Travis Atkison

Dr. Travis Atkison serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Alabama's College of Engineering, where he directs the Digital Forensics and Control Systems Security Lab (DCSL) and leads the Computer Science Cyber Security Program. His work bridges academic research with critical infrastructure security applications.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science from Mississippi State University (2009)
• M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Alabama (1997)
• B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Alabama (1995)
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama (1995)

His research portfolio spans cyber security, transportation infrastructure protection, and control systems security, with specific expertise in malicious software detection, threat avoidance, and digital forensics for critical environments like power grids and transportation networks. Additional contributions extend to network security, intrusion detection, distributed data mining, and secure architecture development. His work emphasizes practical applications through partnerships with transportation agencies and defense organizations.

Funding for his research has been secured from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). He maintains an active CISSP certification and contributes to curriculum development initiatives including the U.S. Civil Air Patrol cyber security program.

The DCSL under his leadership has driven campus initiatives like the 2022 Cyber Security Lab ribbon-cutting and virtual Capture the Flag competitions. He is actively affiliated with the Center for Transportation Operations, Planning and Safety and contributed to UA's selection as a charter member of the U.S. Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network in 2022.