James Cowling

James Cowling

Fulbright Postgraduate Award in Technology and Communications sponsored by Telstra

Media Profile

“I believe that for academic research to be self-sustaining in Australia it needs to focus on the needs of the community and be able to inspire concrete deliverable technologies.”

James Cowling has won the inaugural Fulbright Postgraduate Award in Technology and Communications sponsored by Telstra, the major provider of communications services in Australia. The award, announced by Telstra CEO, Ziggy Switkowski, in May 2004, is aimed at helping nurture the next generation of technology and communication professionals, ‘…whose ideas and leadership will shape the future of our world’. James’ research will investigate the field of computer networks, looking specifically at wireless networks and telecommunications systems.

James is a First Class Honours graduate and recipient of the University Medal in Computer Science and Technology (Advanced) from the University of Sydney, specialising in Computer Networks. During his studies was the sole recipient of the Sir William Tyree Scholarship, the G. S. Caird Scholarship, the Allan Bromley Prize and the Soprano Software Engineering Prize.  James was also awarded a Dean’s Scholarship in Science as the highest ranked student in the faculty.

Through his Fulbright Scholarship James will undertake a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering. James’ research interests lie in wireless networking, specifically mobile computing and cellular personal communication services such as GSM, 3G and mobile IP.

James’ research has looked at the field of Dynamic Location Management, proposing algorithms for adjusting network parameters to more efficiently track users in cellular networks. His proposals will be applied to techniques of network abstraction along with new and emerging wireless technologies to have a positive impact on these systems as they integrate into our everyday lives. Considering the outcomes of his study, James predicts, ‘The net result [of my research] will be a system that is both more responsive from a user perspective and more efficient for [network] operators’.

James will continue his research into the efficient provision of enhanced communication services throughout the course of his PhD. He hopes to bring back to Australia the knowledge and research developments gained through his Fulbright program that will assist in the further growth of a strong local research foundation in computer networks and communications technology.