Acknowledgments
Books such as this are the products of contributions by many people, not just the musings of the authors. Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Cyber Domain: Protecting USA’s Advanced Air Assets, 2nd Edition, has benefited from the review of numerous experts in the field, who gave generously of their time and expertise. In addition to named subject matter experts, this book was reviewed by sources in the two federal agencies who must remain anonymous. Their contributions were especially helpful in not releasing protected information, classified or deemed exportable categories. We will name only a few and clearly miss some special friends whose contributions were noteworthy. For this we apologize in advance and beg your forgiveness.
There are several people we would like to shout out a special thank you for your guidance, support and experience from Kansas State University / Kansas State University Polytechnic (KSU / KSUP): Dr. Richard Myers, President KSU; Dr. Kurt C. Barnhart, Associate Dean of Research and Executive Director of the UAS Research Laboratory KSUP; Dr. Alysia Starkey, Acting Dean & CEO of KSUP; Dr. Terri Gaeddert, Director of Academics, School of Integrated Studies (SIS) KSUP; Dr. Donald V. Bergen, prior Director of Graduate Studies KSUP; Fred Guzek, Professor and current Director of Graduate Studies KSUP; Dr. Kurt Caraway, Executive Director UAS, Dr. Michael Most. (Retired) UAS Department Chair, Dr. Mark J. Jackson, Professor, SIS KSUP; Dr. Saeed Khan, Professor, SIS KSUP; Professor Raju Dandu; Dr. Katherine Jones, KSUP Research and Library; Rachel Miles, Assistant Professor, Hale Library KSU; Lisa Shappee, Director, KSUP Library; Beth Drescher, Grant Specialist KSUP; Charlene Simser, Professor and Coordinator of Electronic Publishing at New Prairie Press, Chad Bailey, Instructor SIS KSUP, Professor Troy Harding; and especially Joel Anderson, KSU OVPR and Research Director.
Next comes our writing team: Dr Julie J. C. H. Ryan, CEO, Wyndrose Technical Group, is hands down the best subject matter expert (SME) in the Information security field. Dr. Hans C. Mumm is an expert in leadership and UAS weapons – a lethal combination. Dr. Wayne C. Lonstein, Esq., a previous Dragon (Nichols ‘student) has gained recognition (licenses and certifications) in both law and cybersecurity. Professor Candice C. Carter, a Dragoness who is the creator of a cybersecurity program at Wilmington University and travels globally closing specialized cybersecurity breaches in major corporations. Capt. John Paul Hood, US Army, (our military advisor and previous Dragon) stepped up for a chapter in the 2nd edition. Professor Nichols is author / developer of six Masters and Certificate programs in Cybersecurity at Utica College and KSUP with five decades of experience.
Our textbook has been developed to replace two expensive textbooks in four of his graduate classes in the KSU graduate UAS Cybersecurity Certificate program and the KSU Professional Masters in Technology specialty. We would have failed our mission without our editor Aris Theocharis. Many times, we growled under our breath for the changes required knowing always, Aris was right.
Finally, E. Montine Nichols deserves a commendation for her help on the final drafts and copy edit work for our book. Several KSUP UAS pilot – students helped with the “student view,” and made valid suggestions for improvement, Randall Mai, Jeremy Shay, Vincent Salerno, Senior Airman in Kansas Air National Guard, John Boesen, (our handwriting expert); Diana K. Nichols, Josh Jacobs and Jordan McDonald. Special thanks go out to Devon S. Carter for website ideas and Kira C. Miller who professionally developed (more like “nailed”) our cover art.
Randall K Nichols, DTM
Professor of Practice
Director, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate Program
Managing Editor / Author
Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus &
Professor Emeritus – Cybersecurity, Utica College
