CYPHER IPT 2026 Agenda

Dr. Manbir S. Sodhi is a Professor of Mechanical, Industrial, and Systems Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Arizona and is recognized for research in optimization, manufacturing systems, sustainable engineering, cyber-physical systems, and digital twins. He has organized defense and industry workshops on fleet scheduling, smart manufacturing, and digital twins, served as department chair, and consulted with NATO, NUWC, and Submarine Forces Atlantic. His honors include the Carlotti Faculty Excellence Award and U.S. Navy Summer Faculty Fellowship.

Rob Caron is a licensed Professional Engineer and President, CEO, and founder of Caron Engineering, Inc., established in 1986. Caron Engineering develops retrofit smart technology solutions for CNC machine tools, helping manufacturers automate, optimize, and digitize machining processes. Rob has led the development of the company's hardware and software portfolio and continues to guide its technical vision. His background includes electrical training, CNC service engineering, and control integration. Widely recognized as a pioneer in tool monitoring, automation, and process control, Rob has helped advance technologies for unattended machining, adaptive control, tool setting, vibration analysis, and in-machine measurement.

Frank Krazer is a Systems Engineer at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, where he focuses on integrating and automating industrial metrology equipment for manufacturing. Since 2015, he has worked with 3D coordinate measuring machines and large-volume laser tracker systems. He uses precision measurement data to improve manufacturing quality, throughput, and path correction. His recent work includes developing IT/OT solutions that connect measurement systems with CNCs, robots, and enterprise software. By linking physical manufacturing systems with digital platforms, he enables real-time feedback and smarter automation for industrial environments.

Yan (Lindsay) Sun is an IEEE Fellow, Professor and Chair of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. She is the founding director and current co-director of the Center for Cyber-Physical Intelligence and Security (CYPHER). Her work focuses on the security and resilience of cyber-physical systems, particularly power grid and energy systems, and on trustworthy AI for mission-critical applications. She has received multiple best paper awards, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Maryland Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and previously served on Congressman Jim Langevin's Cybersecurity Advisory Committee.

Dayne Broderson is a Senior Technology and Strategic Advisor at ACEP with over 20 years of experience leading research teams, managing programs, and developing cyberinfrastructure platforms for research and operational environments. He provides strategic leadership in technology and innovation, with a focus on building cyber capacity for research and operational partners in Alaska. At ACEP, Dayne works to connect community, industry, academic, research, and government partners around shared technology initiatives. A self-described tech geek, he has a particular passion for exploring and sharing the possibilities of emerging technologies, with a special fondness for Linux and networked systems.

John Haverlack is the Information Security Lead for the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, specializing in data management, cyberinfrastructure, and cybersecurity. A technology generalist with nearly 30 years of public and private sector experience, he recently designed and maintained the critical cyberinfrastructure onboard the R/V Sikuliaq. He also served as a consultant to the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, helping establish its modern cybersecurity program. Haverlack's expertise in navigating technical controls and cyber risk regulations directly supports secure, resilient energy systems and maritime research infrastructure.

Hui Lin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island and technical co-director of the Center for Cyber-Physical Intelligence & Security (CYPHER). He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2017. His research focuses on cybersecurity, intrusion detection, programmable networks, and machine learning for cyber-physical systems, including power and manufacturing systems. His work has been sponsored by NSF, DOE, and DOD, and he has received NSF CAREER and CRII awards.

Dr. Ben Drozdenko is the Cybersecurity Science & Technology Lead at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport. He leads Cyber research and development projects in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for situational awareness, Cyber-survivable model-based systems engineering, and ONR-sponsored laboratory projects involving software debloat and hardening. He has over 20 years of prior experience as a Cyber Engineering professor at Louisiana Tech University, MathWorks specialist & training engineer, and Raytheon systems engineer. He has a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (Northeastern, 2017), M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Northeastern, 2007), and B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering (RPI, 2004).

Constantine (Dean) Macris is a native of Mystic, Connecticut. He earned his undergraduate degree in Marine Systems Engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and later completed an MBA in Management Information Systems at the University of Connecticut. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. Dean is also a reserve officer in the U.S. Navy and an industry expert in operational technology and network security. He currently serves as Chief Information Security Officer at Dispel.

Dr. Vahid Jahangiri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Systems Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. His research focuses on digital twins, structural health monitoring, offshore wind energy systems, vibration control, and data-driven modeling for infrastructure and energy applications. Before joining URI, he worked as an R&D Engineer at Leeward Renewable Energy and as a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Nevada, Reno. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University.

Dr. Yeonho Jeong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from KAIST, South Korea, in 2018. Prior to joining URI, he spent 10 years in industry at Samsung and Solu-M, developing high-performance server/network power systems, and later served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Colorado Denver, contributing to the DARPA Subterranean Challenge. His research focuses on power electronics, hybrid energy systems and power converters, energy management, and emerging technologies, including digital twins and electronic design automation, for power electronics.

Dr. Manbir S. Sodhi is a Professor of Mechanical, Industrial, and Systems Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Arizona and is recognized for research in optimization, manufacturing systems, sustainable engineering, cyber-physical systems, and digital twins. He has organized defense and industry workshops on fleet scheduling, smart manufacturing, and digital twins, served as department chair, and consulted with NATO, NUWC, and Submarine Forces Atlantic. His honors include the Carlotti Faculty Excellence Award and U.S. Navy Summer Faculty Fellowship.

Dayne Broderson is a Senior Technology and Strategic Advisor at ACEP with over 20 years of experience leading research teams, managing programs, and developing cyberinfrastructure platforms for research and operational environments. He provides strategic leadership in technology and innovation, with a focus on building cyber capacity for research and operational partners in Alaska. At ACEP, Dayne works to connect community, industry, academic, research, and government partners around shared technology initiatives. A self-described tech geek, he has a particular passion for exploring and sharing the possibilities of emerging technologies, with a special fondness for Linux and networked systems.

Yan (Lindsay) Sun is an IEEE Fellow, Professor and Chair of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. She is the founding director and current co-director of the Center for Cyber-Physical Intelligence and Security (CYPHER). Her work focuses on the security and resilience of cyber-physical systems, particularly power grid and energy systems, and on trustworthy AI for mission-critical applications. She has received multiple best paper awards, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Maryland Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and previously served on Congressman Jim Langevin's Cybersecurity Advisory Committee.

Dr. Ben Drozdenko is the Cybersecurity Science & Technology Lead at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport. He leads Cyber research and development projects in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for situational awareness, Cyber-survivable model-based systems engineering, and ONR-sponsored laboratory projects involving software debloat and hardening. He has over 20 years of prior experience as a Cyber Engineering professor at Louisiana Tech University, MathWorks specialist & training engineer, and Raytheon systems engineer. He has a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (Northeastern, 2017), M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Northeastern, 2007), and B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering (RPI, 2004).

Stephen S. Eacuello is a software engineer, manufacturing professional, and doctoral researcher with more than two decades of experience in advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, systems engineering, and digital transformation. He is currently a Software Engineer at Arcfield (formerly Rite-Solutions) and a Ph.D. student in Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. His background includes 15 years at LeachGarner and 7 years at Prysmian Group in precision manufacturing environments. His research focuses on smart manufacturing, AI, sensor fusion, cybersecurity, digital twins, and cyber-physical systems, with an emphasis on secure, data-driven industrial systems and hands-on Industry 4.0 education.

John Haverlack is the Information Security Lead for the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, specializing in data management, cyberinfrastructure, and cybersecurity. A technology generalist with nearly 30 years of public and private sector experience, he recently designed and maintained the critical cyberinfrastructure onboard the R/V Sikuliaq. He also served as a consultant to the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, helping establish its modern cybersecurity program. Haverlack's expertise in navigating technical controls and cyber risk regulations directly supports secure, resilient energy systems and maritime research infrastructure.

Dr. Ben Drozdenko is the Cybersecurity Science & Technology Lead at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport. He leads Cyber research and development projects in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for situational awareness, Cyber-survivable model-based systems engineering, and ONR-sponsored laboratory projects involving software debloat and hardening. He has over 20 years of prior experience as a Cyber Engineering professor at Louisiana Tech University, MathWorks specialist & training engineer, and Raytheon systems engineer. He has a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (Northeastern, 2017), M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Northeastern, 2007), and B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering (RPI, 2004).

Dayne Broderson is a Senior Technology and Strategic Advisor at ACEP with over 20 years of experience leading research teams, managing programs, and developing cyberinfrastructure platforms for research and operational environments. He provides strategic leadership in technology and innovation, with a focus on building cyber capacity for research and operational partners in Alaska. At ACEP, Dayne works to connect community, industry, academic, research, and government partners around shared technology initiatives. A self-described tech geek, he has a particular passion for exploring and sharing the possibilities of emerging technologies, with a special fondness for Linux and networked systems.

Yan (Lindsay) Sun is an IEEE Fellow, Professor and Chair of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. She is the founding director and current co-director of the Center for Cyber-Physical Intelligence and Security (CYPHER). Her work focuses on the security and resilience of cyber-physical systems, particularly power grid and energy systems, and on trustworthy AI for mission-critical applications. She has received multiple best paper awards, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Maryland Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and previously served on Congressman Jim Langevin's Cybersecurity Advisory Committee.

John Haverlack is the Information Security Lead for the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, specializing in data management, cyberinfrastructure, and cybersecurity. A technology generalist with nearly 30 years of public and private sector experience, he recently designed and maintained the critical cyberinfrastructure onboard the R/V Sikuliaq. He also served as a consultant to the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, helping establish its modern cybersecurity program. Haverlack's expertise in navigating technical controls and cyber risk regulations directly supports secure, resilient energy systems and maritime research infrastructure.

Dr. Ben Drozdenko is the Cybersecurity Science & Technology Lead at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport. He leads Cyber research and development projects in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for situational awareness, Cyber-survivable model-based systems engineering, and ONR-sponsored laboratory projects involving software debloat and hardening. He has over 20 years of prior experience as a Cyber Engineering professor at Louisiana Tech University, MathWorks specialist & training engineer, and Raytheon systems engineer. He has a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (Northeastern, 2017), M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Northeastern, 2007), and B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering (RPI, 2004).

John Haverlack is the Information Security Lead for the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, specializing in data management, cyberinfrastructure, and cybersecurity. A technology generalist with nearly 30 years of public and private sector experience, he recently designed and maintained the critical cyberinfrastructure onboard the R/V Sikuliaq. He also served as a consultant to the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, helping establish its modern cybersecurity program. Haverlack's expertise in navigating technical controls and cyber risk regulations directly supports secure, resilient energy systems and maritime research infrastructure.

Dr. Ben Drozdenko is the Cybersecurity Science & Technology Lead at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport. He leads Cyber research and development projects in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for situational awareness, Cyber-survivable model-based systems engineering, and ONR-sponsored laboratory projects involving software debloat and hardening. He has over 20 years of prior experience as a Cyber Engineering professor at Louisiana Tech University, MathWorks specialist & training engineer, and Raytheon systems engineer. He has a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (Northeastern, 2017), M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Northeastern, 2007), and B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering (RPI, 2004).