Mayyda Mukhtar is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University, specializing in secure and reliable communication systems. She obtained both her master’s and undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering from her home country, Pakistan. Her research focuses on securing intelligent communication networks, which are essential components of Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN). She emphasizes real-world applications and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the resilience of next-generation wireless systems.
Driven by a passion for mentoring and helping others, Mayyda serves as an interdisciplinary writing consultant at the Center for Communication Excellence (CCE) and as a mentor with the Youth Social Services (YSS). Her commitment to leadership and service is evident through her active involvement in the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS), where she served as a senator for the 2024–2025 term and currently holds the position of Vice President for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Additionally, she was an active member of the Pakistani Students Association (PSA), where she served as the Social Media Coordinator from 2022 to 2023 and as Vice President from 2023 to 2024. Her dedication to fostering inclusive and supportive communities within academia was reflected in her various leadership roles and mentorship activities. Outside of her professional life, Mayyda enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and experimenting with different cooking styles.