Dr. Alex Hills

Biography

Alex Hills is a Distinguished Service Professor at Carnegie Mellon University in the College of Engineering. His significant contributions include leading a team that built the world's largest Wi-Fi network, known as 'Wireless Andrew', which served as a prototype for modern Wi-Fi networks. Hills' research interests focus on low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite technology to provide broadband services to rural and remote areas globally. With extensive experience in international development, he serves as a senior advisor for the 'Technology Consulting Global Community' program at Carnegie Mellon, collaborating on various projects in developing nations. Hills has lived in remote areas of Alaska, advocating for modern broadcasting and telecommunications services in small villages, facing the challenges posed by the state's difficult terrain and weather. His work has been documented in books such as 'Finding Alaska's Villages: Connecting' and 'Geeks Mission'. He has held various leadership roles including vice provost and chief information officer at Carnegie Mellon and served as the Alaska Deputy Commissioner for Administration, overseeing telecommunications. Hills is also a U.S. Army officer, having served as a company commander in South Korea.

Research Interests