Augusta University's School of Computer and Cyber Sciences is embracing a unique and often overlooked technology: amateur radio. This might seem like a relic of the past, but Zander Conner, a cybersecurity major, and his peers are proving otherwise. By participating in the 2026 American Radio Relay League Summer Field Day, they're not just making radio contacts; they're exploring a different way of connecting with the world.
Conner's experience during Hurricane Helene was a turning point. When cell phone towers went down, he turned to amateur radio and found a reliable way to communicate. This hands-on experience has sparked his interest in amateur radio, and he's now working to introduce more students to this technology. The event, hosted by the school's Association for Computing Machinery's Amateur Radio Club, challenged participants to establish as many radio contacts as possible using various methods and emergency power sources.
The club, founded in 2019 with the assistance of the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. By operating under the call sign WA4AUG, students gained hands-on experience with antenna systems, networking, and other technologies that support modern communications. This includes voice, Morse code, digital modes, and High Frequency (HF) radio, as well as amateur radio satellites.
Anthony Rizi, an assistant professor in Cyber Operations and faculty advisor for the club, sees the value in these experiences. His goal is to inspire students to explore something they might never have considered. Rizi believes that amateur radio broadens their perspectives on technology and engineering, offering a unique and rewarding learning experience.
Ethan Moody, a senior cybersecurity major, was new to amateur radio but found the event encouraging. Learning new skills and trying new things are valuable, he said, and the event provided a safe space to explore without the pressure of a formal setting. Andrew Goss, PhD, associate provost for curriculum and one of the club's founders, agrees. He sees the value in experimenting with 20th-century technology using 21st-century tools, offering a unique and rewarding learning experience for students.
The Field Day event was a success, with participants logging around 600 radio contacts with amateur radio operators across the United States. This not only showcases the power of amateur radio but also highlights the importance of hands-on learning and the value of exploring different technologies. As Augusta University continues to embrace this unique approach, it opens up new possibilities for students to connect, learn, and grow in unexpected ways.
