Hirak Modi

Graduate Research Assistant

Introduction

Hirak Modi is a graduate research assistant at the Water Institute, focusing on the intersection of water infrastructure and cybersecurity. His research addresses the emerging challenges of protecting critical water treatment systems from cyber-physical threats.

Currently, Hirak is investigating cyber-physical vulnerabilities in anaerobic digestion systems, examining how digital control systems and automation can be both a benefit and a potential security risk for wastewater treatment facilities. His work aims to develop practical security frameworks and resilience strategies for water infrastructure.

With a background in Computer Science and a growing expertise in cybersecurity, Hirak is uniquely positioned to address the critical need for secure and resilient water systems in an increasingly connected world.

Research Interests

• Cyber-Physical Security in Water Infrastructure
• Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Systems
• Resilience Engineering for Water Systems
• Water Treatment Process Optimization
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• SCADA and Control System Security
• Threat Modeling and Risk Assessment