Degree Obtained:  PhD in Computer Engineering

University:   Texas A&M University

Date Degree Obtained: 5/2023

Faculty advisor: Paul Gratz

Email Address: ginoachacon@gmail.com

Research Statement: My research explored the security of memory coherence protocols on interposer-based chiplet designs that integrated potentially untrusted chiplets. My work demonstrated that a hardware Trojan embedded in a chiplet’s memory communication logic could manipulate data that the compromised chiplet would otherwise not be able to access. We then proposed hardening a trusted interposer layer and allowing it to monitor memory traffic to identify and thwart compromised chiplets’ attempts to violate the integrity of the entire system.

Motivation statement: Industry is moving to heterogeneous designs incorporating different components from different sources with varying levels of trustworthiness. Similarly, supply chains have become diverse ecosystems with varying levels of trust at each stage in the production process, making them vulnerable to hardware Trojans. Coherence protocols control the memory permissions and communication between components and are highly complex state machines sensitive to small changes and are rarely looked at in terms of security, making them an ideal target for Trojan and security designers alike.

Tell us more about you: I received my Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a Computer Engineering Concentration from Letourneau University in May of 2016. I received the College of Engineering Fellowship during my time at Texas A&M University.

Tell us your plans after graduation: I received a full-time position at Intel.

Tell us a fun fact about you:  I am an absolute audiophile that has played the saxophone and guitar for over 16 years.