Mustafa
Umut
Özbek
Nuclear Engineer | OT/ICS (I&C) Cybersecurity | Deep Learning
Mustafa Umut Özbek
Bio
Mustafa Umut Özbek is a PhD researcher in Cybersecurity at Ontario Tech University, where he works on AI-driven cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. His academic and research interests lie at the intersection of nuclear engineering, industrial control system security, machine learning, anomaly detection, nuclear I&C systems, and reactor modeling and simulation.
He previously completed his M.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering and Management at Tsinghua University, where his thesis focused on enhancing the safety and cybersecurity of nuclear power plants using machine learning and deep learning algorithms. His broader work connects technical research with real-world challenges in critical infrastructure protection, with additional engagement in international nuclear security and policy discussions.
Research
Core research areas in nuclear engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure.
Publications
Selected publications and technical contributions.
Engagement
International activities in nuclear security and policy dialogue.
Selected Work
Highlighted themes spanning AI-driven monitoring and cyber-aware analysis.
News & Updates
Presented paper on "AI-Driven Anomaly Detection for Nuclear Power Plant Operational Technology Systems" at IAEA ICONS 2024 conference. Details →
Published "Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity of Nuclear Power Plant Operational Technology Systems" on SSRN. Details →
Started Ph.D. program in Computer Science at Ontario Tech University.
Graduated with M.Sc. in Nuclear Safety from Department of Nuclear Science and Technology, Tsinghua University.
Active contribution to IAEA CRP J02017 "Anomaly Detection in Nuclear Facility OT Systems Using Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity". Details →
About
Mustafa Umut Özbek is a PhD researcher in Cybersecurity at Ontario Tech University, where he works on AI-driven cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. His academic and research interests lie at the intersection of nuclear engineering, industrial control system security, machine learning, anomaly detection, nuclear I&C systems, and reactor modeling and simulation.
He previously completed his M.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering and Management at Tsinghua University, where his thesis focused on enhancing the safety and cybersecurity of nuclear power plants using machine learning and deep learning algorithms. His broader work connects technical research with real-world challenges in critical infrastructure protection, with additional engagement in international nuclear security and policy discussions.
Research Areas
His research brings together nuclear engineering, industrial cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence to support safer and more resilient critical infrastructure systems.
OT / ICS Cybersecurity
Security of industrial control systems and operational technology environments, with emphasis on cyber risk, monitoring, and resilience in critical infrastructure.
AI & Anomaly Detection
Machine learning and deep learning methods for anomaly detection, intelligent monitoring, and cyber-aware analysis in complex engineering systems.
Nuclear I&C Systems
Research on the safety, resilience, and cybersecurity of instrumentation and control systems in nuclear environments.
Reactor Modeling & Simulation
Modeling and simulation of reactor-related systems to support safe, explainable, and cyber-aware engineering analysis.
Critical Infrastructure Resilience
Technical approaches for improving the safety, reliability, and security of infrastructure systems operating under demanding physical and cyber conditions.
Selected Work
Selected themes and contributions spanning nuclear cybersecurity, AI-enabled monitoring, and cyber-aware engineering analysis.
AI-Driven Cybersecurity for Nuclear Power Plants
Research on enhancing the safety and cybersecurity of nuclear power plants using machine learning and deep learning algorithms.
Explainable AI for NPP I&C Anomaly Detection
Investigation of explainable AI methods to detect anomalies in nuclear instrumentation and control systems and improve interpretability in safety-relevant environments.
AI for Critical Infrastructure Monitoring
Development of intelligent monitoring perspectives for critical infrastructure environments where safety, reliability, and cyber resilience intersect.
Reactor-Oriented Modeling and Cyber-Aware Analysis
Research connecting reactor modeling, engineering simulation, and secure analytical frameworks for complex energy systems.
Selected Publications & Talks
Selected publications and technical contributions spanning nuclear cybersecurity, explainable AI, and critical infrastructure resilience.
Li, J., & Özbek, M.U. (2024). Enhancing Computer Security of NPPs Using Explainable AI. IAEA ICONS 2024, Vienna.
Li, J., Özbek, M.U., & Li, B. Using Explainable AI to Detect Anomalies in I&C Systems of NPPs. SSRN.
IAEA CRP J02017: Enhancing Computer Security for Radiation Detection Systems (Contributor).
Experience & Education
Academic training and professional experience across cybersecurity, nuclear engineering, and critical infrastructure contexts.
PhD in Cybersecurity — Ontario Tech University, Canada
Research & Teaching Assistant
Jan 2026 – Present
Research focused on AI-driven cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, with emphasis on the safety and cybersecurity of nuclear power systems.
M.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering and Management — Tsinghua University, China
Sep 2022 – Jun 2024
GPA: 3.92/4.0. Thesis focused on enhancing the safety and cybersecurity of nuclear power plants using machine learning and deep learning algorithms.
B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering — Dokuz Eylul University, Türkiye
2016 – 2021
Undergraduate training in engineering, supported by additional industrial engineering studies.
Professional Engineering and Research Experience
Experience spanning research, technical coordination, and data-driven work in demanding engineering environments connected to large-scale nuclear and critical infrastructure contexts.
International Engagement
His work also includes international engagement across nuclear security, disarmament dialogue, and global technical discussion.
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
Selected as a Youth Leader Fellow for the Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, contributing to international dialogue on nuclear security and related policy issues.
IAEA ICONS 2024, Vienna
Participated as a Youth Delegate in the Nuclear Security Delegation for the Future and contributed to international nuclear security discussions.
International Research and Policy Perspective
His profile combines technical research in nuclear and cyber systems with participation in international conversations on security, resilience, and the future of critical infrastructure.
Contact
For academic collaboration, research discussions, or professional inquiries, please get in touch via email or LinkedIn.
Primary Email
m.umut.ozbek@gmail.comAcademic Email
MustafaUmut.Ozbek@ontariotechu.caLocation
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada