Meet Robert Goulet: NGN Wireless Engineer
About Bob: Robert, who most know as Bob, has been part of Yale’s NGN team since its inception, even playing a role in preparing for the project before it officially began. Bob brings over two decades of experience in the data and networking field. When he started at Yale in 2015 his work involved auditing MDT closets, identifying circuits, and troubleshooting network issues. As a seasoned professional, Bob’s pre-NGN work in network closets laid the foundation for the seamless installation of new switches and wireless access points across Yale’s campus.
Bob’s NGN Journey: As a Wireless Engineer, Bob is responsible for auditing wireless devices, documenting their locations, and installing upgraded wireless access points in collaboration with his team. His work ensures that Yale’s wireless devices are installed according to NGN standards and each building’s needs. Bob’s attention to detail and expertise in wireless technology have been instrumental in the NGN project’s progress, particularly when it comes to ensuring proper configuration and installation across campus.
Exciting Challenges: For Bob, one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of his role is locating devices throughout the university and ensuring accurate documentation for each building. Working with a highly knowledgeable team of engineers has been a rewarding experience for Bob, as he enjoys the opportunity to learn from others and contribute to the project’s overall success.
NGN Innovations: The NGN project’s focus on enhancing network security and device capacity has been particularly exciting for Bob. He is proud to be part of a team that ensures robust wireless coverage for students, faculty, and researchers helping to keep Yale at the forefront of network technology.
Lessons Learned: Bob emphasizes the abundance of teamwork and support within the NGN project. He has learned that the collaborative and friendly environment fostered by the team has made the project enjoyable and highly productive. The expertise and camaraderie shared among the engineers have been crucial to the project’s success.
Beyond the Office: Outside of work, Bob is passionate about spending time with his family, playing guitar, and riding his motorcycle. He is also a sports enthusiast, and is particularly fond of hockey, where he remains a lifelong fan of the Hartford Whalers and the NY Rangers. When it comes to movies, there are a few that Bob can’t pass up – Airplane, Grease, & Rocky. If you tune into his Spotify, you will hear a wide range of music from classical to rock. The organization Autism Speaks is close to Bob’s heart. He has held several benefits over the last 5 years, raising more than $15,000 for the cause.
Fun Fact: A dedicated martial artist, Bob placed third in state finals at the age of 10! Today, he has been practicing and teaching martial arts for over 30 years. Bob also teaches women’s self defense and youth safety courses in his community.
Favorite Spot on Campus: Sterling Memorial Library is Bob’s favorite place on campus, where he enjoys taking in the intricate ceilings, sculptures, and old-world woodwork that give the library its unique charm.