Igniting Ingenuity: Lab Insights with Rita Foster of Idaho National Labs
Overview of machine learning concepts linked to data, math, and purpose with examples from INL’s award winning Annotated Translated Disassembled Code (@DisCo) will be discussed.
Join us March 11 for this Virtual Event.
Topic: Machine Learning/AI as related to Energy Systems
Part 1: What is AI/ML? Which ML concept is appropriate for data and purpose? INL’s Infrastructure Secure team adopted machine learning pillars to ensure explainable and trustworthy results. Overview of machine learning concepts linked to data, math, and purpose with examples from INL’s award winning Annotated Translated Disassembled Code (@DisCo) will be discussed.
Part 2: Who’s Who in the Zoo? Tired of dealing with AI vertigo? Leaders in AI/ML industry trends, use cases in the energy sector and changes in skill sets will be presented. This discussion will provide context to the AI/ML developments impacting critical infrastructure.
Rita Foster's current role at INL includes over 19 years of experience in cyber security of critical infrastructure identifying research aligned with strategic direction, providing capstone analysis, mentoring, and thought leadership in areas of protection and defense in the energy sector. She has managed multi-discipline teams bringing together controls system engineers, network engineers, cyber security researchers, machine learning, data scientists and subject matter experts for infrastructure security. Prior to her role in infrastructure security, Rita worked and additional 23 years building control systems and communication networks including life safety double and triple redundant systems.
Rita holds a Computer Information Systems Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Idaho State University; augmented with over 20 non-matriculated graduate level courses from University of Idaho.
Igniting Ingenuity Happy Hour and Tech Talk with Tom Cowles
In this talk, Tom will explore the transformative benefits of generative AI and the critical importance of data security in enterprise operations. This session will delve into the challenges organizations face when integrating AI, highlighting real-world scenarios that underscore the risks of trusting AI with sensitive information.
In this talk, Tom will explore the transformative benefits of generative AI and the critical importance of data security in enterprise operations. This session will delve into the challenges organizations face when integrating AI, highlighting real-world scenarios that underscore the risks of trusting AI with sensitive information.
We will discuss essential criteria for evaluating AI vendors and models, emphasizing the need for transparency and compliance. Attendees will learn best practices for safeguarding their data, including key questions to ask when selecting AI solutions and strategies for maintaining control over their data usage.
Bio:
Tom Cowles is the Chief Compliance Officer for Box ensuring that Box meets its global cybersecurity and regulatory obligations for technology worldwide. As a long time Box employee he leads the teams responsible for all of Box’s Security Assurance Certifications, Customer Trust and Audit Programs, Policies and Procedures, Technology Vendor Risk and Enterprise Risk and Resiliency. Before joining Box he worked at KPMG and Fannie Mae in a variety of Assurance and Delivery roles related to Cybersecurity and currently sits on the board of the Cloud Service Provider Advisory Board (CSP-AB) representing the world’s leading cloud companies supporting standards and policies that promote and enable secure cloud adoption in government.
30 APR - 1 MAY, 2025 - Research Day
Connecting academia & government to explore cyber, AI, & critical infrastructure workforce & research innovations to support the warfighter.
AI/Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Research Day
Apr 30 - May 1, 2025
Co-Hosted by UA Little Rock, University of Arkansas & UA Pine Bluff
INVITATION
Join us for a premier event connecting government agencies and academic institutions to explore cyber, AI, and critical infrastructure workforce and research innovations that support the warfighter.
This Research Day facilitates collaboration between federal research entities, academic researchers, and government agencies by showcasing research, identifying mission needs, and advancing technology for national security.
Who Should Attend:
This event is tailored for government program managers seeking to align their mission needs with innovative academic research in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure. It is also designed for academic researchers looking to showcase their work, understand federal R&D priorities, and explore opportunities for technology transition into government applications. Senior leaders, policy makers, and representatives from research institutions and federal agencies will benefit from this focused engagement.
What to Expect:
Over two days, attendees will engage with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and research presentations highlighting national security R&D priorities. Sessions will cover securing research, addressing workforce gaps, and leveraging academic innovation for national defense. The agenda includes breakout discussions, networking opportunities, and one-on-one meetings to facilitate direct collaboration between academia and government entities. A classified session will be available for eligible participants, providing deeper insights into mission-critical research needs.
This event is open exclusively to government agencies and academic institutions.
Forge Institute’s Atomic Anvil program is in partnership with APEX, a Department of Air Force (DAF) Partnership Intermediary Program (PIA). https://apex-innovates.org
AGENDA
Tuesday, Apr 29:
6:00 PM Reception/Happy Hour - Venue TBD (optional)
Wednesday, Apr 30:
7:00 AM Breakfast, Registration, Check-in
8:00 AM Welcome Remarks
8:15 AM Keynote Speaker
9:00 AM National Security Research & Development Priorities
9:30 AM Arkansas Federal Research & Development Report
10:00 AM Networking & 30 minute break
10:30 AM Academic Presentations
Group A - Workforce
Group B - Research
12:00 PM Lunch & Panel Discussions: Program Manager Priorities
01:15 PM Presentation: Threats to Research
01:45 PM Panel Discussions: Securing Research
02:30 PM Networking & 30 minute break
03:00 PM Panel Discussion
04:00 PM Panel Discussion
04:45 PM Closing & Keynote Speaker
05:00 PM Happy Hour & Posters
Thursday, May 1:
7:30 AM Breakout sessions
Group 1 (Classified)*
Group 2 (Unclassified)
11:30 AM Lunch & Guest Speaker
01:00 PM 1 on 1s
02:30 PM Facilitated Q&A
03:00 PM Closing & Keynote Speaker
*additional information will be provided soon
Sept. 17-19, 2025 - Forge AR Cyber Summit
The 6th Annual Forge Institute Cyber Summit will be held in Central Arkansas. Join us for special discussions with leading CISOs, award-winning researchers, and state, federal, intelligence and military leaders. Enjoy topic-specific breakout sessions, networking opportunities, round tables, and keynote presentations. Explore cutting-edge cybersecurity trends, current threats, success stories, and strategic partnerships driving cybersecurity awareness and development.
WHEN: September 17-19, 2025
WHERE: Little Rock, Arkansas
REGISTRATION:
Pre-registration required. Click here to register. Attendees must be U.S. citizens.
The 6th Annual Forge Institute Cyber Summit will be held in Central Arkansas.
Join us for special discussions with leading CISOs, award-winning researchers, and state, federal, intelligence and military leaders. Enjoy topic-specific breakout sessions, networking opportunities, round tables, and keynote presentations. Explore cutting-edge cybersecurity trends, current threats, success stories, and strategic partnerships driving cybersecurity awareness and development.
Note: To attend Forge Institute’s annual summit, all attendees must be US Citizens. We (along with our partners) reserve the right to deny admittance to anyone for any reason. Attendees must be pre-registered. Click any of the “Register Now” buttons on this page.
