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July 2026 Membership Meeting - Room A207

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How AI Can Benefit Amateur Radio in the Future

Join us for a special Zoom presentation by Michelle Thompson (W5NYV), a licensed amateur radio operator, as she explores "How AI Can Benefit Amateur Radio in the Future." Michelle will dive into the exciting intersection of artificial intelligence and ham radio, examining how emerging AI technologies could transform everything from signal processing and digital modes to emergency communications, contesting, and operator training. Drawing on her own experience as a ham, she'll offer a grounded, practical perspective on which AI applications hold real promise for our hobby, and what changes operators might expect to see in the years ahead. Whether you're a seasoned operator or newer to the hobby, this presentation will offer fresh insight into where amateur radio may be headed as AI tools become more capable and accessible. 

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Presenter

Michelle Thompson, W5NYV

Michelle Thompson is a third-generation amateur radio operator who began her ham radio journey in elementary school and has now been licensed for more than 25 years. Her early interest in microwave circuit design and computers led her to a successful engineering career.

She is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit R&D Open Research Institute (ORI), an organization dedicated to open-source research and development in amateur radio and beyond. She serves on the board of AMSAT and is responsible for amateur satellite service regulatory reform, sitting on the FCC's Technological Advisory Council. She is also chair of the San Diego Section of the IEEE and founded its Information Theory Society.

Michelle is a well-known advocate for open-source approaches to satellite design, aiming to fuel future generations of amateur spacecraft. In 2023, she was named a "Woman of Influence in Engineering" by the San Diego Business Journal. She has described her motivation in ham radio as being drawn to helping people navigate difficult rules and regulations that impeded their learning and success.

She holds life membership in AMSAT, ARRL, 10-10 International, and TAPR, and is a senior member of IEEE.

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