UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Center for Security Research and Education (CSRE) is hosting Robert Cardillo, former director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and current chairman of the board at Planet Federal, for a discussion on the ubiquity of data and sensors in the modern world.

The talk, “Global Transparency: Managing Risk in a Ubiquitously Sensed World,” is open to the public and will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 27, in the Lewis Katz Building. Registration is required.

We are surrounded by sensors of all kinds—from satellite imagery and location data to wearables and biosensing, and more—and live in world that is awash in the data produced by these devices. Such a connected world helps us to fly more safely, measure our environment more accurately, and detect threats more quickly, but also can facilitate the spread of disinformation, help squash dissent more efficiently, and enable actors to inflict harm more effectively. Cardillo will examine the benefits and risks of omni-present sensors, and explore some of the myriad technical, policy and ethical issues in play: Who should own the data? How can it be used? What are the implications for privacy? And what are the effects on a democracy?

“We are excited to bring in Robert Cardillo, a renowned and respected expert in the intelligence arena,” said Lisa Witzig, CSRE director and professor of practice in the School of International Affairs. “In addition to sparking discussion on an incredibly interesting and timely topic, his visit will also bring immense insight for current students interested in pursuing a career in intelligence or national security.”

Cardillo is the president of The Cardillo Group, LLC (TCG). TCG delivers strategic and operational expertise to create an enhanced awareness of our planet to enable improved decision-making. The TCG portfolio includes academic, non-profit, and national security-related industry clients.

Before forming TCG in May 2019, Cardillo was the sixth director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) from 2014-2019. He transformed the agency’s future value proposition through innovative partnerships with the growing commercial geospatial marketplace.

During his 35-plus years of public service, Cardillo served in leadership positions with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Visit the CSRE website for more information about this event.

The Center for Security Research and Education (CSRE) is a hub of security-related activity at Penn State, with support from 13 units across the University Park campus. Its mission is to enhance interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach relevant to the protection and preservation of individuals, infrastructure, institutions, and society. Using its interdisciplinary approach, CSRE draws on Penn State’s diverse strengths to address today’s security challenges.