Dr. Umar Iqbal
- About
Biography
Dr. Umar Iqbal is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at Illinois State University, specializing in autonomous vehicle/robot systems and multi-sensor systems. He has held previous academic positions at Mississippi State University, the University of Ottawa, Queen's University, and the Royal Military College of Canada. Dr. Iqbal is widely recognized for his expertise in system integration, data fusion, robotics, wearables, and autonomous vehicle navigation. His research portfolio includes over 50 publications, 1000+ citations, and an h-index 18. His work spans MEMS-based inertial systems, GPS integration, LiDAR-based landing zone identification, pedestrian positioning, and the integration of electronic scanning radars with inertial sensors in GNSS-challenged environments.
As an educator, Dr. Iqbal has developed and delivered over 20 unique courses around 70 times, covering advanced topics such as Multi-sensor Data Fusion, Robotics, and Control Systems, along with core subjects like Circuits, Electronics, Engineering Design, and Signals and Systems. His research on Blended Learning and Design Thinking has contributed to the ongoing development of modern engineering education.
Dr. Iqbal's excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including a $1.48 million NSF grant as Co-PI, the Academy of Distinguished Teachers Award, and the Dr. George Adebiyi Award for Outstanding Teaching. A senior IEEE member and a registered Professional Engineer of Canada, he is also known for his leadership and editorial work with leading academic journals.
Teaching Interests & Areas
My teaching interests span autonomous systems design, multi-sensor fusion, feedback control, robotics, and core subjects like signals, circuits, electromagnetics, and electronics. I focus on integrating foundational principles with emerging technologies, fostering practical skills through hands-on labs and real-world applications.
Research Interests & Areas
Specializing in autonomous navigation and multi-sensor fusion, my research focuses on integrating GPS, LiDAR, and MEMS technologies for precise positioning and real-time data fusion. I also work on enhancing navigation in GPS-denied environments using inertial sensors, magnetometers, and electronic scanning radars for improved system performance.