Michael A. Temple

Dr. Michael A. Temple is a Professor at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), affiliated with the Graduate School of Engineering and Management and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research focuses on device identification and cybersecurity using Distinct Native Attribute (DNA) Fingerprinting techniques in RF, wired, and constellation domains.

• Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, 1993
• M.S., Electrical Engineering, Southern Illinois University, 1986
• B.S., Electrical Engineering, Southern Illinois University, 1985

His research centers on RF-DNA, WS-DNA, and CB-DNA fingerprinting for authenticating devices in wireless and industrial networks. He applies signal processing, machine learning, and physical-layer techniques to enhance cybersecurity in critical infrastructure, IoT, and military communications. His work enables reliable device discrimination akin to human DNA identification. Applications span ZigBee, WirelessHART, Insteon, and industrial control systems.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in industrial IoT security, device authentication, and anomaly detection using fingerprinting across multiple signal domains. Research increasingly integrates machine learning and active stimulation methods for robust identification in complex environments.

• 2015 IEEE APS Piergiorgio L.E. Uslenghi Prize Paper Award

Dr. Temple has mentored over 100 graduate students and secured more than $2 million in research funding. His projects are sponsored by defense and critical infrastructure organizations, focusing on practical cybersecurity solutions. He leads research in physical-layer authentication, with applications in military, industrial, and consumer wireless systems.

His work involves close collaboration with graduate researchers and sponsors in developing and demonstrating DNA-based security frameworks. Labs and teams focus on RF signal analysis, hardware testing, and cybersecurity validation for industrial and tactical networks.