Jason Baird is the President and founder of Skinny R&D. He has over twenty years of experience in the technical surveillance, technical counter-surveillance, and cyber exploitation fields…
Jason’s career has taken him to overseas embassies and consulates with Diplomatic Security, to national and international exercises as a member of a specialized federal multi-agency training cadre, and to Special Operations Command as an RF subject matter expert. Jason also honed his expertise at the US Army Threat Systems Management Office as a physical penetration tester and cyber red team operator.
Jason specializes in bringing operational knowledge to the classroom by breaking down difficult concepts into easily understandable lessons and labs. He has spoken at TradecraftCon and ShmooCon, and has taught at the National Cyber Summit and NATIA. His main research interests include blending surveillance technology with cyber exploitation hardware.
Jason has been a slow but avid runner since college, competing in marathons and other long distance events. When time allows, he enjoys traveling with his wife and talking with interesting people.
For over a decade Josiah has navigated the complex realms of computer science. Josiah cut his teeth as security researcher with the Navy SPAWAR where he ran multiple Office of Naval Research (ONR) projects.
He consulted on multiple DoD projects that included developing malware delivery tools while conducting vulnerability research and security testing with the US Army Threat Systems Management Office. He now proudly develops cyber security training and innovative AI research and products at Skinny R&D.
Josiah has been at the forefront of integrating AI with cybersecurity measures, changing the way Zero-Day vulnerabilities are detected and resolved. His contributions have not only fostered more secure digital landscapes but have also been recognized for the discovery and responsible disclosure of over 40 CVEs. His contributions to the field of computer science have been marked by a series of successful projects that blend secure coding practices with robust cybersecurity strategies to safeguard IoT and SCADA systems against evolving threats.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Josiah finds joy in being outdoors, whether hiking, or just having a pickleball playoff with his mom!
While studying Computer Engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Dalton is actively engaged in researching and developing innovative AI solutions within the cybersecurity landscape.
With a strong foundation in low-level computing knowledge, Dalton can break down complex concepts into easily understandable ideas, which aids in the development and training of new products or concepts. He always has a terminal open and will pit AIs against each other at the drop of a hat. As of 2026, Dalton is one of the instructors for Skinny AI training.
In his spare time, Dalton plays games of all kinds, especially trick taking card games. On top of this, he enjoys listening to music, obsessing over audio equipment, and playing several instruments.
Throughout his career, Ryan has championed the use of covert electronic surveillance as a force multiplier that enables agencies with limited resources and manpower to enhance their investigative capabilities.
Gone are the days when an investigator’s toolkit consisted solely of a notepad, dogged determination, and a keen eye. Today’s law enforcement officers are equipped with an arsenal of sophisticated electronic surveillance devices that can remotely capture evidence invisibly and silently. There is a delicate balance between effective policing and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights. Ryan is committed to teaching law enforcement officers how to legally and ethically gather evidence that would be impossible to collect through traditional means.
To that end, he specializes in developing and implementing cost effective covert electronic surveillance solutions for law enforcement agencies. He is committed to training and professional development and regularly educates law enforcement personnel on the ways emerging technologies can enhance evidence collection and drive better investigative outcomes. Ryan is committed to advancing the field of technical surveillance and digital forensics through continuous education, skill development and interagency collaboration.
When he’s not working, teaching or spending time with family, Ryan can often be found parked behind his fiber or C02 lasers engraving whatever he can get his hands on.
Propaganda everywhere! Jeff has been studying propaganda and the psychological effects of media ecosystems and information systems for over 15 years.
Starting out at the University of North Alabama working in film and digital media projects, Jeff later joined the Army to work in Psychological Operations as a signal soldier. As a signal soldier, he trained in basic RF, electronics repair, broadcast media systems, and system maintenance. He has worked on numerous projects in the community, specifically loving social media mass influence operations.
Jeff left the Army in 2020 to transition into red teaming and worked at Threat Systems Management Office as a red team operator as well as the lead red team instructor at K>fivefour and overseas cyber training programs. His favorite area to study is the intersection of offensive cyber and psychological impact. How do we induce precise influence on humans with computers and information systems? I guess we’ll figure it out!
Outside of work Jeff enjoys church, watching Korean dramas with his wife, Studio Ghibli movies with his daughter, and generally plotting on how to make the world a worse place (for bad guys).
We all wear many hats at Skinny R&D. Brandy is our training and conference coordinator and resident graphic designer. Her favorite class is TSCM Practical Applications, where she waits impatiently for someone, ANYONE, to ask for help with soldering.
Outside of work, you will generally find her buried under a pile of books, getting unreasonably dirty in the garden, or turning people into adorable muppet illustrations.
