Undergraduate student, Oskar Pickering has taken his passion for space communications to the next level through a Qualcomm-funded summer research internship under the supervision of Dr Chin-Pang Liu. The experience gave him the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology, develop new technical and professional skills, and consider how research might shape his future career.
From rover projects to research
Oskar’s interest in communication systems began while working with the UCL Rover Group, where he was responsible for developing a system that connected a rover with a base station and a drone. While researching antenna options for the project, he received advice from Deep-Space Engineer Ian Jones, who suggested looking into Quadrifilar Helical Antennas (QHAs). Unlike conventional dipole antennas, QHAs can provide a near-hemispherical radiation pattern, making them especially useful for maintaining connections with moving aerial or space-based platforms.
At the same time, Oskar was drawn to the potential of millimetre-wave (mmWave) frequencies, which operate above 25 GHz and are capable of transmitting vast amounts of data at high speed. Such frequencies are ideal for tasks like real-time high-definition video streaming from rovers. Yet, he discovered that practical applications at this scale were limited, in large part because producing effective small-scale antennas at mmWave frequencies was both challenging and expensive. That gap inspired his research direction.
I wanted to create a high-quality but affordable design that could be replicated easily. By doing this, I hoped not only to support the Rover Group’s goals, but also to help open up further research in a field that hasn’t been widely explored."
Designing a new antenna
Oskar’s internship project centred on creating a miniaturised mmWave QHA using accessible, low-cost techniques. The heart of his approach was to design a 3D-printed mould that could guide ultra-thin conductive wire into the precise helical structure required for the antenna. By combining 3D design software, MATLAB simulations, and CST modelling tools, he was able to refine his prototypes step by step.
In the early weeks, Oskar focused on theoretical design, experimenting with different antenna configurations. Once he had a clear concept, he moved into prototyping – first testing lower-frequency helical antennas before progressing to mmWave designs. With growing confidence in his process, he began producing a new prototype almost every day, staying late into the evening to perfect PCB layouts and test them the following morning.
Although time constraints and equipment availability meant he could not complete full anechoic chamber testing during the internship, his final prototype was a significant success. He developed a design that required only a ten-minute 3D print, a small and inexpensive PCB, fine conductive wire, and careful soldering. His simulations suggested that the design could provide an effective, scalable, and affordable solution for future communication systems.
Skills and lessons learned
The internship was not only about technical innovation. Oskar described how the experience helped him to grow as an engineer and researcher, building skills that will serve him well in his academic and professional future.
He gained hands-on experience with tools such as vector network analysers and microscope soldering, developing the dexterity and precision needed for working at small scales. He also strengthened his abilities in C programming and FreeRTOS for task management, adding valuable software expertise to his hardware work.
Perhaps most importantly, the internship gave him the chance to take full ownership of a project.
The internship pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I learned how to conduct thorough research, from collecting and labelling data to building and refining designs. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn."
Shaping future ambitions
The opportunity to pursue a passion project has given Oskar fresh clarity about the direction he wants to take. He is now planning to publish a research paper based on his findings, which will detail the design process, simulation results, and—pending further tests—the measured performance of his prototype in UCL’s anechoic chamber.
He sees the project as the first step toward a deeper specialisation in communications and a potential future in the space or telecommunications sector.
This internship has allowed me to explore a new area, develop practical solutions, and begin to specialise in a niche but still highly relevant field,” Oskar reflected. “It’s shown me how research can connect directly to real-world applications, and that has been incredibly motivating.”
Advice for future interns
When asked what guidance he would share with future applicants, Oskar encouraged students to be curious and proactive in seeking out ideas. He highlighted how his own project began by noticing a potential gap in antenna design and following up on recommendations from academic staff.
If you’re still stuck looking for an idea, go speak to the staff of EEE, or even other departments. Many aspects of my internship came from conversations with professors, and that guidance was invaluable.”
The internship was made possible through funding from Qualcomm, a leading American technology company specialising in semiconductor solutions.
