Roger Nichols is an IEEE distinguished engineer. Having spent more than 35 years working in wireless test and measurement, he’s currently playing an influential role in the forging of 6G technology. His nearly 40-year career has included key strategic positions at technology leaders like Hewlett-Packard, Agilent Technologies and Keysight Technologies. Since 2014, Nichols has been the key architect behind Keysight’s 5G initiatives. Now, he’s continuing that trailblazing path in the fascinating future frontier of 6G.
Nichols’ extensive experience includes roles in manufacturing, research & development and marketing. His experience in the U.S., Europe and Asia provides him with an in-depth knowledge of wireless communications. He adeptly directs initiatives from analog cellular radio dawn to 5G cutting-edge. He heads up wireless standards strategies at Keysight. Most recently, he led the company’s first-ever center of excellence focused on over-the-air measurement R&D.
A Legacy of Innovation
Nichols has an exemplary record in wireless communications. He’s deployed and shepherded the success of many landmark programs and projects during his career. He has engaged with every standard from analog cellular radio to 5G, showcasing his adaptability and foresight in an ever-evolving industry. To make these changes, he is strongly committed to innovation. In his most recent work, he proved just that by recreating an eavesdropping attack on a 6G signal to discover its vulnerabilities. This proactive approach underscores why security is a core tenet of next-generation wireless technology.
His contributions to the field go much deeper than just an ability to manage big projects. Nichols is a prolific and successful academic. He has co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications and one book, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in wireless communications. His years of research in these areas have led to his work being cited over 18,000 times and having a profound impact on both academia and industry.
Collaboration with Academia
Recently, Nichols joined researchers and thought leaders at Northeastern University to paint the big-picture opportunities and challenges 6G technology presents. Inking this partnership is only the latest move in his larger campaign to transform academic learning on the future of wireless technology into actionable, real world applications. Through building collaborations with academia, Nichols seeks to connect the dots between the world of research and innovation with the practical applications.
During his time at Northeastern University, he brought with him a wealth of experience from Keysight that proved invaluable. He investigated promising avenues for collaborative projects in applied, programmatic research. There needs to be a greater focus on the importance of industry leaders and academic researchers actively exchanging ideas. Such collaboration is a foundation for innovation in wireless standards and keeping future technologies secure, resilient, and efficient.
Patents and Recognition
Nichols represents an audacious creativity. He is listed as the inventor on five U.S. patents that demonstrate his deep commitment to developing important new wireless communication technologies. These patents illustrate his technical genius. Finally, they emphasize his passion and determination to address evolving challenges faced by the discipline.
His extraordinary vision and impressive body of work have garnered Pete accolades throughout the industry. As Chief Scientist for Wireless Technologies, Nichols is leading Keysight’s 6G initiatives. He is passionate about developing new solutions that will redefine the way wireless communication connects people in the future.
