MISSION SPOTLIGHTS

*For scheduling of the Mission Spotlight sessions please visit the conference agenda.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Cyber Workforce Program: Human-Centered Cyber

Abstract: 

In the face of a national cyber workforce shortage, having a people-first mindset is critical to closing the federal cyber talent gap and protecting America’s critical infrastructure. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Headquarters, Power Marketing Administrations, and National Labs are working diligently through their program offices to strengthen the Department’s cybersecurity posture and remain resilient through cybersecurity workforce planning, including thoughtful recruitment, training, and retention initiatives. During this session, we will share testimonials and personal success stories emerging from our workforce programs at Headquarters and Labs while highlighting opportunities and tools for cyber practitioners to have a well-rounded and successful career at DOE. 

Stakeholders:

• Rob Gettings, Program Lead, Cyber Workforce, DOE
• Eleanor Taylor, Program Manager - Workforce Development Program Office, INL

---

The Energy Hub: DOE's Premier Internal Employee Portal

Abstract: 

The Energy Hub, DOE’s premier internal employee portal, ensures that staff across the enterprise are connected and have the tools they need to fulfill DOE’s mission. Since the launch of the Energy Hub two years ago, its usage across DOE has grown tremendously, with direct impact and benefit to organizations and users across the department. In the past year alone, the Energy Hub has seen a 300% increase in content creation and a 370% increase in its user base. This session will discuss how the Energy Hub increases productivity and mission success for DOE departmental elements.

Stakeholders:

• Tony Castellano, Director - Service Desk and Application Support, DOE

---

Serving Science at the Speed of Light

Abstract: 

Learn how one of the world's fastest Research & Education (R&E) networks is a linchpin in many of the world's large scientific collaborations. Hear how ESnet6 was uniquely designed to support these communities and is building bridges between DOE facilities and the larger R&E community to secure these multibillion-dollar investments in cyberinfrastructure for science.

Stakeholders:

• Adam Slagell, Chief Security Officer - ESnet
• Romain Wartel, Community Threat Hunter and Security Engineer, ESnet

---

OCED: Accelerating the Development and Commercialization of Clean Energy Technologies from Lab to Market

Abstract: 

The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) mission is to deliver clean energy technology demonstration projects at scale in partnership with the private sector to accelerate deployment, market adoption, and the equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system. By leveraging the expertise and resources of industry leaders, we accelerate the development and commercialization of cutting-edge clean energy solutions, filling a critical innovation gap on the path to 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

Stakeholders:

• Daniel Sharfman, Senior Advisor – Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, DOE
• Lavanya Viswanathan, PhD, Chief Data Officer – Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, DOE

---

Data Curation to Multi-Cloud Collaboration: DOE's Carbon Management Digitalization

Abstract: 

For 14 years, EDX has been serving as an enterprise-scale data curation and collaboration platform, supporting research teams and ensuring compliance with federal requirements. EDX utilizes a data lake approach, offering structured data assets and advanced AI/deep learning capabilities for data discovery, transformation, and integration. With over 2.5 million data products, EDX provides access to a vast repository of datasets, software, models, and tools. The platform also offers private collaboration capabilities, allowing researchers to work together securely and efficiently. EDX has been thoroughly vetted by all DOE national labs and has received strong endorsements from the DOE OCIO and Chief Counsel. In 2024, EDX was upgraded to enable a multi-cloud architecture, providing greater flexibility and scalability. The latest version, EDX++, has coupled highly scalable computing and simulation capabilities, enabling accelerated development and testing of carbon management and fossil energy resiliency models.

Stakeholders:

• Kelly Rose, PhD, Senior Fellow, NETL

---

The Energy Data & Information System for Operations and iNnovation (EDISON)

Abstract: 

EDISON is a multi-tenant data management platform with a scalable, flexible architecture that governs and connects data to support mission and business use cases. The tenant model allows customers to retain autonomy and control of data and products while benefitting from scaled efficiencies, core integrations, and governance with enterprise-wide mission and business data sources, products, and services. This spotlight will discuss how EDISON accelerates the path to advanced analytics capabilities and integrated insights while consolidating and standardizing data and platform management activities through shared services at reduced costs.

Stakeholders:

• Seth Berl, PhD, Deputy Chief Data Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, DOE

---

Project Alexandria: A State-of-the-Art Approach to Data Access, Discovery, and Reuse

Abstract: 

Project Alexandria is leveraging existing national laboratory capabilities to develop and implement a virtual platform to store, catalog, and organize the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) non-proliferation research data for improved access and discovery, promote reuse, and enable critical research. This Spotlight will discuss how, by bringing together and ensuring proper curation of federally funded data products, Alexandria accelerates digital discovery and research, enabling research at scale through data management at scale. Alexandria provides a set of data services through the cloud to the non-proliferation community. These services include a data catalog, data lake, data warehouse, search, automated analytics, and compute tools available within NNSA and outside partners. Additionally, we minimize duplication of effort by importing legacy DNN venture and project data, maximizing the reuse of existing scientific resources. With a focus on big data access within the nonproliferation community, Project Alexandria has the potential to facilitate the use of large models for transformative nonproliferation research.

Stakeholders:

• Josh Linard, Director (Acting) of Artificial Intelligence, Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, DOE
• Kelly Rose, PhD, Senior Fellow, NETL
• Chris Ritter, Department Manager, Digital Engineering and Director, Digital Innovation Center of Excellence, INL

---

An Enterprise Data Strategy Leveraging the Collective Genius for DOE AI

Abstract: 

The DOE Enterprise Data Strategy is nearing finalization and publication, and a related integrated working group has been formed to develop a corresponding implementation plan. Governed and consistent data is critical to responsible and ethical AI, and data-centric AI and noninvasive data governance concepts are highly relevant in today's AI era. This talk will overview how the DOE Enterprise Data Strategy and related implementation plan will support Responsible AI. 

Stakeholders:

• Rob King, Chief Data Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, DOE
• Josh Linard, Director (Acting) of Artificial Intelligence, Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, DOE

---

National Spectrum Strategy (NSS): Its Impact on the DOE Spectrum Allocations

Abstract: 

A national initiative to allow commercial service to co-exist with the U.S. Government (USG) in spectrum bands previously used only by the Government has started (White House/NTIA/FCC). The INL, in tandem with the DoE OCIO, has begun researching the possible impacts of spectrum interference on critical communications across the energy sector.  This session will share research output for the 6 GHz band study and plans for the 7/8 GHz roadmap.

Stakeholders:

• Arupjyoti Bhuyan, PhD., Directorate Fellow, INL

---

The Spatial Platform for Advanced Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

Abstract: 

SPARC is an enterprise geo-enabled data sharing and collaboration platform designed to facilitate DOE personnel in the creation, collaboration, analysis, visualization, and sharing of DOE geospatial information through data files, imagery, maps, geo-enabled applications, dashboards, and surveys. This spotlight will discuss how the scalable cloud-based SPARC HUB infrastructure is a FedRAMP-authorized software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution based on ESRI ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and ArcGIS Hub services. The spotlight will also cover how SPARC improves geospatial data discovery, access, and quality reviews for DOE datasets and metadata aligned to increase FAIR data principles. SPARC is available to all DOE departments through a cost-sharing model under the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) Geospatial Science Program (GSP).

Stakeholders:

• Kevin Wright, Program Lead, Office of the Chief Information Officer, DOE

---

The Grid's Digital Backbone: Securing Communications for a Sustainable Energy Future

Abstract: 

As the world increasingly relies on electricity, the interdependency between communications and the grid has never been more critical. This panel discussion will explore the intricate relationship between the two, examining the challenges of securing the grid's communications infrastructure while maintaining reliability and affordability. Join us as we delve into the future of grid management, exploring innovative solutions to ensure a stable and efficient energy supply for future generations.

Stakeholders:

• Nathaniel Horner, PhD, Office of Electricity, DOE
• David Wells, Senior Advisor, Office of Electricity, DoE

---

Office of Cyber Assessments: Collaborating to Enable Safe and Secure Mission Execution

Abstract: 

The Office of Cyber Assessments (EA-60) within the Office of Enterprise Assessments (EA) conducts independent evaluations of the effectiveness of classified and unclassified cybersecurity policies and programs throughout the Department, and our goal is to have our assessment results enable the secure completion of the Mission. This presentation/discussion will outline how we go about accomplishing that goal. We will talk about who we are, how we plan, and also our focus for the Department over the next few years. We want engagement and collaboration with all of the attendees to hear about their challenges, how we can work together to face them, and how we can continue to be a trusted partner for all of DOE.

Stakeholders:

• Chris McFearin, Director, Office of Cyber Assessments, DOE
• Kim Kelly, Deputy Director, Office of Cyber Assessments, DOE

---

NDAA Impacts to NNSA Operational Technology

Abstract: 

Under Section 3113 of the National Defense Authorization Act, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) must establish the Cybersecurity Risk Inventory, Assessment, and Mitigation working group to prepare a comprehensive strategy for inventorying the range of NNSA systems that are potentially at risk in the Operational Technology (OT) and nuclear weapons (NW) information technology environments. During this session, members from the Nuclear Enterprise Assurance (NEA) Office and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) will discuss how working collaboratively helps to build a culture of assurance to combat threats to our nation's NWs and support production, manufacturing, and testing capabilities. You will gain insights into best practices for addressing mission impacts, risk discovery, workforce development, and navigating the evolving threat landscape. The SMEs will also explain how establishing a Centers of Excellence can help standardize the OT monitoring and reporting processes.

Stakeholders:

• Ed Jakes, Director, Nuclear Enterprise Assurance, NNSA
• Mike Goulding, Deputy Director, Cyber Operations, NNSA

---

Making it Easier for Small Businesses to do Business with the DOE

Abstract: 

The U.S. Department of Energy is dedicated to ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of global energy development. To achieve this, we recognize the importance of engaging all Americans, including underrepresented populations, in developing innovative solutions. The Office of Small Business Utilization (OSDBU) is a key player in this effort. Their mission is to maximize the utilization of small businesses to advance the nation's ability to thrive in the ever-growing IT and cyber landscape. This Spotlight will underscore the opportunity to share resources and partnerships with small business stakeholder advocacy groups, government agencies, and individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets.

Stakeholders:

• Kent Hibben, Senior Small Business Advocate, OSDBU
• Michael Massello, Senior Small Business Advocate, OSDBU