Blockchain Security and Applications
This project studies the security of blockchain-based consensus protocols, secure smart contracts, and applications of blockchains.
Taha Eghtesad
Ph.D. 2026
Pennsylvania State University
Taha Eghtesad joined the Applied Artificial Intelligence Lab as a Ph.D. student in Fall 2018 and received his Ph.D.
in 2026 under the supervision of Dr. Aron Laszka. He received a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, with a minor in
Software Engineering, from Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. His research lies at the intersection of
machine learning, game theory, cyber-physical systems, and systems security. In particular, his Ph.D. research
focused on using artificial intelligence and machine learning to make cyber-physical systems more secure.
Machine Learning
Game Theory
Cyber-Physical Systems
Systems Security
Efficient and Scalable Bug-Bounty Programs
Many organizations and companies have recently chosen to use so-called bug-bounty programs (also known as vulnerability reward programs), which allow outside security experts to evaluate the security of an organization’s products and services and to report security vulnerabilities in exchange for rewards. Bug-bounty programs provide unique benefits by allowing organizations to publicly signal their commitment to security and to harness the diverse expertise of thousands of security experts in an affordable way. Despite their rapidly growing popularity, bug-bounty programs are not well understood and can be mismanaged. As a result, bug bounty programs can waste substantial resources and they rarely live up to their potential to improve cybersecurity. This project will significantly improve the efficiency of bug-bounty programs by collecting and publishing comprehensive datasets on the bug-bounty ecosystem, by establishing a sound theory of bug-bounty programs, and by providing practical recommendations for organizations and regulators.
Blockchains for Transactive Energy Systems
Due to rapid growth in renewable energy resources and improvements in battery technology, power grids are undergoing major changes, which create significant management and control challenges. To tackle these challenges, decentralized solutions are needed, which can support the evolution of electrical power distribution systems. Transactive energy is a decentralized solution for dynamically balancing demand and supply, in which consumers, prosumers (i.e., consumers with energy storage or generation capabilities), providers, etc. can trade energy in an open market.