I first met David during my job interview at Bell Labs when I flew from Singapore to Dublin. I had already encountered some of his work and was impressed by his contributions. However, meeting him in person was an eye-opener. Despite the intensity of the interview, during which I spoke non-stop to a total of about ten people, David stood out as friendly and approachable. That positive interaction was a key factor in my decision to accept the offer I later received, and knowing I'd have the opportunity to work with him made it even more appealing.
In the first few months after I joined the team, having David by my side was invaluable. We set an ambitious plan for designing a system-level simulator—my first experience with such a project. His vision and extensive experience guided both me and the rest of the team. Beyond the technical aspects, David also took the time to teach me how to draft patent applications, an area in which I had no prior experience. Over the next couple of years, I filed about a dozen patents, thanks in no small part to his mentorship.
One thing that became clear as we worked together was our shared drive to make a meaningful impact on the IEEE research community. David played a pivotal role in helping me prepare my first conference tutorial, which opened the doors for many more speaking opportunities. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve had the privilege of delivering over 100 keynotes and lectures across the globe.
After we both left Ireland, I definitely missed our conversations in the "Zen" room at Bell Labs—those discussions often sparked ideas for patents and publications. But our collaboration didn’t end there. We continued to work on various projects, mainly focused on next-generation Wi-Fi and drone communications. This ongoing work, combined with my contributions to the field, ultimately earned me the prestigious IEEE Communications Theory Early Achievement Award.
Now that David is in Valencia, I’m fortunate to see him a bit more often. Our regular calls and joint research initiatives continue to benefit me tremendously, particularly when it comes to discussing technical challenges. I’ve learned a lot from his perspective, and his sincere insights are always invaluable.
Looking back, I feel privileged that our paths crossed. The friendship and collaboration we've shared have been key to my personal and professional growth, and I look forward to what lies ahead in our continued work together.
Dr. Giovanni Geraci - Senior Researcher, Telefonica Research /Associate Professor, Universitat Pompeu Fabra
