Ph.D. Student · Security Researcher

Colin Smith

Computer security researcher focused on vulnerability discovery in embedded and cyber-physical systems through binary analysis, firmware security, and fuzzing.

Career Goal

I enjoy finding bugs and vulnerabilities that improve the security of embedded and cyber-physical system deployments. My career goal is to continue this work in a research lab specializing in security for safety-critical systems.

Technical Skills

Security Research

Binary analysis, firmware compartmentalization, vulnerability discovery

Fuzzing & Systems

AFL-based fuzzing, protocol receivers, cyber-physical systems

Industrial Systems

SQL databases, Windows Active Directory, HMI authentication, audit trails

Education

The Pennsylvania State University

2025 – Present

Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering

Current research area involves finding bugs in cyber-physical systems through binary analysis and fuzzing.

The Pennsylvania State University

2022 – 2025

B.S. in Computer Science

Minor in Mathematics

GPA: 3.99

Awards

Highlighted Courses

EE 497 Embedded System Application Development
CSE 511 Operating System Design
CSE 544 System Security
CMPSC 476 Systems Debugging

Work Experience

Research Assistant

2024 – Present

The Pennsylvania State University

  • Developed software-based firmware compartmentalization for embedded boards without an MPU.
  • Implemented an AFL-based fuzzer for protocol receivers in cyber-physical systems without requiring a full rehosting setup.

Automation Engineering Intern

2023 – 2025

Sanofi

  • Automated imports of high-volume process data into historical tracking systems, supporting equipment development and process validation.
  • Implemented SQL-backed audit trails for operator logins to HMI applications, improving traceability.
  • Integrated Windows Active Directory with RFID sign-in for operator terminals, strengthening authentication and simplifying access.

Professional Service

Contact Information

Email: colin.smith074@gmail.com

GitHub: github.com/CSmith1539

LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile

Location: State College, PA