With over $10 million in external funding from federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Transportation, Peter Hawrylak’s compelling research bridges the gap between cybersecurity and energy.
“Balancing cybersecurity with operational efficiency is a key challenge in securing industrial processes. Energy systems must remain available and functional, while also being protected against cyber threats,” said Hawrylak, Ph.D. and associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. “Our research develops technologies that integrate cyber defenses without disrupting system performance.”
Pioneering cyber energy research at North Campus
The University of Tulsa’s North Campus houses state-of-the-art facilities that replicate real-world processes in the oil and natural gas sectors. Pipelines play a crucial role in transporting hydrocarbons and a wide range of critical materials from wells to end users, requiring advanced monitoring and security solutions. At North Campus, federal funding has allowed the College of Engineering & Computer Science to develop a testbed that simulates natural gas transmission and distribution.
This pilot-scale model allows researchers to create and assess new process control strategies, cybersecurity tools, and monitoring capabilities. The facility enables the replication of actual systems that are central to the nation’s infrastructure. By integrating UTulsa’s renowned cyber and energy research, faculty tackle critical challenges in industrial operations, ensuring critical infrastructure remain secure and effective.
Hawrylak is partnering with Mauricio Papa, Brock Professor of Computer Science; Cem Sarica, Floyd M. Stevenson Distinguished Presidential Chair in Petroleum Engineering; Eduardo Pereyra, F.H. “Mick” Merelli/Coterra Energy Chair Professor in Petroleum Engineering; and Tyler Moore, Tandy Endowed Chair in Cyber Security and Information Assurance. Collaborations with chemical and mechanical engineering faculty further enhance the practical application of the technologies being investigated, making them more likely to be adopted.
These interdisciplinary efforts bridge academia and industry, further positioning UTulsa as a leader in digital energy research. Partnerships extend beyond the university, engaging with government agencies and corporations to bring practical solutions to everyday issues.
And thanks to the unique North Campus facilities, UTulsa is the nation’s prime location for safe and controlled testing of cyberattacks on pipelines and other critical equipment.
“This capability doesn’t really exist anywhere else,” said Moore, who chairs the School of Cyber Studies. “There are other places that conduct research in petroleum engineering. There are other places that conduct cyber security research. But there is no other place that has this kind of purpose-built facility coupled with the knowledge and expertise to bring it to fruition.”
A vision for the future
The solutions extend beyond oil and gas, offering insights into protecting hydroelectric dams, nuclear power plants and other infrastructure that is crucial to maintaining our way of life. As a hub for innovation in cyber-physical systems, UTulsa is at the forefront in protecting the power supplies millions of Americans rely on every day.
“With projects like Professor Hawrylak’s, the College of Engineering & Computer Science continues to demonstrate that we are a leader in digital energy research and cybersecurity for the energy industry,” said Michael W. Keller, Ph.D., PE, and associate dean for research. “It is crucial that new technologies and techniques are developed to help protect the nation’s critical infrastructure, and UTulsa is leading the way with this state-of-the-art testbed.”
Hawrylak envisions expanding UTulsa’s role in Industry 4.0, automation, and smart factory research. By partnering with manufacturing and logistics companies, he aims to integrate cybersecurity solutions into industrial processes, ensuring safer and more resilient infrastructure. His work helps shape the future of secure, interconnected industrial systems that can withstand cyber threats while optimizing performance.