Dr. Bill (Data) Bryant, Participant

Dr. Bill “Data” Bryant is a cyberspace defense and risk leader with a diverse background in operations, engineering, planning, and strategy. As a thought leader in cyber defense and risk assessment of non-traditional cyber-physical systems, Dr. Bryant believes that cyber-physical systems such as aircraft are often an organization’s most critical and least defended assets, and he is passionate about improving the defensive posture of these systems. In his current role at Modern Technology Solutions Incorporated, Dr. Bryant created the Unified Risk Assessment and Measurement Process (URAMS). With a focus on assessing the cyber risk to aviation platforms and weapon systems, Dr. Bryant has supported numerous strategic and operational efforts for cyber resiliency, survivability of weapon systems, and cybersecurity risk assessments on various critical cyber-physical systems across multiple agencies. Dr. Bryant also co-developed Aircraft Cyber Combat Survivability (ACCS) with Dr. Bob Ball and has been working to apply kinetic survivability concepts to the new realm of cyber weapons. With over 25 years in the Air Force—including serving as the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer—Dr. Bryant has extensive experience successfully implementing proposals and policies to improve the cyber defense of weapon systems. He holds a wide range of academic degrees, in addition to his PhD, including Aeronautical Engineering, Space Systems, Military Strategy, and Organizational Management. He also holds CISSP, C|EH, and Security+ certifications.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2025/1007/thumbnail.jp

Levi Gundert, Participant

Levi Gundert is Recorded Future\u27s Chief Security & Intelligence Officer, leading the continuous effort to measurably decrease operational risk for Recorded Future and its customers. Levi has spent the past 20 years in the public and private sectors, defending networks, arresting international criminals, and identifying nation-state adversaries. Levi previously led senior information security functions at technology and financial enterprises. He is a trusted risk advisor to Fortune 500 companies and a prolific speaker, blogger, and columnist.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2025/1019/thumbnail.jp

Kathleen Finke, Participant

Kathleen Finke is the manager of Avionics Security Assurance for Astronautics Corporation of America.  She leads a team of cybersecurity, systems, and software engineers focused on the cybersecurity of avionics systems, including new projects, regulatory certification, advanced toolsets, and the development of new cybersecurity products. Finke holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and 13 years of professional and leadership experience in the aerospace industry with a focus on avionics development and continued airworthiness.  Across her roles at Astronautics Corporation of America, she has contributed to both the FAA Aircraft System Information Security/Protection (ASISP) program and more recently the FAA Cybersecurity Data Science (CSDS) program.  Finke is currently working with industry cybersecurity committees, such as Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and Cyber Safety Commercial Aviation Team (CSCAT), to support collaboration on definition for a range of topics including supply chain vulnerability and frequently asked Questions (FAQs) for DO-356 implementation.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2025/1017/thumbnail.jp

Paul Hoyt Nelson, Organizer

Paul Hoyt Nelson currently leads the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission’s cybersecurity efforts as the senior cybersecurity advisor. This is a multifaceted architect and management role that includes leading the research and development of aviation cybersecurity capabilities as well as ensuring that all R&D work results in secure and securable technologies for NASA’s diverse stakeholders. He also serves as NASA’s principal aviation cybersecurity liaison to U.S. government agencies and industry stakeholders. In addition, Paul works as an integration program manager in the Airspace Operations and Safety Program where he addresses the difficulties in cross-cutting integration of security and communications across the airspace ecosystem. He has previously been a NASA chief information security officer (CISO), director of research and development for the NASA Office of Inspector General Computer Crimes Division (CCD) (federal law enforcement), a CCD investigator and has been lead systems and security architect, as well as personnel manager, for many NASA and industry initiatives. With over 35 years of experience in systems, network and security architecture, as well development and operations, he has consistently designed his roles to include staff mentoring and development and program management. This has provided a strong basis for success in these fast-changing technology areas as well as helping to ensure the continued development of scarce talent. Paul earned a dual degree from Bowling Green State University in computer science and chemistry. He holds a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification from (ISC)2 and a Seized Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist (SCERS) certification from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). He has publications with IEEE, SANS, and other security industry conference proceedings.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2025/1001/thumbnail.jp

Pamela Davis, Participant

Pamela Davis is a member of Southwest Airlines’ newly-formed Cybersecurity Aircraft Team, where she helps lead the team’s Intelligence and Incident Response unit. With 25+ years in aviation Security and Safety leadership across major US airlines, she has used her wealth of experience and expertise to vigilantly help protect organizations from threats impacting aviation as well as providing guidance to the industry. Pamela has successfully built multiple teams throughout her long career with oversight across multiple domains. She credits her success to her faith, family, unwavering dedication, proactive approach to building strong networks, and keen insight into both aviation cyber and physical security. While airline security is a huge passion for her, Pamela is also a multi engine-licensed commercial pilot. Outside of work, Pamela serves as Director of Community Services with a deep passion for helping the homeless, teaches kids each weekend, is a sports enthusiast, voracious reader, and enjoys spending time with family. She is based in beautiful Arizona.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2025/1012/thumbnail.jp

Brian North, Participant

Brian A. North is a seasoned Cyber Survivability Architect with over two decades of experience in the aerospace and defense industry, specializing in mission systems, cyber engineering and avionics architecture. Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles at leading organizations such as Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, BAE Systems and Sikorsky Aircraft, where he has driven innovative architecture development and system integration strategies. With a strong focus on aerospace cybersecurity, Brian has led the design of secure cyber architectures, conducted Cyber Kill Chain analyses and authored System Security Plans, notably for programs including the V-280 FLRAA and F-35. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix and holds a CISSP from ISC2.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2025/1038/thumbnail.jp

1967 5BFTS First Reunion Dinner. Invitation (June 1967) from John Potter (Chair, 5BFTS Clewiston) to RAF cadets who had trained as pilots at 5BFTS during WW2

The First Reunion Dinner for RAF pilots who had trained at 5BFTS during WW2 was held on October 14, 1967, at the Royal Aero Club, London. This invitation to the Reunion dated June1967, is from John Potter (Chair, 5BFTS Clewiston) to RAF cadets who had trained as pilots during WW2 at 5BFTS

1967 5BFTS First Reunion Dinner. October 14.

The First Reunion Dinner for RAF pilots who had trained at 5BFTS during WW2 was held on October 14, 1967, at the Royal Aero Club, London. This image is annotated “Still we listened (ii)”.https://commons.erau.edu/bfts-1967-dinner-images/1024/thumbnail.jp

Derek Schatz, Participant

Derek Schatz has been working in cybersecurity for over 25 years, with much of that time in the aviation/aerospace sector at Boeing and in his currently role as head of information security for Virgin Galactic. At Boeing he was the technical lead for ground and airborne security for inflight Wi-Fi provider Connexion by Boeing, and later worked in the Commercial Airplanes division in Cabin and Network Systems. He represented Boeing in a number of international aviation cybersecurity standards committees, including as a founding member of both Eurocae Working Group 72 and RTCA Special Committee 216.  As part of that work, he performed the industry’s first cybersecurity safety analysis using SC-216’s DO-326A process for the SwiftBroadband Safety specification in ARINC 781. At Virgin Galactic, he is responsible for the overall information security program for the leading provider of commercial private space travel. He lives in Southern California, where he enjoys hiking and gourmet cooking with his wife.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2025/1046/thumbnail.jp