Jeremy Blackthorne, M.S. ’15 is co-founder and CEO of Boston Cybernetics Institute, a public benefit corporation with the mission of promoting and providing cybersecurity education in support of national defense. Beginning this fall, Blackthorne also joined RPI as a visiting scientist with a special designation as the inaugural “hacker in residence.”

“We are delighted that Jeremy has committed to mentoring students and facilitating connections among faculty, industry, and government as our first-ever hacker in residence,” said Mohammed Zaki, Ph.D., head of the Department of Computer Science. “Jeremy is an alumnus who is uniquely qualified for this role, and his enthusiasm for RPISEC is icing on the cake.”

RPISEC is the computer security club at RPI. Members take part in competitive and casual capture the flag (CTF) competitions throughout the academic year. RPISEC students are internationally known for their success in CTF and many have gone on to top-level positions in industry and government.

“Over the past year and a half, RPISEC has reorganized and reenergized thanks to alumni like Jeremy,” said Bulent Yener, Ph.D., professor. “I am pleased that he is taking on the official role of hacker in residence. His appointment speaks to RPI’s leadership in cybersecurity education and research.”  

Prior to co-founding Boston Cybernetics Institute, Blackthorne worked for the Cyber System Assessments Group out of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Previously, he served in the infantry in the Marine Corps. In his new role, Blackthorne will also contribute to faculty research proposals and projects, advise graduate students, serve as a guest lecturer in classes, and conduct seminars.

“I've had the privilege of training some of the best hackers in the world for many years,” said Blackthorne. “I hope I can bring those lessons to help professors better teach students, directly teach students myself, and foster relationships with the alumni and veteran communities. RPI has some of the most brilliant students I have ever met and it is my privilege to work alongside them.”