Villanova Engineering Doctoral Student Takes First in International Competition

Doctoral student Branka Jokanovic with CAC Director Moeness Amin, PhD.

Ms. Branka Jokanovic, a research assistant in Villanova University’s Center for Advanced Communications (CAC) and a PhD student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has received the top prize student paper award at the IEEE Radar Conference held in Philadelphia, Pa., May 2-6, 2016. Jokanovic's paper, titled, “Radar Fall Motion Detection using Deep Learning” is co-authored by her advisor CAC Director Moeness Amin, PhD, and CAC Research Professor Fauzia Ahmad, PhD.

The conference drew 93 papers from students worldwide, and 10 were selected for competition based on substance and merit. Those finalist  presentations were assessed by a five-member conference committee, and three papers received awards. Jokanovic's paper earned the top prize, including a $500 check and recognition certificate.

Dr. Amin is pursuing the assisted living application addressed in the winning paper as part of his recent Humboldt Prize.