Towards Resilient-by-Design NextG Power Systems: Embracing Uncertainty and Leveraging Complexity
On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT (UTC -5:00), Dr. Eman Hammad, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University and the Director of iSTAR (innovations in Systems Trust & Resilience), will present a seminar in the Frederick E. Giesecke Engineering Research Building (GERB) Third Floor Conference Room and through a Zoom Meeting. The topic will be “Towards Resilient-by-Design NextG Power Systems: Embracing Uncertainty and Leveraging Complexity.”
Abstract
The smart grid is recognized as the most critical infrastructure, where the assumption of reliable and secure availability of electric power underpins the digital revolution transforming our modern lives. The digital transformation of the smart grid is reshaping the interactions between smart grid systems components, between power systems and consumers, and between power systems and other interdependent critical infrastructures. Cyber-physical security and resilience of smart grids are essential enablers for continued innovation; however, existing standards and regulations follow a bottom-up technology-focused approach that may not sufficiently address the risks across the different smart grid operational layers. In this presentation, we expand the benefits of cyber-physical modeling as a useful tool to capture much of the innovation, cyber-physical threats, risks, and uncertainty. We present an operational risk-based model for smart-grids that efficiently captures cyber-physical uncertainties and enables a better resilient operation. This model utilizes a cyber-physical risk metric that can be used as a parameter for operation. We also expand on the need for a data-driven definition of trust between the different smart grid system components. Finally, we outline how further studies in this direction can provide better system coordination and reliability.
Short Bio
Dr. Eman Hammad is a cybersecurity & interdisciplinary professional who has her PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the cyber-physical security and resilience of smart power systems. Dr. Hammad investigates how a deeper understanding of interactions between critical infrastructure systems and enabling technologies can help design new classes of operational solutions that are more resilient and secure by design. Her research interests include cyber-physical security, resilient autonomous systems, operational trust and risk-aware coordination. She is the director of the innovations in Systems’ Trust & Resilience (iSTAR) lab. Dr. Hammad’s research has been published in more than 70 papers and has been recognized with merit awards (Best Paper Award, Best Poster Awards). Most recently, she was honored as one of Canada’s Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity. Dr. Hammad is a senior IEEE member serving as the co-chair of the IEEE Future NetworksSecurity working group for the International Network Generations Roadmap (INGR). She is regularly invited to deliver keynote talks and presentations. She is an active advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM, power, and Cybersecurity.