Fatma Nur Esirci
Linkedin.com/in/fatmanuresirci
Summary
Ph.D. Researcher in Computer Engineering with a focus on hardware security, particularly Trojan detection using delay-based techniques that mitigate the effects of process variations in post-silicon designs. Experienced in both post-silicon and pre-silicon detection approaches, including FPGA-based prototyping and Graph Neural Networks for RTL-level threat modeling. Developed synchronized hardware/software co-designed systems for fault injection testing. In addition to research, served as a lead teaching assistant for multiple undergraduate and graduate-level courses over several years. Currently seeking to contribute to advanced hardware security research as a postdoctoral fellow, with emphasis on resilient detection methodologies and low-cost testing infrastructures.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Visiting Researcher
Department of Mathematical & Electrical Engineering, IMT Atlantique
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Gathered and organized information for research on post-silicon Trojan detection techniques.
- Supervisor: Asst. Prof. Yehya Nasser
Researcher
Network & Security Lab. (NISLAB), GTU
07.2024 - Current
- Integrating AI techniques to enhance embedded security, preventing adversarial manipulations on hardware and software layers.
- Developing learning-based security models for embedded hardware, focusing on Graph Neural Networks for hardware security.
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. İbrahim Soğukpınar
Education
Ph.D. - Computer Engineering
Gebze Technical University (GTU)
08-2024
M.S. - Computer Engineering
Gebze Technical University (GTU)
02-2018
Skills
- Hardware Trojan Detection (delay-based, post-silicon)
- Side-Channel Analysis (power/timing-based methods)
- Graph Neural Networks for Trojan Detection (pre-silicon, RTL-level modeling)
- Hardware/Software Co-Design on FPGA (fault injection, synchronized control)
- FPGA Prototyping & Test-bench Development
Timeline
Visiting Researcher
Department of Mathematical & Electrical Engineering, IMT Atlantique
06.2025 - 07.2025
Researcher
Network & Security Lab. (NISLAB), GTU
07.2024 - Current
Ph.D. - Computer Engineering
Gebze Technical University (GTU)
M.S. - Computer Engineering
Gebze Technical University (GTU)
Selected Publications
- Esirci, Fatma Nur and A. A. Bayrakci, “Delay based hardware trojan detection exploiting spatial correlations to
suppress variations,” in Integration, Elsevier, 2023 - Esirci, Fatma Nur and A. A. Bayrakci, “Hardware trojan detection based on correlated path delays in defiance of
variations with spatial correlations,” in Design, Automation & Test in Europe Conference & Exhibition (DATE), 2017