Justin Darkoch

I currently work as a network engineer at the MITRE Corporation, which is a non-profit government R&D organization. I have supported projects for a variety of sponsors across the Federal government including DHS, DoD, and Intelligence Community. Much of our work focuses on highly available, protected, and survivable protected network architecture designs. We have also examined interdependencies between telecom networks and other critical infrastructure (e.g., electric power and financial).

1. What are your main interests? Feel free to include a “pie in the sky” big idea!

Right now my interests are almost exclusively in the area of complex networks, primarily technological ones. I want to learn more about all the properties and uses of complex networks including structures, resiliency, searching, information processing, growth, etc. Interdependencies between different types of networks are of particular interest. Applications of complex network theory to information assurance and cyber warfare would also be very interesting.

2. What sorts of expertise can you bring to the group?

I have a background in the theory and practice of network design and operation that will hopefully be useful in this course. I also have some undergrad background in economic theory. 3. What do you hope to get out of the CSSS?

Reading through the attendee profiles here, I am excited to see the diversity of backgrounds and research interests. Very interested to hear about a broad range of topics and new ideas.

4. Do you have any possible projects in mind for the CSSS?

Recently, I have been involved in a new research initiative at MITRE looking at the interdependencies between telecom and financial infrastructures. This research is examining topics such as the impacts of degraded telecom performance on specific financial market structures. I hope to potentially pursue some ideas in this area during CSSS.

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