Two graduates from Colorado State University’s Department of Systems Engineering are advancing military operations with research and expertise that align with the evolving missions of the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Air Force.

Second Lt. Trevor Lanigan and Maj. Martin “Trae” Span used their education to address critical challenges in cybersecurity, human factors, and system security. Span earned his Ph.D. and Lanigan earned his M.S., both completing in time for spring 2025 graduation.

Bridging human factors and cybersecurity

Space Force Second Lt. Trevor Lanigan’s research explored the intersection of human factors and cybersecurity, focusing on how cyber awareness enhances operator responsiveness during cyber incidents.

His study, conducted as part of his M.S. in Systems Engineering program, examined drivers’ reactions to potential cyberattacks on vehicle instrument clusters. The findings underscored the power of information: truck drivers equipped with basic awareness and response protocols successfully stopped their vehicles 95% of the time, compared to only 10% of those left uninformed.

Lanigan sees a direct application of his research to space operations, where human interaction with complex systems is often mediated with instrument panels.

“In the dynamic and contested space domain, timely and effective communication is mission-critical,” he said. “My research reinforces that even minimal guidance can significantly improve response outcomes in high-risk scenarios.”

Lanigan will soon begin the Space Force’s initial leader development course, a 12-month Officer Training Course at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. The program is designed to produce technically proficient leaders capable of integrating intelligence, cyber operations, engineering, and space operations.

“As we build a force that is both agile and resilient, it’s essential that we develop a systems-level perspective,” Lanigan said. “The Space Force is redefining career fields to meet the demands of modern warfare, and systems engineering plays a crucial role in that transformation.”

Building secure systems for the future of Air Force operations

Air Force Maj. Martin “Trae” Span focused his research on embedding security considerations into the early stages of system design. His goal: to achieve a new “secure by design” systems paradigm, where security is treated as a foundational element alongside safety and functionality.

“The old way of doing business – where security is an afterthought – is not producing the results we need. We must leverage innovation and integrate security from the outset,” Span said.

His work aligns with the Air Force’s push to modernize and integrate more closely with industry, ensuring that critical infrastructure and mission systems are designed to be resilient.

Span emphasized the unique value of the CSU systems engineering program, which brings together professionals from government agencies, national laboratories, and industry.

“The program goes beyond just technical knowledge; it fosters collaboration across the defense industrial complex and gives Air Force officers the tools to drive innovation,” he said.

The Air Force has increasingly recognized the value of CSU’s program, with more officers enrolling to develop expertise in complex systems management. Span said he hopes to see continued formalization between CSU and the Air Force Academy to expand opportunities for military personnel.

Span received the department’s Competitive Award for Excellence in Research and Leadership for leading the local chapter of the International Council on Systems Engineering and for publishing multiple papers in the field.

Shaping the future of military engineering leadership

Both Lanigan and Span credit CSU’s systems engineering faculty and staff for fostering an environment that prioritizes student growth.

“The kindness and support of the faculty made a real difference,” Span said. “It’s a program that values people and their development, and that’s something you don’t always find.”

Department faculty said they were honored to be entrusted with the higher education of leaders within the Department of Defense. 

“As these officers step into their leadership roles, their contributions will support the Space Force and Air Force in navigating the challenges of an increasingly complex defense landscape,” said Jeremy Daily, associate professor of systems engineering. “We are proud of their contributions and hope to work more with military personnel and DoD civilians in the future.”

The CSU Department of Systems Engineering was founded in 2019 from the vision of former NASA astronaut Maj. Gen. (retired)  Ron Sega, who said the mission of the department is, “To be the world’s premier systems engineering program.”