Ryan Bradetich received his Ph.D. in 2012 from the University of Idaho. He serves as vice president of automation and communication in Research and Development at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. In this position, Ryan has helped lead the development of the following innovative technologies: Real-Time Automation Controller, deterministic communication over wide-area Ethernet transport using virtual synchronous network, low-power fiber-optic transceivers with an improved temperature range, and the introduction of the first software-defined network switch designed for critical infrastructure applications. Ryan is a principle investigator for multiple Department of Energy projects. He currently holds multiple patents and has several additional pending patent applications related to security and communications.