ECE Alumni Spotlight: The Khan Brothers’ Journey from UT Dallas to Engineering Leadership

Two brothers share a passion for engineering. They also share the same name: Yasser Khan. 

Both Dr. Yasser M. Tasif Khan BS’10 and Yasser M. Tahid Khan BS ’07, MS’15, MBA ’15 are proud alumni of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) of the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas. They began with the same undergraduate program, but their career paths showcase two equally impressive yet distinct stories of engineering leadership. 

Shared Beginnings at UT Dallas 

Both brothers pursued their undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at UT Dallas, building the strong academic foundation that would power their future careers. 

Dr. Yasser M. Tasif Khan graduated summa cum laude before earning his PhD in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by postdoctoral research at Stanford University. Today, he is an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Southern California (USC), leading groundbreaking research in wearable, implantable and ingestible electronics for precision health. His accolades include the 2024 Packard Fellowship, 2025 AFOSR Young Investigator Award, 2025 IEEE Sensors Council Technical Achievement Award and the 2023 Google Research Scholar Award. 

Yasser M. Tahid Khan BS’07, MS’15, MBA’15 combined his UT Dallas degrees in electrical engineering, systems engineering and management, and business administration to pursue a leadership path in industry. He currently serves as head of R&D Systems, US, at Ericsson Antenna Systems, where he leads advanced development for next-generation communication technologies. 

Different Paths, Shared Identity as Engineers 

Though their careers diverged as one pursued academia and the other moved toward industry, their shared foundation at UT Dallas gave them the tools to thrive. 

“UT Dallas’s programs gave me the platform and opportunities to turn my dream into reality,” recalls Tahid Khan. 

“Undergraduate education shapes how you think. UT Dallas ECE taught me the fundamentals of engineering and problem-solving, lessons I carry into my own lab today,” adds Tasif Khan. 

Both brothers credit hands-on experiences co-ops, research opportunities, and the UTDesign® Capstoneprogram as pivotal moments that bridged the gap between theory and practice. 

Overcoming Challenges, Together 

For Tahid Khan, transferring to UT Dallas and pursuing a co-op with Alcatel-Lucent was the turning point that launched his wireless career. For Dr. Tasif Khan, having an older brother who walked the same path made navigating the challenges of moving to a new country less overwhelming. 

That sibling support system continues today as they motivate each other through career milestones proof that mentorship sometimes begins at home. 

Professors, Mentors and Lasting Impact 

Both alumni spoke fondly of the professors who left an imprint on their journeys. 

For Tahid Khan, Dr. Carolyn Reichert, clinical associate professor of finance and managerial economics, helped erase his fear of business concepts, while Dr. David Springate, emeritus associate professor of executive education. challenged him to push beyond what he thought possible. In systems engineering, Dr. Mark W. Spong, professor of systems engineering and Excellence in Education Chair, left a lasting mark for his kindness and genuine care for students. 

For Dr. Tasif Khan, Dr. Matthew Goeckner, professor of physics; Dr. Naofal Al-Dhahir, professor of electrical and computer engineering; and Dr. Eric Vogel, a former associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, shaped his technical thinking and inspired his curiosity about nanoscale devices. His UTDesign mentors — Dr. John Randall, Dr. Joshua Ballard and Professor Murat Torlak — became lifelong influences on his career in research and academia. 

These educators not only taught concepts but also shaped how the brothers approached engineering challenges with persistence, clarity and creativity. 

Advice for Future Engineers 

The Khan brothers had powerful advice for current UT Dallas ECE students:

“Be persistent. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone, fail fast but learn faster, and turn every setback into a stepping stone.” – Tahid Khan BS’07, MS’15 

“Master the fundamentals. Learn to think critically, problem-solve methodically, and communicate your knowledge with confidence.” – Dr. Tasif Khan BS’10 

They also emphasized the importance of soft skills, integrity and adaptability, qualities that distinguish leaders in both academia and industry.  

Giving Back and Looking Ahead 

Today, Dr. Tasif Khan mentors undergraduate through postdoctoral students at USC, teaching the next generation of engineers and innovating health-focused technologies. Meanwhile, Tahid Khan leads cutting-edge research and development at Ericsson, pushing the boundaries of global communication systems. 

Despite their different arenas, both remain connected to their UT Dallas roots, and both embody the spirit of innovation, resilience and leadership that defines the Jonsson School community. 

Final Words of Wisdom 

If given the chance to advise their younger selves, their messages were clear: 

“Stay the course. Every late-night study session is shaping you for the future. Trust the process.” – Tahid Khan BS’07, MS’15 

“Live in the moment and cherish what you have. Positivity will take you miles.” – Dr. Tasif Khan BS’10 

From shared beginnings in the ECE program to leadership roles in academia and industry, the Khan brothers’ journeys are a testament to the global impact of our alumni community.