Technical Instinct Drives Raju Dhakal's UAV Security Research

Raju Dhakal (’26) grew up taking apart devices to understand how they worked.

In Nepal, where access to technology was limited, even a radio or a mobile phone was enough to capture his attention. He would open electronics, study what he could see and think about how the systems functioned beneath the surface. “I used to open small electronic items just to see what was inside,” he said.

He did not always have the tools or knowledge to find answers, but the questions never went away. Over time, that early curiosity turned into purpose as he began recognizing broader challenges in his community, including limited infrastructure and restricted access to technology. Engineering became more than an interest; it became a way to solve meaningful problems.

That early engineering instinct now guides his work as a doctoral student in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus. His research focuses on uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and wireless security, with an emphasis on improving system reliability and protection.

A World that Opened

Raju’s move from Nepal to Thailand for graduate study marked a shift. At the Asian Institute of Technology, he entered a research-driven, international environment that challenged him to think differently.

He learned to work across cultures, communicate with diverse teams and approach problems independently. The experience shaped both his academic path and his confidence.
“It helped me grow in every way,” he said.

Research Focus at Embry-Riddle

By the time he completed his master’s degree, Raju knew he wanted to go deeper into research. Wireless systems and emerging technologies had captured his attention, especially their role in security.

Embry-Riddle stood out for its focus on aerospace and communication systems, directly connecting to his interest in UAVs.

“I wanted to work on real problems,” he said.

At Embry-Riddle, Raju found a community that pushed him forward. Faculty mentors guided his research while encouraging independence and classmates from diverse backgrounds brought new perspectives.

Courses in machine learning and deep learning became central to his work. Through projects involving signal data and classification, he began applying theory to complex problems in wireless communication.

These experiences helped define his research direction and laid the foundation for what came next.

Signal Patterns as Device “Fingerprints”

Raju studies subtle imperfections in the signals produced by electronic devices. These variations form distinct patterns that can be used to differentiate one device from another.
He compares the idea to fingerprints. Just as no two people have identical fingerprints, no two devices produce identical signal characteristics. Raju uses those differences to help verify device identity based on physical properties rather than software alone.

“If someone can copy a device’s identity, they can try to take control,” he said.

By identifying devices through their signal fingerprints, his work adds another layer of authentication that is more difficult to replicate or spoof. The approach is increasingly relevant as UAVs and other connected systems expand into delivery services, infrastructure monitoring and aviation.

Signal Breakthrough and IEEE Publications

A key moment in Raju’s research came when he realized devices that appeared identical could still be distinguished through their signal patterns. When he visualized the data and tested it using machine learning models, the separation between devices emerged.

“That was when I realized this could work,” he said.

“In the next few years, I see this technology being integrated into existing systems as an additional layer of security,” he said. “In places like airports or other restricted areas, drones could be verified not just by ID, but by their unique signal fingerprint.”

Since then, Raju has published 11 research articles in reputable journals and conferences, including several Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) venues, with seven as first author. His work consistently expands upon wireless security and signal-based authentication technology.

Beyond the Doctorate

Raju will be the first person from his family and village to earn a doctorate, a milestone he describes as both personal and meaningful.

“It shows that with hard work and determination, it’s possible to achieve something that once seemed out of reach,” he said. “It also motivates me to inspire others from similar backgrounds.”

He hopes his work will encourage students without access to advanced research environments but who are still eager to understand how systems work.

“You don’t need everything at the beginning,” he said. “You just need the willingness to keep asking questions.”

After graduation, Raju plans to pursue a career in academia, continuing research in wireless systems and UAV security while mentoring future engineers.

For him, the goal is not only to strengthen the security of emerging technologies but to expand who gets to build them.

The instinct to look at a system, understand it and improve it has remained constant from childhood curiosity to doctoral research.

“Stay curious,” he said. “And don’t be afraid of challenges.”