C2SR Alumni

Dev N. Patel attended the University of North Dakota, where he completed his graduate studies in 2024. During his time at UND, he concentrated on environmental data science, developing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for forecasting Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) through advanced predictive modeling. His research, published in Remote Sensing, introduced novel methods of using image segmentation data to predict HAB development. Currently, Dev works at a startup that focuses on remote sensing and drone technology, where he applies his expertise in software solutions utilizing machine learning for environmental protection. In addition to his work in tech, Dev took part in a venture group, leading investment rounds and contributing to the formation of a multimillion-dollar impact investment fund (Harvest Fund II) at Dakota Venture Group. Outside of his professional life, Dev served as the head coach for the Special Olympics soccer youth division and took on a leadership role in the Big Brother Program at the YMCA.

Prashanth is a research and development electrical engineer at Halliburton, working on developing a physics based model for wireline automation. He graduated with a master’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of North Dakota (UND). At UND, he worked as a graduate research assistant on projects related to vehicular communications. He also has worked at Stellantis (Fiat Chrysler automobiles), Chennai, India, as a wiring harness design engineer. His area of interest includes machine learning, data management, systems and security.

Anton Skurdal is a Data Engineer at Aethero. He has a M.S. Computer Science degree from the University of North Dakota, where his research focused on signal integrity of aircraft systems. He also worked on a project in which UAS and multispectral imaging were used to detect pests in soybean plants. He also has extensive experience in image processing, 3D modeling, and data analysis for thermal imaging. He has also led over 200 successful UAS Missions as Mission Commander.

Barathwaja is currently working as a Software Engineer for the client Halliburton, where he designs and develops Edge Internet of Things (IoT) Platform applications. He holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of North Dakota (UND). Previously, he spent over 5 years at Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. as a Software Engineer, focusing on the development and maintenance of E-Commerce and ERP applications. At UND, he also worked as a Graduate Research Assistant on FAA projects within DECS, and as a Teaching Assistant for a cybersecurity course. He led teams in Cyberforce 2022 and 2023, organized by the U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory. His interests include Edge Platform, Cloud, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity.

Akshay Ram, with a Master's degree in Computer Science from UND and further studies in AI and ML at the University of Texas at Austin, has a solid foundation in Python programming. At the DECS lab, Akshay contributed to drone battery optimization projects, addressing challenges in electromagnetic interference. Akshay's work in aviation technology, particularly in aircraft trajectory prediction, was presented at AeroConf 2024. He was also involved in FAA projects, focusing on GPS interference detection. Currently, Akshay is a Cybersecurity Analyst at C2SR, where he utilizes his skills in machine learning to enhance cybersecurity, particularly for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

Jaya Preethi Mohan is a Computer Scientist II for Power Systems Research at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of the Department of Energy. She works for the Electricity Grid Security Department under the Electricity and Environment Division. She started as a Masters Intern at PNNL and worked on the HPC software package maintenance with cloud deployments for a research computing project (Exascale Grid Optimization). Jaya is a Master of Science in Computer Science graduate from the University of North Dakota (UND). She graduated with a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering in 2019 from Dr. M.G.R Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India. Jaya worked at IBM for 2 years as the Cloud Backup & Restore Operations Specialist and Linux Support associate from 2019 to 2021. She also worked as a graduate research assistant in NSF and FAA projects at DECS UND from 2021 to 2023. She is interested in working with Cloud, HPC, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Cyber Security.

Farishta Rahman is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of North Dakota, she works under the supervision of Dr. Prakash Ranganathan. She is an active member of the Data, Energy, Cyber and Systems (DECS) Lab, and contributes to the Center for Cyber Security Research (C2SR). She completed her BSc in Aeronautical Engineering from Military Institute of Science and Technology in Bangladesh in 2021. Her research focuses on investigating the temporal characteristics of time series data in order to identify and implement appropriate statistical and machine learning techniques for modeling and prediction.