Maverick Engineering Social Media

Bert Peterson – Searching for Hidden Truths

It’s been interesting to note that, in news reports about activities as varied as insider trading and international terrorism, investigators have discovered valuable and incriminating evidence by reviewing contents of their subjects’ deleted e-mail messages. Prosecutors can partially thank Bert Peterson for his work on developing ways to effectively search through tons of ordinary communications to find the ounce of priceless proof of guilt.

Bert received a bachelor’s degree in architecture, and a master’s and doctorate in computer science at UT Arlington. After receiving his Ph.D. in 2001, he took a faculty position at the Air Force, where he is a member of the Center for Cyberspace Research and the Advanced Navigation Technologies. When asked about his career change from architecture to computer, Bert said, “It turns out that, instead of designing buildings, I now spend my time designing software systems. A physical space to cyber space jump.”

He and his associates have developed methods to use data mining and social networking techniques to spot and stop insider security threats and industrial espionage. Their software uses document clustering techniques to discern an individual’s interests from e-mail content and create social network graphs showing their topic and direct interactions.

The technology could help an organization sniff out insider threats or find individuals with hidden interests in sensitive topics. Bert and his associates believe that individuals who have shown an interest in a sensitive topic but who have never communicated about this topic to others within the organization may constitute a threat.

Another indicator would be if an individual suddenly stops communicating or socializing with others with whom they have previously had frequent contact. The software can reveal those who may feel alienated from the organization, allowing management to assist employees who may be facing difficult personal problems.

For his research in the areas of digital forensics and autonomous robots, Bert received an Air Force Outstanding Scientist Award, Junior Civilian Category, at the 2008 Air Force Science, Technology and Engineering Awards presentation.

Bert supplied his thoughts about being an alumnus and remembrances of his time at the College of Engineering.

What makes you a Maverick?
I try to bring my own sense of creativity and innovation to the problems I encounter in my research, teaching, and life.

What do you know about UT Arlington that others do not?
The oddest tidbit would have to be that the original planetarium used to be used as a slaughterhouse.

What is your fondest memory of your time on campus?
My fondest memories are of socializing and working with the other students, and faculty members. I enjoyed working with many dedicated individuals during my time at UT Arlington.

What lessons of life have you discovered?
It is important to have plans and goals, but almost equally important is maintaining flexibility so that when creativity or adversity occurs, you adapt and persevere.

What is most interesting about being an engineer?
I am amazed at how, even in solving a single problem, the number of other extensions, problems, and alternatives arise during the process. It is as if in the solving of a problem, the result is not just a solution but other future tasks.