Tolerant Networking Approach for Equitable Digital Learning in Rural Areas
S. Abdeljabar and M.-S. Alouini. (2025). “Bridging the Educational Divide: A Delay-Tolerant Networking Approach for Equitable Digital Learning in Rural Areas.” arXiv preprint arXiv:2511.20334.
Overcoming Maritime Connectivity Challenges with Hybrid RF/FSO Links
F. S. Alqurashi, S. Abdeljabar, A. Trichili, and M.-S. Alouini. (2024). “Overcoming Maritime Connectivity Challenges with Hybrid RF/FSO Links.” IEEE Globecom Workshops.
TinyML4D: Scaling Embedded Machine Learning Education in the Developing World
—, S. Abdeljabar, —. (2024). “TinyML4D: Scaling Embedded Machine Learning Education in the Developing World.” Proceedings of the AAAI Symposium Series.
Sum Rate and Fairness Optimization in RIS-Assisted VLC Systems
S. Abdeljabar, M. W. Eltokhey, and M.-S. Alouini. (2024). “Sum Rate and Fairness Optimization in RIS-Assisted VLC Systems.” IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society.
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for Outdoor Visible Light Communications
S. Abdeljabar, M. W. Eltokhey, and M.-S. Alouini. (2024). “Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for Outdoor Visible Light Communications.” IEEE Internet of Things Magazine.
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for RSMA-Based VLC Systems
S. Abdeljabar and M.-S. Alouini. (2023). “Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for RSMA-Based VLC Systems.” Optical Wireless Communication Conference, Jakajima.
Teaching
Awards
- KAUST CEMSE Dean’s List Award for Exceptional Academic Achievements — 2025
- ICTP–Arab Fund PhD Fellowship — Sep 2024 – Dec 2026
- IEEE ICC Conference 4MT Thesis Competition Finalist — Jun 2025
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Fellowship — Aug 2021 – Present
- IEEE SusTech 2023 Student Poster Contest Winner — Apr 2023
Workshops and Certifications
- Communication in Extreme Environments for Science and Sustainable Development — ICTP, Trieste, Italy — 2023
- Widening Access to TinyML Network by Establishing Best Practices in Education — ICTP, Trieste, Italy — 2023
- Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) — HarvardX — 2023
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching — Cisco Systems — 2020
Outreach Activities
- Journal Reviewer — IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Communications — Oct 2025
- Journal Reviewer — IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications — Sep 2025
- Conference Reviewer — IEEE PIMRC, Istanbul — Jun 2025
- Conference Reviewer — IEEE WCNC, Dubai — Apr 2024
- Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) Volunteer — KAUST — Dec 2022
- Co-Founder — IEEE Power and Energy Society, The University of Jordan — 2018–2019
- Students’ Union Member — Board of European Students of Technology (BEST), Lund, Sweden — 2017–2018
Technical Skills
- Languages: Arabic (Native), English (Advanced; IELTS 8; TOEFL iBT 100)
- Programming: C/C++, Python, MATLAB, Mathematica
- Tools: Git/GitHub, Linux, GNU Radio, Software Defined Radio (SDR), PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX
Teaching & Mentoring Experience
- Head Teaching Assistant & Local Organizer — TinyML Engineering for IoT Workshop, KAUST — Jan 2025
- Organized and led hands-on workshops and practical sessions on TinyML for IoT; prepared materials; mentored participants
- Direct Mentor for High School Student — IB Diploma Program Extended Essay, KAUST — Jun–Jul 2024
- Guided a student on a DTN-based project to deliver educational content to remote areas
- Teaching Assistant — Graduate-Level Courses, KAUST
- Courses: Numerical Optimization (Spring 2023), Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning (Fall 2023), Embedded Machine Learning (TinyML), Applied Mathematics (Summer 2024), Linear Algebra (Spring 2025)
- Managed classes of 40+ students, supported projects and grading, proctored exams, delivered review sessions, and held weekly office hours