Industry Insights with Janet O'Neil

In celebration of European Conference on Antennas and Propagation 2026—marking the 20th anniversary of this flagship event, held in Dublin in April 2026—Janet spoke with two of the original founders of the European Association on Antennas and Propagation, the organization behind EuCAP: Bruno Casali and Juan Mosig.  They reflect on the origins of EuCAP, including why the first conference was hosted in France, followed by editions in the United Kingdom and Germany. The story behind EuCAP’s formation is both compelling and inspiring—Bruno and Juan demonstrated remarkable determination in bringing the inaugural EuCAP 2006 in Nice to life. Special thanks to Microwave Journal for its media sponsorship of EuCAP!

During the 2025 European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) in Stockholm, Janet sat down with Invited Speaker Dirk Heberling, Head of the Institute and Chair for High Frequency Technology at RWTH Aachen University. In his exclusive session, Dirk delivered a compelling talk titled “Robotic Antenna Measurements: Opportunities and Challenges.” Tune in to explore how robotic antenna measurement systems are opening new possibilities in the field, and gain insight into the technical and practical challenges faced while developing a robot‑based mm‑wave test range at RWTH Aachen’s Institute of High Frequency Technology. 

In celebration of EuCAP 2026—the 20th anniversary of the European Conference on Antennas and Propagation, taking place in Dublin in April 2026—Janet spoke with both longtime and newer EuCAP exhibitors: Gabe Alcala (Advanced Test Equipment Corporation), Teun van den Biggelaar (ANTENNEX), Roger Richardson (Delta Sigma Company), Lars Foged (MVG), and Cecilia Cappellin (TICRA). Listen in to discover why exhibitors who joined EuCAP at its inaugural 2006 event continue to return year after year, what draws new companies to participate, and how a startup sees EuCAP as a strong return on investment. Special thanks to Microwave Journal for its media sponsorship of EuCAP!

In celebration of EuCAP 2026, the 20th Anniversary of the European Conference on Antennas and Propagation to be conducted in Dublin in April 2026, Janet talked with three past EuCAP Technical Program Committee Chairs:  Mauro Ettorre (Michigan State University), EuCAP 2024, held in Glasgow; Fredrik Tufvesson (Lund University), EuCAP 2025, held in Stockholm; and Conor Brennan (Dublin City University), EuCAP 2020 originally set in Copenhagen and EuCAP 2021 originally set in Dusseldorf (these editions were moved online), and EuCAP 2022 held online and in person in Madrid. Conor is also the Chair of EuCAP 2026! In addition to the past Technical Program Committee Chairs discussing the elaborate, behind the scenes efforts to ensure a high-quality technical program, Conor provides a sneak preview on the best paper contest at EuCAP 2026 encompassing 20 years of EuCAP technical programs. Listen and learn more to vote for your favorite paper in the history of EuCAP! Special thanks to Microwave Journal for its media sponsorship of EuCAP!

In celebration of EuCAP 2026, the 20th Anniversary of the European Conference on Antennas and Propagation to be conducted in Dublin in April 2026, Janet talked with three past EuCAP Chairs: Olav Breinbjerg (ElMaReCo), EuCAP 2020, originally set in Copenhagen, but moved online; Manuel Sierra Castañer (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid), EuCAP 2022, held in Madrid; and Oscar Quevedo-Teruel (KTH Royal Institute of Technology), this year's EuCAP, which took place in Stockholm. In addition to discussing the Conference’s quality and growth, the Chairs also comment on current Society collaborations and explore the many topics they believe will be addressed in future Conferences.Special thanks to Microwave Journal for its media sponsorship of EuCAP!

While in Paris, France, for EMC Europe 2025, Janet talked with reverb enthusiast Mathias Magdowski (Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg Chief Officer of Student Happiness — that's not a typo!) about his educational and industry journeys, the benefits of using reverb chambers, and his innovative "flipped classroom" curriculum.

Janet catches up with Conor Brennan (DCU School of Electronic Engineering Professor, Research Associate Dean + Engineering and Computing Faculty) at EuCAP 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden. Conor, who is serving as the EuCAP 2026 Chair, talks about what led him to that position, as well as how the conference benefits attendees, acts as an industry community and provides timely content. 

During EuCAP 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden, Janet talks with Anouk Hubrechsen (ANTENNEX) and Dennis Lewis (The Boeing Company) about the efficiency and growing popularity of reverberation chambers, along with the emergence of the first reverb chamber standard!

 At the Antenna Measurement Techniques Association (AMTA) conference, Janet meets with Steve Brumley, Vice President and CTO of Denmar Technical Services. Their discussion explores Steve’s industry experience and centers on enhancing anechoic absorber performance and refining manufacturing methodologies for radar cross-section (RCS) test chambers. They also examine recent innovations in absorber design and production. 

While at AMTA 2024, Janet meets with Roger Richardson, CEO of Delta Sigma Company.  Roger and Janet discuss the origins of Delta Sigma and the significance of robotics to the industry.  They also talk about Delta Sigma's focus on designing solutions to address challenges and the enjoyment associated with solving those challenges and crafting unique solutions.

Janet sits down with Dr. Brian Kent at the AMTA 2024 Symposium in Cincinnati.  Dr. Kent, who has more than 30 years of experience and formerly served as a Senior Scientist for Applied Research and Chief Technology Officer at Air Force Research Lab in Dayton, OH, now acts as an Aerospace Consultant.  In this episode, Dr. Kent and Janet discuss the modern history and evolution of antenna measurement systems, highlighting some of the challenges the industry is experiencing in terms of new talent development and the transfer of knowledge.They also discuss a new paper Dr. Kent is working on, which happened to be the subject of his talk at AMTA 2024.  The paper and the presentation incorporate his interest in naval aviation history, focusing on the engineering missteps that led to a horrible accident on board the USS Forrestal while operating in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War.  

During AMTA 2024 in Cincinnati, OH, Janet meets with Vince Rodriquez, Ph.D., Adjunct Research Professor of Electrical Engineering at University of Mississippi and AMTA Distinguished Speaker Award Winner, Benoit Derat, Senior Director of Engineering VNA, EMC and Antenna Test at Rohde & Schwarz, and Zhong Chen, Chief Engineer at ETS-Lindgren.  Vince, Benoit, and Zhong will be speaking at an upcoming event sponsored by the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society at INTI in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 22nd.  Vince starts the conversation by providing some history on how the event came to fruition and Benoit, Vince and Zhong discuss the topics their respective presentations will cover and what they hope attendees of the event will take away.  The event is free to attend in person or virtually and those interested can register at the following link: IEEE & INTI *** 2024 Technical Committee on Antenna Measurements (TCAM) One-Day Workshop in Argentina : vTools Events

Janet visits with Rob Kleihortst, Keynote Speaker at EMC Europe 2024.  Rob and Janet discuss his keynote presentation, Navigating Risk-Based EMC in Medical Device Design: Insights and Best Practices.  Rob highlights the importance of including content in the presentation for the engineering starting their career to a senior engineer with countless years of experience.

Johan Catrysse, Professor Emeritus at KU Leuven, and Davy Pissort, Professor at KU Leuven and Chair of EMC Europe 2024, take time out of their EMC Europe 2024 schedule to meet with Janet.  Johan and Davy discuss the history of EMC Europe, the growth of EMC Europe over the years, and the future direction of the symposium.

Janet meets with Carl Hager with the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Dahlgren, VA at the IEEE EMC + SIPI 2024 Symposium in Phoenix, AZ.  Carl is a best paper recipient for papers published in 2014, 2015, and 2024.  Janet and Carl discuss Carl's experience with reverb chambers and his most recent paper on nested reverb chambers.

While at IEEE EMC + SIPI 2024 in Phoenix, AZ, Janet meets with Lee Hill, a Founding Partner of Silent Solutions, LLC.   Lee and Janet talk about how Lee developed a passion for EMC and started his career.  They go on to discuss how the EMC workforce has evolved and change over the years with the development of programs at universities and in industry.  

During the GlobalEM Conference, Richard Hoad, Chief Engineer with QinetiQ, takes a few minutes to meet with Janet.  Janet and Richard discuss in High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) resiliency, energy transfer, and other HPEM topics.

Janet visits with Farhad Rachidi, Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and Marcos Rubinstein, Professor at the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland, two of the leading experts in lightning.  Farhad and Marcos discuss their long-time collaboration in the HPEM field of lightning.

Carlos Romero with armasuisse meets with Janet at GlobalEM 2024.  Carlos and Janet discuss Carlos's involvement with High-Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) starting with lightning and progressing to his role in running the Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Lab for armasuisse.

At the GlobalEM 2024 Conference, Janet meets with the keynote speaker, Professor Gun-Sik Park with the Seoul National University (SNU).  Gun-Sik Park is one of the world's leading experts in high power microwave technology and discusses the importance of high-power microwave research in today's world.

During the GlobalEM 2024 Conference, Janet meets with David Robley with Jaxon Engineering and Maintenance, a first-time attendee and presenter at the conference.  Janet and David discussed David's paper on automated shielding effectiveness testing systems and their importance to shielding maintenance.  David also highlights some of the other the papers and tutorials he attended that he found interesting and the relevance of many of the topics to the work he currently does.

Janet meets with Edl Schamiloglu, Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Director, Directed Energy Center at the University of New Mexico and the President of the SUMMA Foundation, at the GlobalEM 2024 Conference in Austin, TX.  Edl and Janet discuss the GlobalEM conference, the history of the SUMMA Foundation, and Edl's experiences in High-Power Electromagnetics (HPEM). 

Andrew Shyne from Boeing meets joins Janet to discuss his experiences at APEMC.  Jane and Andrew delve into the reverb workshop and discuss practical applications and additional research Andrew will take away and apply at Boeing.  

Sergio Pignari, Professor Politecnico di Milano, speaks with Janet about splitting his time between Politecnico di Milano and Xi'an Jiaotong University in Xi'an, China, the development of student, and the impact this effort has had globally in disseminating knowledge and talent.

At the APEMC 2024 symposium in Okinawa, Japan, Janet speaks with Yuki Fukumoto, Professor and Vice President of Kyushu Institute of Technology and a member off the IEEE EMC Board of Governors, talk EMC legends, Kariyushi shirts, conference committee roles, and Yuki's transition from industry to academia.

Janet meets with Flavia Grassi, Professor at Politecnico di Milano, at APEMC.  Flavia and Janet discuss Flavia's presentation on modeling in the automotive session and the breadth of the topic during the session.  Janet and Flavia also delve into some of the research that Flavia and her students are doing at the Politecnico di Milano and much more...

Krzysztof Sieczkarek of Lukasiewicz – PIT, Zhong Chen of ETS-Lindgren, and Janet discuss C63.4 and boresighting at APEMC.

Janet sits down at EuCAP 2024 with Tian Hong Loh, Principal Research Scientist at the National Physical Laboratory in the United Kingdom.  Tian talks with Janet about what 5G topics delegates can look forward to at EuCAP 2025.

At EuCAP 2024, Janet sits down with Mauro Ettorre, Professor at Michigan State University.  Mauro, the EuCAP Technical Program Committee General Chair, talks about some of the EuCAP statistics, including number of delegates, number of papers submitted, trending paper topics, and EuCAP growth.

While at APEMC 2024 in Okinawa, Janet meets Dr. William Radasky, one of the leading minds in High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM).  Dr. Radasky and Janet discuss the evolution of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) to HPEM, the upcoming GlobalEM 2024 being hosted in Austin, Texas, IEC standards, and the IEEE TC5 committee.

Janet meets with Olav Breinbjerg at EuCAP 2024.  Olav was recognized as a Distinguished Speaker at the 2023 Annual Symposium of the Antenna Measurement Techniques Association (AMTA) and received the Best Measurement Paper Award at EuCAP 2024.  Olav and Janet talk about what motivates Olav to continue to be heavily involved in the antenna community.

While at EuCAP 2024, Janet meets with Daniel Churchill, Test Group Lead at Cambridge Consultants.  Daniel presented on Antenna Test Considerations for Future 5G and 6G Wireless Communication in the Wireless workshop at EuCAP 2024.  Janet and Daniel take a deeper dive into some of the test rigs that Cambridge Consultants have developed for unique testing applications.

Janet meets with George Goussetis, the Chair for EuCAP 2024, at James Clerk Maxwell's Birthplace in Edinburgh.  George and Janet recap the week's activities at EuCAP, some of the exciting topics covered during the conference, and some of the events that took place.

On a recent visit to Silicon Labs in Austin, Texas, Janet meets with Gözde Fidan, Senior Director of Validation, Infrastructure, and Software Test Platforms.  Janet speaks with Gözde about her role at Silicon Labs and the thrill of solving radio frequency (RF) challenges.

Janet visits Silicon Labs in Austin, Texas and meets with Ed Bell.  Ed and Janet discuss his physics and engineering journey, the challenges of debugging electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues, and the importance of mentoring and educating the next generation of engineers on the practical aspects of engineering.

At IEEE EMC Europe 2023 in Krakow, Poland, Janet speaks with Anne Roc'h, Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology.  Anne and Janet discuss the Woman in Engineering event in Krakow and the committee's plans for new events at the IEEE EMC Europe symposium to be held in Brugge, Belgium in 2024.

Janet catches up with Islem YAHI, Principal Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi.  Islem and Janet talk measurement uncertainty and accuracy, and the related challenges.  Islem also shares his experiences and highlights the importance of sharing knowledge with other industry experts.

Janet and Dongsheng Zhao of the European Space Agency speak at the 2023 IEEE EMC Europe Symposium in Krakow, Poland about EMC challenges related to CubeSat testing. 

Janet meets withAndrea Alù, Distinguished Professor, Founding Director, and Einstein Professor of Physics at CUNY's Advanced Science Research Center.  Andrea talks about his research in meta materials and their applications in various technologies.

Janet speaks to Sandeep Satav about APEMC/INCEMIC and his role on the symposium's steering committee.  

Janet speaks with Sanjay Singh of ETS-Lindgren and Lohith Kumar R, Deputy General Manager for EMC Engineering at Bosch, about the recent updates to ISO 11451 and reverb chamber testing.

While in Abu Dhabi, Janet meets with Principal Researcher, Fernando Albarracin, of the Technical Innovation Institute (TII).  Fernando and Janet discuss Fernando's research at TII and his passion for High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM).  They also discuss Global EM, which was hosted by TII in 2022, and the upcoming Global EM 2024 to be hosted in Austin, TX.  

Janet and Dipanjan Gope, Associate Professor of Indian Institute of Science, discuss technical content planning for APEMC and INCEMIC.

Janet meets with Dr. Lenin Raja at APEMC 2023 to discuss his plenary talk regarding the challenges of testing the wireless aspects of products for EMC and working through the differences in international requirements and standards.

Janet meets with Vignesh Rajamani, President of the IEEE EMC Society, at APEMC INCEMIC 2023 in Bangalore, India.  Vignesh provides his insights on IEEE EMC Society and the APEMC event, including his thoughts on some of the different sessions held at the event.