Erton “Tony” Boci found his way into electrical and computer engineering through a natural curiosity and a talent for math.
“I was always intrigued about what math and its application could do,” he said. His journey led him to study wireless communication systems, work on a national air traffic surveillance system, and teach cutting edge technology to the next generation of engineers. With an initial interest in physics, he began his college education delving into the intricacies of quantum physics, known for its concentration in theories. Such theories fueled his further curiosity in building upon these complicated theories in a more tangible manner, further pursuing an education in electrical engineering.
Boci’s doctoral work at the George Washington University was on the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) project, an initiative to shift U.S. air traffic management from radar-based systems to a more advanced, sensor-driven model.
“This wasn’t just about improving technology; it was about safety, about creating a system that people could rely on at all times, in all conditions,” said Boci. By overseeing the design and deployment of ADS-B systems, Boci played a crucial role in making modern air travel in the U.S. safer and more efficient.
Boci brought his real-world expertise into the classroom by teaching an introduction to wireless communication systems class for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
“I want to introduce students to real-world systems that we're designing right now,” he said. His teaching style emphasizes hands-on experience, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights from his ongoing projects.
He firmly believes in the importance of embracing new technology, rather than shying away from it.
“Engineering is constantly evolving. My goal is to prepare students to adapt, to think critically, and to have the skills they’ll need no matter how much the field changes,” he said.
“We have to embrace it,” he said, recognizing that large language models and other artificial intelligence tools are transforming the field of engineering. For Boci, staying at the forefront of technology means constantly updating course content and responding to the dynamic pace of innovation. He recently introduced a course on big data technologies and has proposed a new course on large language models.
Through both his professional achievements and his dedication to teaching, Boci exemplifies the power of combining theoretical foundations with hands-on applications. His story highlights the possibilities that emerge when engineers think big—whether they are creating life-saving systems or inspiring the next generation to build on his legacy.