The Waveform Optimization (WaveOPT) Lab plays a leading role in several national and international efforts dedicated to research and education in signal processing and machine learning. Our research is focused on fundamental interplays between signal processing and optimization theory, and specifically different ways the optimization theory can facilitate better processing and design of signals for collecting information, communication, as well as to form a more profound understanding of data for enhanced machine learning, whether it is in everyday applications or in large-scale, complex scenarios. Our team efforts actively contribute to a wide range of application areas including those in sensing, communications, and biomedicine.