Degree Obtained: BS Electrical Engineering

University: Texas A&M University         

Date Degree Obtained: May 2024

Faculty advisor: Paul Gratz

Email Address: egehle07@gmail.com

Research Statement: My research was a continuation of previous work done by Dr. Gino Chacon, who developed several potential hardware Trojan attacks for 2.5D integrated systems centered around the memory system interconnect. However, the previous design of these Trojans only allowed for system shutdown after detection (which aligned with all known previous works), which is not feasible for mission critical systems where execution must continue.

I worked with Charles Williams to develop a recovery protocol architecture that, upon detection of a hardware Trojan targeted towards a cache coherence protocol, would effectively cut a malicious chiplet from a 2.5D integrated system so that it could no longer communicate with the system. This is a multi-step process that detects the Trojan and cuts off communication between the system and directory, allowing the system to continue operation with one less chiplet.

Motivation statement: I became interested in this research after my ECEN 350 class, an introduction to computer architecture. I thoroughly enjoyed attending the lectures, which made me consider pursuing computer architecture research. Since one of Dr. Gratz’s PhD students was teaching the class, I got connected with his research group and was able to contribute to the project my last year of undergraduate studies.

Tell us more about you: I graduated summa cum laude and with university and engineering honors from Texas A&M with a BS in Electrical Engineering in May 2024. I also received the Undergraduate Research Scholars award, which is designated to students who conduct research and write a thesis during their undergraduate experience.

Tell us your plans after graduation: I am currently pursuing my MS Finance degree, which I will graduate with in May 2025. My long-term plan after graduation is to go into an operations/supply chain role.

Tell us a fun fact about you: I’ve climbed all the steps of the Eiffel Tower!