Aran Hegarty

Aran Hegarty is the founder of Hegarty Research, a consulting firm specializing in the convergence of radio frequency, electronic warfare, cyber operations, and Internet Protocol technologies. Throughout a career spanning defense, aerospace, telecommunications, and advanced research, he has led engineering and analytical efforts addressing complex global electronic and cyber warfare challenges. After retiring in 2022, he relocated to Paris, France. 

Following service in the United States Marine Corps, where he worked in Signals Intelligence and Ground Electronic Warfare and attained the rank of Sergeant, Hegarty earned an engineering degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He began his career designing antennas for ships and aircraft at Bendix Allied Signal Aerospace before advancing through RF engineering, receiver design, and propagation engineering roles at General Research Corporation, The Analytical Sciences Corporation, and AT&T, supporting subsurface, terrestrial, airborne, and space-based systems. 

Hegarty later earned a master’s degree from The George Washington University, specializing in Decision Theory and the management of research and development programs. He subsequently left doctoral studies to establish Hegarty Research, focusing on emerging communications and cyber technologies.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hegarty has dedicated decades to volunteer leadership and philanthropy in higher education. He served in numerous leadership roles with the University of Illinois Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Alumni Board, the University of Illinois Alumni Club of Greater Washington, D.C., the University of Illinois Alumni Association, and the University of Illinois Foundation, while also supporting scholarships, student programs, fundraising initiatives, and the advancement of engineering education. He has also held leadership positions with The George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science, helping guide innovation, entrepreneurship, and student success initiatives.