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Evan Sultanik

Evan Sultanik

Computer Security Researcher, Co-Founder, Academic, Optimist

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Joined April 2025

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Summary

Evan Sultanik is a highly skilled computer security researcher with a strong academic background, evidenced by his PhD in Computer Science from Drexel University and his current role as Principal Computer Security Researcher at Trail of Bits. His work spans program analysis, language theoretic security, distributed systems, AI/ML/NLP, combinatorial optimization, and blockchain research, applying advanced theoretical concepts to practical security challenges. He is recognized for his contributions to tools like PolyFile and It-depends, aimed at understanding file structures and managing software dependencies. sultanik+4
Beyond conventional research, Evan demonstrates a unique blend of technical prowess and creativity through projects like his NES ROM resume and his involvement with PoC || GTFO. The NES resume, a functional video game embedded within a PDF and ZIP file, showcases his mastery of low-level programming, file format polyglots, and reverse engineering. His role as an editor and contributor to the 'International Journal of Proof of Concept or Get The Fuck Out' further highlights his commitment to 'junk hacking' and pushing the boundaries of technical expression in cybersecurity. sultanik+4
Evan Sultanik's expertise extends to practical problem-solving and civic engagement. He successfully applied combinatorial optimization algorithms from his PhD work to identify a record-breaking route for navigating the NYC subway system, demonstrating real-world impact of theoretical research. Additionally, his involvement with Code for Philly and his analysis of zoning density changes in Philadelphia illustrate his dedication to using data science and technological solutions for community benefit. linkedin+2
As a co-founder of Alevio LLC, Evan applies his technical and scientific background to digital mental health solutions. He is involved in developing and researching digital mental health apps that incorporate wearable biosensing technology to assist teachers in supporting emotion regulation in children on the autism spectrum, indicating a commitment to interdisciplinary applications of computer science for social good. sultanik+2

Work

Education

Projects

Writing

A Digital Mental Health App Incorporating Wearable Biosensing for Teachers of Children on the Autism Spectrum to Support Emotion Regulation: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

January 1, 2023

A research protocol detailing a pilot trial for the KeepCalm app, designed to measure momentary emotion dysregulation using physiological indexes and support emotion regulation strategies in school settings for children on the autism spectrum. Sultanik is listed as a co-author and affiliated with Alevio LLC.

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Has there been an increase in potential residency in Philadelphia? Analyzing Zoning Density Changes, 2012–2017

June 1, 2017

A blog post detailing his analysis of Philadelphia's zoning code changes between 2012 and 2017. He describes regulatory reforms, technical approaches to overcoming data challenges, and presents preliminary results. This work highlights his interest in civic technology and data science.

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PoC || GTFO (Proof of Concept or Get The Fuck Out)

An international journal of offensive security and reverse engineering, which he edits and to which he is a frequent contributor. The journal is known for its emphasis on hardcopy distribution, 'самиздат' licensing, and support for 'Junk Hacking.' Issues are often polyglots, containing multiple file formats simultaneously.

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US Patent- 9,596,125: Efficient distributed algorithm for the location design and routing problem

A patent co-invented by Evan Sultanik, along with Ali Shokoufandeh and William Regli. The patent describes a distributed algorithm to approximate solutions for the Location Design and Routing problem, relevant to logistical and computer networking challenges like supernode selection in peer-to-peer networks.

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US Patent No. 7472094

A patent related to 'Multi-dimensional data structures for efficient data management and retrieval' which he co-invented.

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Hobbies

Has created a highly intricate NES ROM resume, indicating a passion for retro gaming, low-level programming, and creative technical challenges. sultanik+1

Contributes to Code for Philly, demonstrating an interest in civic technology and applying technical skills to local community issues, such as urban planning and zoning. codeforphilly+1