John Franco is a distinguished figure in the fields of cyber operations, cyber security, and theoretical computer science. As Director of the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (NCAE-CO) at the University of Cincinnati, Professor Franco is at the forefront of advanced training and research in these critical domains. His extensive career encompasses significant contributions to satisfiability (SAT) algorithms, formal verification, and the application of these techniques to enhance network and computer security.
Professor Franco’s leadership at the NCAE-CO highlights his commitment to fostering collaboration between academia and industry. The Center, under his direction, unites three University of Cincinnati colleges with major defense contractors to deliver cutting-edge education and research opportunities in cyber operations and security. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive practical, real-world training relevant to the evolving challenges in cybersecurity.
Beyond his administrative role, John Franco is a highly respected scholar and editor. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal on Satisfiability, Boolean Modeling, and Computation, a leading publication in its field. He is also an editor for the Annals of Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence, further demonstrating his broad influence across multiple areas of computer science and artificial intelligence. His commitment to the academic community extends to his role as Vice Chair of the SAT Association and a steering committee member for the International Conference on the Theory and Applications of Satisfiability Testing (SAT), the premier conference in the field.
Professor Franco’s research prowess is underscored by his substantial success in securing funding for numerous projects. He has been Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, or Senior Personnel on 18 grants and contracts from prestigious organizations including the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Security Agency (NSA), and National Science Foundation (NSF). These grants have supported his research in satisfiability algorithm development and their applications to critical areas like formal verification and security enhancement. His dedication to research is further evidenced by sabbatical leaves and visiting scientist positions at institutions like Fort George G. Meade, FAW Ulm in Germany, and U. Paderborn, fostering international collaborations and knowledge exchange.
John Franco’s academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in both electrical engineering and computer science. He earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rutgers University in 1981, following an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University in 1971 and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the City College of New York in 1969. This interdisciplinary background provides him with a unique perspective and expertise that bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in cybersecurity and related fields.
His research interests are broad yet deeply interconnected, focusing on information assurance, cyber defense, and the design and analysis of SAT algorithms. Professor Franco’s work extends to the practical application of SAT solvers in network and computer security, as well as formal methods, model checking, and interactive first-order logic theorem provers. This multifaceted approach highlights his commitment to both theoretical advancements in algorithm design and their tangible impact on real-world security challenges.
Professor Franco’s extensive grant history further exemplifies his research impact. Projects funded by the National Security Agency, such as “Satisfiability Algorithm Research and Development to Enhance Formal Verification Tools,” demonstrate his long-standing contribution to enhancing national security through advanced computational methods. His work is not limited to federal projects; he has also led research funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and private non-profit organizations, showcasing the broad applicability and recognition of his expertise. These grants have supported research into areas ranging from mobile threat analysis and protection to automated vulnerability detection and resolution, highlighting the breadth and depth of his research endeavors.
John Franco’s scholarly contributions are extensively documented in numerous peer-reviewed publications. His work appears in leading journals and handbooks, including the Handbook of Combinatorial Optimization, Discrete Applied Mathematics, SIAM Journal on Computing, and Annals of Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence. His publications cover a wide array of topics within satisfiability, algorithms, and their applications, reflecting decades of dedicated research and innovation. These publications not only contribute to the academic body of knowledge but also serve as foundational resources for researchers and practitioners in the field.
In conclusion, John Franco stands as a prominent and influential figure in cyber operations, cyber security, and satisfiability research. His leadership at the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations, coupled with his extensive scholarly publications and successful grant history, demonstrates his profound impact on both academia and national security. Professor Franco’s dedication to advancing the field and fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals solidifies his legacy as a leading expert in his domain.
