Staff
Leadership
All leadership personnel are PI-eligible and serve as PI, Co-PI, or senior personnel on all projects. Below are the main organizational functions.
Michael E. Fox
Executive Director
Michael provides strategic leadership for planning, directing, and evaluating departmental operations, including administrative and financial operations, research and technical operations, talent management, professional development, and all related policies.
AJ Renold
Senior Associate Director, Research Administration
AJ collaborates with research teams, faculty, and external partners to streamline administrative processes, manage grant submissions, and ensure adherence to institutional policies, as well as the development and implementation of communication strategies via outreach engagements.
David D. Allen, BSEE/MBA
Director, Research Development
David leads strategic initiatives to expand the center’s research and business portfolio in next-generation communications and cybersecurity. He fosters partnerships with government agencies, industry leaders, and academic collaborators. David’s role includes overseeing proposal development, guiding research projects, and representing CACN at national and international forums.
Walt Magnussen, Ph.D.
Research Development
Walt develops strategic relationships, promotes research ideas with sponsoring agencies and commercial entities, monitors solicitations, prepares research and commercial proposals, conducts research, and performs outreach engagements.
Staff
CACN staff are committed to advancing CACN’s mission and vision, providing their unique expertise and contributions to the field of communication technologies.
Derek Ladd
Senior Wireless Research Systems Engineer
Derek manages and develops the infrastructure in test environments at the CACN Lab and RELLIS, supports the execution of outreach involving CACN facilities, and supports the development of our student workers at CACN.
Logan Freeman
Senior Network Research Systems Engineer
Logan brings over 25 years of experience in diverse areas of IT and networking. His skill set is integral to supporting CACN’s work on Next Generation 9-1-1 and 4G/5G projects.
Joseph Estrada
Wireless Research Systems Engineer
Joseph supports 4G/5G wireless research and has expertise in the research of cellular technologies for the utility industry, and low latency and secure machine-to-machine cellular communications.
Patrick Newman
Senior Research Systems Administrator
Patrick brings over 30 years of experience in various levels and functions of IT, in software solutions, manufacturing, distribution, and financial industries to the CACN.
Chris Mouchyn
Systems Administrator
Chris helps to maintain the server infrastructure, develops tools for automation, and conducts compliance auditing at CACN.
Support Staff
TAMUS staff provide administrative and financial assistance to CACN while formally serving in other Texas A&M System units. Their partnership helps ensure smooth operations and effective coordination across the center.
Julia Harwell
SRS Research Administrator II
Julia supports pre‑award activities by preparing and reviewing research proposals, developing budgets, and ensuring CACN submissions meet Texas A&M University and sponsor requirements.
Lakeishia King
Business Administrator III
Lakeishia is a member of the TAMUS Research Administration Office, providing administrative and financial support for multiple System units, including CACN. Her work includes processing financial transactions, coordinating purchasing and travel, and supporting operational needs across the units she serves.
Kaytlyn Havel
SRS Research Administrator II
Kaytlyn serves as the primary post‑award contact for sponsored projects affiliated with the CACN. She coordinates award setup, financial monitoring, and compliance to help CACN researchers successfully manage their funded projects.