Krishna Sampigethaya

Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he brings extensive real-world experience in cybersecurity, particularly in aviation and aerospace systems. He is a pioneer in aviation cybersecurity, authoring over 50 papers and holding numerous patents.

His research focuses on cutting-edge areas including machine learning, artificial intelligence, aviation cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems, and Internet-of-Things security. These efforts are supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and industry leaders such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace, and Aviation ISAC. Students engage in research through the Cyber Lab and the upcoming Cyber Gym facility.

Dr. Sampigethaya emphasizes industry integration in education, facilitating student participation in major conferences like RSA, Blackhat, and DEF CON, and hosting a distinguished speaker series. The department offers graduate assistantships, lab employment, and access to prestigious scholarship programs such as DoD CySP and NSF CyberCorps SFS.

The Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security is distinguished by its ABET-accredited cybersecurity program, designation as a DHS/NSA National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), and membership in the U.S. Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network—making it one of the elite programs globally.

He advises aspiring graduate students that expertise in coding is not mandatory, but a strong interest in understanding and protecting digital systems is essential for success in the field.