June 10, 2025 | Igniting Ingenuity: Lab Insights with Dr. Chris Farnell
Join us for this virtual session presented by Dr. Chris Farnell.
Chris received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 2020 and is an IEEE Senior Member. His research interests include Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure, Embedded System Design, FPGA Design, Advanced Control Algorithms, Machine Learning, and Power Electronics. He is currently serving as an Associate Director for the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT) located at the University of Arkansas. This 12,000 square-foot laboratory provides the equipment, technical staff, and instrumentation to test and evaluate power electronic circuits and systems at realistic industrial and distribution voltage levels up to 6 MVA power ratings. Chris is the current chair for the IEEE Ozark Section, treasurer for the newly formed IEEE Computer Society Chapter, the CyberHogs Registered Student Organization (RSO) faculty mentor, and remains active in K-12 outreach activities.
Event Details
Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: VIRTUAL
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1376213384279?aff=oddtdtcreator
Join us for this virtual session presented by Dr. Chris Farnell.
CYBERSECURITY FOR OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Chris received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 2020 and is an IEEE Senior Member. His research interests include Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure, Embedded System Design, FPGA Design, Advanced Control Algorithms, Machine Learning, and Power Electronics. He is currently serving as an Associate Director for the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT) located at the University of Arkansas. This 12,000 square-foot laboratory provides the equipment, technical staff, and instrumentation to test and evaluate power electronic circuits and systems at realistic industrial and distribution voltage levels up to 6 MVA power ratings. Chris is the current chair for the IEEE Ozark Section, treasurer for the newly formed IEEE Computer Society Chapter, the CyberHogs Registered Student Organization (RSO) faculty mentor, and remains active in K-12 outreach activities.
May 22, 2025 | NWA Preview Night for the Phoenix Xcelerator Cohort
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a mission-driven initiative that honors the Warrior Ethos by forging solutions to outpace adversaries and ensure warfighter readiness.
Event Details
Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 5:30 - 7:30
Location: 700 SE 5th St #130, Bentonville, AR 72712
Event Details
Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 5:30 - 7:30
Location: 700 SE 5th St #130, Bentonville, AR 72712
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1364630218719?aff=oddtdtcreator
What to Expect
Program Overview: Discover how the Phoenix Xcelerator’s 12-week curriculum, personalized mentorship, and access to defense networks accelerate mission-driven technologies.
Networking: Connect with industry leaders, military mission owners, and fellow innovators dedicated to national security and the Warrior Ethos of selfless service.
Cohort Insights: Get a sneak peek at the 2025 cohort startups whose solutions enhance warfighter capabilities.
Who Should Attend?
Entrepreneurs, academics, and startups with defense-relevant technologies.
Industry professionals and veterans passionate about aerospace and defense innovation.
Community leaders committed to strengthening Arkansas’s defense ecosystem.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a mission-driven initiative that honors the Warrior Ethos by forging solutions to outpace adversaries and ensure warfighter readiness.
May 29, 2025 Phoenix Xcelerator Demo Day
What: Forge Institute Phoenix Xcelerator Demo Day, Sponsored in-part by AEDC & WFF
Why: Demo Day serves as the culmination of an intensive 12-week program, providing a platform for innovative Aerospace and Defense startups to showcase their companies and technology to a curated audience of investors, strategic partners, mission owners, contracting and procurement professionals, and business and community leaders. This event is not just about making presentations, it is about connecting innovators with mission owners, partners and enablers, and working together to drive innovation for the warfighter that increases readiness, enhances lethality, ensures survivability and maximizes mission effectiveness.
Who: Business and Community Leaders, Elected Officials, Defense Companies, Military leaders and mission operators, Academic Partners
When: 29 May 2025 (2-5 pm)
Startup Presentations & Keynotes (2-4 pm)
Happy Hour, Networking & Meeting the Startup Founders (4-5 pm)
Where: Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201
What: Forge Institute Phoenix Xcelerator Demo Day, Sponsored in-part by AEDC & WFF
Why: Demo Day serves as the culmination of an intensive 12-week program, providing a platform for innovative Aerospace and Defense startups to showcase their companies and technology to a curated audience of investors, strategic partners, mission owners, contracting and procurement professionals, and business and community leaders. This event is not just about making presentations, it is about connecting innovators with mission owners, partners and enablers, and working together to drive innovation for the warfighter that increases readiness, enhances lethality, ensures survivability and maximizes mission effectiveness.
Who: Business and Community Leaders, Elected Officials, Defense Companies, Military leaders and mission operators, Academic Partners
When: 29 May 2025 (2-5 pm)
Startup Presentations & Keynotes (2-4 pm)
Happy Hour, Networking & Meeting the Startup Founders (4-5 pm)
Where: Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201