I'm Spencer,
an embedded
systems security engineer.
About
I have a track record of developing novel projects, either on my own, or through my studies at Colorado State University (CSU). These projects have helped me grow expertise in low-level programming(e.g. C/C++), rapid prototyping (e.g. Python), embedded OS development (e.g. Yocto), embedded machine learning (e.g. TensorFlow Lite), and embedded cyber security (e.g. Ofrak). I am a huge open-source advocate, and have contributed to projects in the embedded and MHD community🐧. My professional aspirations include contributing my skills and expertise as a prospective embedded engineer in the automotive industry, and strengthening the security of our transportation industry.
Besides my professional interests, I am also a triathlete, skier, and avid outdoorsman.
Download CVExperience
Colorado State University
Graduate Student Researcher
August 2024 - Present
Currently researching embedded security vulnerabilities within Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) vehicles. This work involves low-level programming, networking, and knowledge of cyber security threats within MHD vehicles. I've developed projects to help facilitate research in the MHD domain, such as the UTHP with a customized operating system tailored for security research. I've taken lead in setting up portable IT infrastructures for the infamous "Cyber Challenges": CyberMedical, CyberTractor, CyberTruck, CyberAuto, and CyberBoat, and currently work under the advisory of Dr. Jeremy Daily. I've also been involved in software defined Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) for MHD vehicles, Maritime IoT (MIoT) cybersecurity research, and the CPPTF.
CTF Competitions
Team Lead
August 2024 - Present
As a team lead for the SystemsCyber "CyberChallengeD" team, I have organized weekly meetings, developed training plans, and participated in various CTF competitions so far:
- 22nd at CyberSeed 2024 and 33rd at CyberSeed 2025
- MITRE eCTF 2025
Engineering Technical Services
IT Support Technician
August 2022 - January 2024
After working at Engineering Technical Services (ETS), I quickly became a support technician and was put in charge of systems such as MDT, SCCM, AD, along with other IT practices. I loved working with the ETS team, as it helped me grow my knowledge with networking, IT security, and customer service.
Education
Colorado State University
M.S. in Systems Engineering
August 2024 - Present
- SYSE 501 Foundations of Systems Engineering
- SYSE 530 Overview of Systems Engineering Processes
- SYSE 549 Secure Vehicle and Industrial Networking
- SYSE 569 Cybersecurity Awareness for Systems Engineers
- SYSE 548 Security Engineering for Systems Engineers
Certifications:
Colorado State University
B.S. in Computer Engineering
August 2020 - May 2024
- CS 370 Operating Systems
- CS 445 Introduction to Machine Learning
- ECE 402 Senior Design Project II
- CS 345 Machine Learning Foundations and Practice
- ECE 401 Senior Design Project I
- ECE 528 Embedded Systems and Machine Learning
- CS 320 Algorithms--Theory and Practice
- ECE 452 Computer Organization and Architecture
- ECE 456 Computer Networks
- ECE 561 Hardware/Software Design of Embedded Systems
- CS 356 Systems Security
- ECE 311 Linear System Analysis I
- ECE 450 Digital System Design Laboratory
- ECE 451 Digital System Design
- CS 253 Software Development with C++
- ECE 202 Circuit Theory Applications
- ECE 232 Introduction to Project Practices
- ECE 303 Introduction to Communications Principles
- CS 220 Discrete Structures and their Applications
- ECE 103 DC Circuit Analysis
- CS 165 CS2--Data Structures
- ECE 251 Introduction to Microcontrollers and IoT
- CS 164 CS1--Prior Programming Experience
- ECE 102 Digital Circuit Logic
Recent Works
Here are some of my favorite projects I have done lately. Find more on my GitHub!
*tap the project image to view details*
Ultimate Truck Hacking Platform
The cybersecurity landscape for Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) vehicles presents unique challenges due to complex proprietary protocols, minimal existing security measures, and a lack of dedicated, integrated tools for vulnerability testing. These vehicles, which rely heavily on protocols like J1939, J1708, and J2497, are increasingly targeted by attacks that exploit weak access controls and lack of encryption, posing serious risks to vehicle safety and functionality. The Ultimate Truck Hacking Platform (UTHP) was developed to address these gaps, offering a unified, purpose-built solution for cybersecurity research and testing in MHD vehicles, including trucks, buses, vocational, off-road, and agricultural equipment. There are no other platforms that provide comprehensive support for legacy, current, and future protocols.
- In collaboration with the NMFTA
Vehicle Penetration Testing Platform
VPTP (Vehicle Penetration Testing Platform) is a Work-In-Progress, intended to be a mobile platform designed for quick-turnaround times in testing vehicle systems given a known set of security vulnerabilities. It's original intention is to be a wrapper OS, built on the commonly known raspbian distribution, due to its hardware support. It features a full suite of CAN bus utilities for packet sniffing, injection, and replay, along with similar tools included in popular penetration testing distributions (e.g. Kali Linux).
- Hobby Development
Autonomous Pedestrian Detection with Depth Estimation
The Autonomous Pedestrian Detection unit (with Depth Estimation), is an artifact from the Electric Go-Kart team at CSU and my studies in embedded neural networks. It can be run on any linux system, but was originally designed to run on an embedded system, and uses a lightweight neural network to detect pedestrians. Not only does it show greater than 99% accuracy during inference, but it also has a depth estimation feature, which can be used to determine the distance of the pedestrian from the camera. This allows for the Electric Go-Kart to make decisions based on the distance of the pedestrian from the vehicle, such as regenerative braking, or actuation of the steering wheel. More improvements of the APDde system include the ability to detect cars, trains, buses, bikes, and more. Originally this was built with two logitech cameras, and eventually transitioned into a more robust off-the-shelf solution.
- Senior Design Component
- Product of ECE 528 at CSU
E-Kart Capstone
I successfully developed working CAN bus communication between the E-Kart and the infotainment system (raspberry pi 4), LiDAR integration, GPS for Route Planning and Optimization, and a customized ML model for obstacle avoidance. This project is hard to look back at. I learned from those experiences and always triple check my work :)
- Senior Design Project
Screamba
When I was younger, I was a huge fan of Michael Reeves. He inspired me to create my own, more cost-effective solution, to at home enjoyment. The 'Screamba' as we had marketed it as, was built using a digital accelerometer, a raspberry pi, and a custom-built speaker system.
- Product of CS 370 at CSU
Smart Fish Tank
The Smart Fish Tank (SFT) or Aquatic Monitoring System (ASM), was a success for this lazy fish caregiver. It successfully monitored water quality, temperature, and even fish health, built solely on the ESP32 platform.
- Product of ECE 561 at CSU
Contact Me!
I love talking linux, networking, cyber security, and automotive tech.