Philip Polstra (@ppolstra) was born at an early age. He cleaned out his savings at age 8 in order to buy a TI99-4A computer for the sum of $450.Two years later he learned 6502 assembly and has been hacking computers and electronics ever since.

Phil currently works as an Associate Professor and Hacker in Residence at a private Midwestern university. He teaches computer security and forensics.

His current research focus involves use of microcontrollers and small embedded computers for forensics and pentesting. Prior to entering academia, Phil held several high level positions at well-known US companies. He holds a couple of the usual certs and degrees one might expect for someone in his position.

Phil is also an accomplished aviator with several thousand hours of flight time. He holds 12 ratings including instructor, commerical pilot, mechanic, inspector, and avionics tech. When not working, he likes to spend time with his family, fly, hack electronics, and has been known to build airplanes.

Over the last few years Phil has spoken on various USB-related topics at a number of conferences such as 44Con, NetSecure, ForenSecure, MakerFaire Detroit, THOTCON, GrrCON, DEF CON, and Black Hat.

He has developed a number of cheap, fun, and useful devices for infosec and forensics professionals.