Contact: Jim Laird
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A senior official with the federal agency charged with ensuring the nation's safety, security and resilience against terrorism will visit Mississippi State next week.
Peter Fonash, chief technology officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity and communications organization, will meet with faculty and students and tour several of the university's research laboratories.
During a Tuesday [April 17] program open to all, the architect of the DHS's cyber ecosystem approach to computer and network security also will discuss the mission and operation of his office. His 1:30 p.m. presentation takes place in the Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium.
"We are very pleased that Dr. Fonash will be spending time on our campus. In addition to sharing his unique insight, it will provide an opportunity for him to see first-hand the extensive cybersecurity research we are conducting, and the capabilities and expertise we have here," said David Shaw, the land-grant institution's vice president for research and economic development.
According to DHS, the growing number of attacks on cyber networks has become, in President Barack Obama's words, "one of the most serious economic and national security threats our nation faces."
The agency plays a critical role in countering the threats.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to get an in-depth discussion from a senior technical official with Homeland Security on the current blueprint for a secure cyber future and the plan for trustworthy cyberspace," said associate research vice president Ray Vaughn, MSU's own nationally recognized cybersecurity authority.
"This plan is directly relevant to our research activity at MSU, particularly in the area of security for critical infrastructures," added the William L. Giles Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering.
Fonash has held several senior positions at the National Communications System, including deputy manager and director. Prior to that, he was chief of NCS's Technology and Programs Division.
He is a doctoral graduate in information technology and engineering from George Mason University.
Over a long career, he has managed special presidential and priority communications services technology development, nationwide network modeling and analysis, specialized telecommunications research and development, and the deployment of national security and emergency preparedness priority communications services nationwide on all major commercial networks.
Before arriving at the NCS, Fonash was chief of the Defense Information System's Agency Joint Combat Support Applications Division. He also worked for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence, and has chaired the Office of the Secretary of Defense Information Technology Architecture Council.
From 1986-94, Fonash held various Defense Information Systems Agency technical management positions, including director of technology and chief of the Advanced Technology Office. Prior to federal service, he worked for AT&T and the Burroughs Corp. (now Unisys).
Fonash also holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a master of business administration degree from UP's Wharton School.
For more information on the program, contact Vaughn at 662-325-3570 or vaughn@research.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State is online at www.msstate.edu.