Rome Business Leader Reappointed to Washington, D.C. FCC Advisory Council

ROME, N.Y. — Dr. Andrew L. Drozd, President/CEO of ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC in Rome, has been reappointed by Washington, D.C. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, to serve on the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council IX (CSRIC IX) for a 2-year term commencing May 30, 2024.  Drozd was selected for reappointment from a distinguished list of candidates from the public and private sectors across the U.S.

According to Chairwomen Rosenworcel, public and private sector industry expertise is essential to assist the Council in completing its important mission.  CSRIC IX is charged with providing recommendations to the FCC to promote the security, reliability, and interoperability of our nation’s communications systems.  CSRIC IX’s recommendations will focus on a range of public safety- and homeland security-related communications matters.  Under the current charter, the Council will address issues, including best practices, on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of nationwide communications networks; ensuring consumer access to 911 on all available networks as technology evolves; national security/emergency preparedness communications, including law enforcement communications access; and the security and reliability risks unique to emerging Sixth Generation (6G) networks and services.

Drozd previously served on the CSRIC VIII Council that dealt with the security of 5G Open RAN (Radio Access Networks) focusing on the coexistence of heterogeneous radio access technologies and applying AI to detect and mitigate security risks.  Under CSRIC IX, Drozd will help to formulate recommendations on the use of AI/ML to enhance 6G communications and wireless network cyber security, reliability, and interoperability. Per Drozd, recommendations will stress the advantages of agile spectrum and regulatory modernization for harmonization and coexistence, Beyond 5G (B5G) technology, decentralized and edge network architectures.

“My participation in CSRIC IX literally gives the Mohawk Valley a voice in influencing the development of national policies and standards on AI’s use in modernizing our nation’s B5G/6G communications infrastructure by providing technical guidance and recommendations, including inputs on STEM workforce preparedness with respect to the responsible use of AI/ML,” said Drozd.  He plans to leverage relevant findings from his company’s recent contract award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to establish a federated 5G Test Environment (5GTE) and Beyond 5G (B5G) testbed.

Rep. Brandon Williams of the 22nd Congressional District stated, “Dr. Drozd has been a tireless advocate for the Mohawk Valley, in his work and his service to the community.  This appointment is another opportunity for him to serve our region with his expertise and his voice.”

The CSRIC has a long and rich history of making vital, relevant recommendations to the FCC.  It is led by Suzon Cameron, Designated Federal Officer (DFO) of CSRIC IX, and Deputy DFOs Kurian Jacob and Logan Bennett.

Drozd leads scientific research and development projects at ANDRO towards advancing the field of artificial intelligence for secure wireless communication and specifically, exploiting radio frequency machine learning (RFML) solutions.  He also leads STEM workforce preparedness initiatives through the Project Fibonacci Foundation aimed at enhancing our global competitiveness through technological innovation.  Drozd is an IEEE Life Fellow and received advanced degrees from Syracuse University and St. John Fisher University.  In 2019 he was inducted into the Rome Academy of Science Hall of Fame.

About the FCC: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), created under the Communications Act of 1934, regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations. Advisory committees, many of which were established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), provide federal departments and agencies with access to expertise and advice on a broad range of issues affecting policies and programs. Visit https://www.fcc.gov forPublic Notes regarding the CSRIC IX advisory council mission and staff appointments.

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FCC Launches Advisory Committee, 6G Security Working Group (6gworld.com)

ANDRO CEO reappointed to federal cybersecurity council | News | romesentinel.com