Dr. Ikenna Chinazaekpere Ijeh
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo
Spring 2025
Dr. Ikenna Chinazaekpere Ijeh is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI). An MIT-ETT Fellow, he is a specialist in Wireless Communication Systems and Control Automation, with a niche focus on “Underwater Wireless Optical Communication” (UWOC). His research addresses the difficulties of transmitting high-speed data in underwater environments—a critical challenge for oceanography, offshore oil exploration, and underwater robotics. He develops optimization algorithms for Vertical Underwater Links, working to improve signal reliability in the face of oceanic turbulence and misalignment errors. His work on Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) aims to extend the range and sensitivity of these optical links. Dr. Ijeh holds a Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, and Image Processing from École Centrale de Marseille, France, where he was a Ville de Marseille doctoral awardee. He also holds an M.Sc. in Control and Instrumentation from the University of Derby, UK. Beyond his theoretical research, Dr. Ijeh is a hands-on engineer who leads the AE-FUNAI Digital Fabrication Laboratory (FABLAB). In this role, he champions the “Maker Movement” within the university, training students in 3D printing, laser cutting, and rapid prototyping. He is also a member of the European Network on Future Generation Optical Wireless Communication Technologies (NEWFOCUS), maintaining strong research ties with the European scientific community.
