To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day 2025, the Connectivity Innovation Network is spotlighting the work of women across our ecosystem — from research and design to real-world deployment and systems leadership.
Dr Lizhao Song, Chancellor’s Research Fellow at the UTS School of Electrical and Data Engineering, is a core contributor to CIN’s Rapidly Deployable Large Area WiFi (LAWIFI) System. Her research in advanced antenna systems has helped drive practical breakthroughs in connectivity for rural and emergency environments.
In this interview, she reflects on her work, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and her hopes for the future of engineering.
CIN: Can you tell us about your role in the LAWiFi project, and what you found most rewarding?
LS: In the LAWIFI project, my role focused on designing high-gain multibeam antennas to enable simultaneous connections with multiple users across distributed areas. The most rewarding part of this work was maximising the antenna performance to meet the specific demands of the practical communication system. It was deeply fulfilling to see how theoretical knowledge in antenna design could translate into a real-world solution with tangible impact, supporting digital connectivity and smart infrastructure in practical deployment scenarios.
CIN: Were there particular technical or team challenges during the project? How did the team approach them?
LS: One of the technical challenges in the LAWiFi project was achieving wireless connectivity over long distances while maintaining wide angular coverage. This could not be achieved with traditional antenna technologies. To address this, our antenna team at UTS pioneered the use of high-gain multibeam antennas for this application. Experts from both antenna design and communication systems work together to develop the prototype that could meet the practical needs of distributed wireless access.
CIN: How does your current research connect to real-world needs, particularly in rural or emergency contexts?
LS: My current research at UTS focuses on beamforming antennas using metasurfaces and lenses. These antennas offer high gain, which is essential for establishing reliable connections with distant users in rural and remote areas while reducing the need for dense base station deployment. Besides, their dynamic beam controllability can optimise resource allocation on demand and provide prompt response in emergency situations.
CIN: This year’s INWED theme is Together We Engineer. What does collaboration mean to you?
LS: As an engineer, collaboration has been a cornerstone in my work. In antennas and wireless communications, successful innovation often lies in the combination of diverse expertise, including electromagnetics, mechanical design, and signal processing.
One example is the development of multibeam antenna systems for the LAWiFi project. From theoretical analysis and simulation to the practical implementation of the antenna prototype, the project required close collaboration across disciplines to meet electromagnetic performance requirements, mechanical deployment constraints, and communication system demands. This collective effort not only enabled the delivery of a robust solution but also demonstrated how meaningful collaboration drives real-world impact in engineering.
CIN: How does your work contribute to broader societal goals like digital inclusion or public safety?
LS: My research in advanced antenna technologies directly contributes to broader societal goals by enabling more accessible, resilient, and intelligent wireless communication systems. My research on beamforming antennas helps extend wireless coverage with fewer infrastructure requirements, making connectivity more affordable and inclusive, especially for communities lacking reliable internet access.
CIN: What originally drew you to engineering and what continues to motivate you?
LS: I was originally drawn to engineering by a fascination with how invisible forces, like electromagnetic waves, enable communication over vast distances. The idea that a radio wave can carry voices, images, and data through space intrigued me, especially as wireless communication technologies continue to evolve at an accelerating pace.
I am still motivated today by the constant evolution of challenges in the field and the opportunity to contribute to reshaping how we connect as a society, such as enabling global coverage, supporting resilient emergency communication networks, and designing energy-efficient systems for the next generation of wireless technology.
CIN: Have you had mentors or role models who influenced your path?
LS: Throughout my academic career, I’ve been fortunate to have the best supervisors, Prof. Jay Guo and Prof. Peiyuan Qin from UTS, who have deeply influenced both my career development and professional outlook. Their mentorship has provided me not only with strong technical foundations but also with the creative and critical thinking necessary to conduct research that is both academically innovative and practically impactful. Beyond technical guidance, they have taught me how to collaborate effectively and communicate with world-leading researchers and industry partners. This has helped me grow into a well-rounded early-career researcher, capable of bridging the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications.
CIN: What advice would you give to young women or girls considering a future in engineering?
LS: My advice to young women and girls considering a future in engineering is: don’t let stereotypes or self-doubt limit your potential. With curiosity and determination, you can break boundaries and help shape the future of technology. The journey may not always be easy, but it is incredibly rewarding, especially when you see your ideas come to life and know they are making a difference.
CIN: Are there any emerging areas in your field that you’re excited about?
LS: I’m currently excited about exploring smart antennas with independently steerable multiple beams. This emerging technology is critical for enabling high-capacity and reliable inter-satellite communications, which are essential for achieving truly global connectivity. These advanced antenna systems will also play a critical role in integrating space, air, and ground wireless networks, forming the backbone of future global communication infrastructure.
CIN: How would you like to see the engineering profession evolve?
LS: Looking ahead, I would like to see the engineering profession become increasingly interdisciplinary, inclusive, and globally connected. Many of today’s most pressing challenges, such as green technology, digital inclusion, and next-generation communications, cannot be solved within a single discipline. I believe engineering should continue to evolve by fostering deeper collaboration across fields like wireless systems, materials science, data science, and environmental studies.
I also hope to see greater diversity and equity in the profession, with more women, underrepresented groups, and voices from different cultural backgrounds shaping the future of innovation. Diverse teams will bring broader perspectives, which are essential for designing inclusive and impactful solutions.
