Engineer Signal Processing

CHRISTOPHER P. THRON

***** ********* *****

Austin, TX 78726

254-***-**** (office)

512-***-**** (home) *****@**.*****.***

512-***-**** (cell) *****.*****@*****.***

OBJECTIVE

The practical application of mathematics to solve problems that critically impact human

welfare.

SUMMARY

Strong background in mathematics/physics, and especially in applied probability and

statistics. Proven problem solver & innovator in multiple disciplines, with seven patents

granted and two pending. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with numerous

presentations at professional conferences & publications in refereed journals.

Expertise includes:

Probability and statistics Operations research Math modeling

Algorithms (floating & fixed point) System simulation Matlab, Mathematica

Digital signal processing Network security Performance analysis

Fluent in French & Chinese

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Fall 2009 Present

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY CENTRAL TEXAS, Killeen TX

Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Teaches undergraduate and masters-level courses in mathematics

Undergraduate courses taught include: Principles of Statistics, Differential Equations,

Algebraic Functions, Discrete Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, College Geometry,

Mathematical Modeling, Abstract Algebra, Actuarial Mathematics

Graduate courses taught include: History of Math, Abstract Algebra, Operations

Research, Topology, Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis, Theory of Functions

Conducts research in modeling and simulation, numerical analysis, applied statistics.

Mentored two award-winning undergraduate research projects

Masters Thesis advisor for three students

AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Austin TX 2008-2009

Adjunct Instructor in Physics (Part-time)

Taught conceptual and engineering physics courses at the f irst-year college level.

Student evaluations consistently meet or exceed course averages.

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, Austin TX 1998, 2009

Adjunct Professor of Physics (Part-time)

Taught graduate quantum mechanics and graduate classical mechanics

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 2 004

Fulbright Professor Of Mathematics, University of N Djam na, Chad, Africa

Taught advanced college mathematics in Third-World university under the auspices of

U.S. government-sponsored Fulbright Fellowship program.

Developed the curriculum for courses in partial differential equations, probability, and

applied mathematics (50 students total); taught courses in French.

Delivered seminars, public lectures, and international conference presentations on

communications technology in Chad and Benin, in French.

KING COLLEGE, Bristol, TN 1991-1993

Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Physics

Taught undergraduate courses in differential equations, statistics, atomic physics, and

conceptual physics.

Obtained NSF grant to develop innovative course in computational statistics, which

focused on quality control and business applications.

Mentored students in published mathematical physics research.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, People s Republic of China 1985-1990

Foreign Expert in English and Mathematics

Taught math and ESL at three different universities in China (Shaanxi University of

Science and Technology; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Southern Yangtze University)

Taught undergraduate courses in calculus, linear algebra and probability; taught

graduate courses in probability and statistics, stochastic processes.

Taught comprehensive English as a second language at undergraduate, graduate,

and post-graduate levels

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, Austin TX 2008-2009

Information Developer (Network and Multimedia Group)

Develop technical documentation for multimedia & networking devices.

FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, Austin TX 1998-2007

Senior Engineer

Research and development in wireless (cellular) signal processing, network applications,

device modeling and performance.

Designed, simulated (in Matlab) and verified novel noise-reduction scheme for signal

direction finding in 3G CDMA (cellular) adaptive antenna system.

Modeled (Matlab, C), evaluated, and optimized adaptive beamforming algorithms

(LMS, NLMS, RLS) for 3G CDMA.

Used Matlab and C models to optimize design and parameters for cellular CDMA

baseband signal processing algorithms.

Implemented mathematical algorithms (Cholesky decomposition, FFT) for signal

processing on embedded device, which significantly improved performance (2x or

more) and reduced cost (more than 5x).

Wrote Matlab and C++ models for performance analysis of network security

algorithms.

Wrote Matlab model for performance analysis of projected multicore device, which

was the primary input for several key design decisions.

Obtained six U.S. patents (plus four pending) for innovative algorithms with various

applications (smart antenna signal acquisition, wireless baseband processing,

amplifier predistortion, network security, video image processing).

Developed and delivered video course in wireless technology for Freescale internal

use.

Delivered several presentations at technical & trade conferences.

NEC AMERICA, INC., Irving, TX 1995-1998

Senior Engineer

Provided systems-level support in design of CDMA (IS-95A) subscriber unit.

Research and development design of CDMA (IS-95A) subscriber unit.

Mathematically simulated noise power levels and false-alarm probabilities.

Developed documentation for development phase of IS-95A subscriber unit.

Project management

Co-wrote two patent applications for baseband filter implementation

APPLIED MATHEMATICS, INC., Gales Ferry, Connecticut 1991-2004

Mathematician/Consultant (contract, per-project basis)

Research and development in tracking, search, and scheduling algorithms with naval,

industrial, and homeland security applications.

Developed and documented statistical algorithms for naval search and target track

estimation

Wrote technical portion of small-business grant proposal for development of

statistical hazardous chemical identification methodology (U.S. Department of

Homeland Security)

REFEREED PUBLICATIONS AND TRADE JOURNALS

C. Thron, J. Salerno, A. Kwiat, P. Dexter, J. Smith, Modeling South African Service

Protests Using the National Operational Environment Model in Social Computing,

Behavioral Cultural Modeling, and Prediction (5th International Conference

Proceedings), Springer, April 2012.

C. Thron, Beyond Regression: Line-fitting algorithms for exceptional cases minimax

line fitting EE Times Online (http://www.eetimes.com/design/other/4199749/Line-fitting-

algorithms-for-exceptional-cases-minimax-line-fitting), June 1 2010.

C. Thron, Beyond Regression: Line-fitting algorithms for exceptional cases Part 2 EE

Times Online (http://www.eetimes.com/design/embedded/4199819/Beyond-Regression-

Line-Fitting-Algorithms-for-Exceptional-Cases--Part-2), June 1 2010.

C. Thron, Beyond Regression: Line-fitting algorithms for exceptional cases Part 3 EE

Times Online (http://www.eetimes.com/design/embedded/4199818/Beyond-Regression-

Line-Fitting-Algorithms-for-Exceptional-Cases-Part-3), June 2 2010.

C. Thron, S.J. Dong, K.F. Liu, and H.P. Ying, "Pad -Z2 estimator of determinants

Physical Review D 57, 3 (1998) 1642.

C. Thron, K.F. Liu, and S.J. Dong, The PZ method for estimating determinant ratios,

with applications Nuclear Physics B (Proc. Suppl.) 53 (1997), 977-979.

S. Bernardson, P. McCarty, and C. Thron, Efficient methods for Monte Carlo inversion

of quark matrices Nuclear Physics B (Proc. Suppl.) 34 (1994), 759-761.

S. Bernardson, P. McCarty, and C. Thron, "Monte Carlo Methods for Estimating Linear

Combinations of Inverse Matrix Entries in Lattice Q.C.D. Computer Physics

Communications 78 (1994), 256-64.

C. Thron, "Taylor series expansions for Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions of parametrized

composition operators Journal of Mathematical Physics 35 (April, 1994), 2024-35.

C. Thron, "Taylor Series Expansion of the Dominating Eigenvalue of the Ruelle-Araki

Transfer Operator Journal of Mathematical Physics 32 (10), October 1991.

BOOK CHAPTERS

C. Thron, C. Sheng, L. Turner, High Performance Path Searcher for CDMA Adaptive

Antenna Systems in Chandran, S. (ed), Adaptive Antenna Arrays, Trends and

Applications, Springer, 2004.

C. Sheng, C. Thron, Impact on System Performance of Weight Update Rat e for NLMS

Adaptive Antennas in Chandran, S. loc. cit.

C. Thron, "The 'Multi-armed Bandit' Problem and Optimality of the 'Gittins Index'

Strategy in Topics in Modern Probability (J.L. Snell, ed., CRC Press, 1995), pp. 321 -

354.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS:

C. Thron, Flaws, Fallacies, and Flimflam: What s $100 in three years worth to me

now?, College Mathematics Journal, September 2011.

C. Thron, As Easy as 1-2-3, ( The Playground feature), Math Horizons, April 2010.

K. Enosawa, D. Haruki, C. Thron, Normalized Least Mean Square for a Smart Antenna

System, Freescale Semiconductor Application Note AN3351, March 2006.

C. Thron, Fast, Accurate Math Functions on Parallel Devices Embedded.com

(http://www.embedded.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=47901094), September 22,

2004.

An Unpleasant Task The Upper Room Devotional Magazine, March 29 2002.

Inside Out and Upside Down The Upper Room Devotional Magazine, February 16

2001.

Belief in the Unseen The Upper Room Devotional Magazine, February 5 1999.

U.S. PATENTS:

Granted:

Koirala, Dipesh, Thron, Christopher P, Efficient Fixed-Point Real-Time Thresholding for

Signal Processing, U.S. Patent #7936921, May 3, 2011.

Kramer, David B., Thron, Chris P., Gunther, Bernard Karl, System and Method for

Implementing ACLs Using Standard LPM Engine, U.S. Patent #7861291, December 28,

2010.

Andrew M. Khan, Christopher P. Thron, Curtis M. Williams, George F. Opas, Method

and apparatus for Predistortion Training in an Amplifier Utilizing Predistortion., U.S.

Patent #7251464, Jul 31, 2007.

Chris Thron, Chengke Sheng, and Leon Turner, Method and apparatus for determining

whether a received signal includes a desired signal, U.S. Patent #7035319, April 25,

2006.

Chris Thron, Dipesh Koirala, and Dana Taipale, Method And Apparatus For

Determining An Upper Data Rate For A Variable Data Rate Signal, U.S. Patent

#7006439, Feb. 28 2006.

Chengke Sheng, Christopher Thron, T. Keith Blankenship, Method and apparatus for

coherent detection in a telecommunications system, U.S. Patent #6,839,381, January

4, 2005.

Christopher Thron, Keith Blankenship and Michael Thomas, Extended base band

multicarrier system, U.S. Patent #6,477,477, November 5, 2002.

Chris Thron, Michael Thomas, David Anderson, Digital Predistortion for Power

Amplifiers, U.S. Patent #6,304,140, October 16, 2001.

Published Applications:

Thron, Chris P., Gunther, Bernard Karl, Kramer, David B., System and method for

implementing ACLs using multiple hash-trie-key tables, U.S. Patent Application

#200********, August 30 2007.

CONFERENCE PAPERS

Chris Thron, John Salerno, Adam Kwiat, Philip Dexter, Jason Smith, Modeling South

African Service Protests using the National Operational Environment Model, 2012

International Conference on Social Computing, Behavioral-Cultural Modeling, &

Prediction, (College Park, MD April 2012).

John J. Salerno, Warren Geiler, Brian Hudson, Brian Roman, Jason Smith, Christopher

Thron, The National Operational Environment Model, A Focus on Understanding the

Populace MODSIM 2011 (Virginia Beach, VA October 2011).

Student Mathematical Modeling Projects with Interactive Spreadsheets, MAA Mathfest

(Lexington, KY, August 2011)

(with Justin Hill) An Abstract Algebra Class for Secondary Mathematics Teachers, MAA

Mathfest (Lexington, KY August 2011)

Voila! Proofs with Iteratively Inscribed Triangles, MAA Mathfest (Lexington, KY,

August 2011)

Current and Future Opportunities in Wireless Communications and Open Source

Overview and Opportunities International Colloquium on Mathematics, Science, and

Society (Porto Novo, Benin January 2004)

Advanced Technologies for 3G Base Stations Smart Networks Developers Forum

(Dallas, TX, 2003).

Smart Antennas, 3G Base Station Theory, and Implementation Communications

Design Conference (San Jose, CA, 2002).

Smart Antennas for 3G & Implementation on StarCore SC140 Devices Smart

Networks Developers Forum (New Orleans, LA, 2002).

Wideband CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) Physical Layer and Chip Rate

Processing Tutorial Smart Networks Developers Forum (New Orleans, LA, 2001).

The PZ method for estimating determinant ratios, with applications 13th International

Symposium on Lattice Field Theory (St. Louis, MO, 1996).

Taylor series expansions for eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of parametrized

composition operators 100th Annual Meeting of the American Mathematical Society

(Cincinnati, OH, 1994).

Efficient methods for Monte Carlo inversion of quark matrices 11th International

Symposium on Lattice Field Theory (Dallas, TX, 1994).

"God is Light, Sin is Entropy: Physical Analogies for Biblical Concepts Fifth

Interdisciplinary Conference on Science, Technology and Religious Ideas (Kentucky

State University, Frankfort, KY, 1994).

GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS

Fulbright Faculty Fellowship, Institut Sup rieur du Sahel, Maroua Cameroon, January

December 2013. Teaching and research in mathematical modeling applied to Sahel

resource management and development.

Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship, Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome NY (May-

Aug 2012) Agent-based behavior models of large-scale populations (Principal

Investigator: John Salerno).

Air Force Research Laboratory Extension Grant to continue work on National

Operational Environment Model (NOEM) (Principal Investigator: John Salerno). $10K for

August-December 2011; $15K for January May 2011.

Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship, Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome NY (June

11 Aug 11) Agent-based behavior models of large-scale populations (Principal

Investigator: John Salerno).

Fulbright Faculty Fellowship, University of N Djamena Department of Mathematics, Chad

Africa (Jan 04 May 04).

U.S. Department of Energy Quality Achievement Award, 1993-1995. Merit award from

DOE helped to support graduate study.

Pew Fellow, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, summer 1992: worked with physics

professor K.F. Liu on stochastic and semi-stochastic inversion of large matrices in

lattice quantum chromodynamics.

Participant, NSF CHANCE project in statistics education, 1991-1992: in collaboration

with faculty at several universities, designed and implemented an undergraduate course

in statistics based on current events.

EDUCATION

University of Kentucky, Lexington Ph.D. in Physics (Computational Physics)

University of Wisconsin, Madison Ph.D. in Mathematics (Probability)

Princeton University BA Magna cum Laude in Mathematics

CERTIFICATIONS

SOA/CAS (Actuarial) Exam P (February 2008)

OTHER

Institute for Children s Literature, Writing for Children and Teenagers

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