Doctoral Study

[Candace Richardson]

Greetings! 

My name is Candace Richardson, and I am a doctoral candidate at Capitol Technology University pursuing a PhD in Systems Engineering Management. My dissertation research focuses on "Overcoming Barriers to SBOM Adoption: A Systems Engineering Framework for Standardization to Strengthen Cybersecurity Resilience in Software Supply Chains." This study aims to explore the technical, organizational, and regulatory challenges associated with SBOM adoption and develop a systems-based framework to support more secure and standardized implementation across sectors.

I am currently in the data collection phase of my research. I am seeking qualified professionals in cybersecurity, DevSecOps, and systems engineering—particularly those with experience or insight into SBOM usage, policy, and implementation—to participate in either a short survey or an optional follow-up interview.

I would be sincerely grateful for any support you could provide in helping to distribute my study invitation to your members or colleagues. Participation is entirely voluntary and IRB-approved, and the study does not request any classified, proprietary, or sensitive information.

I have included a brief summary of the study and participation links for your reference. If it would be possible to share this with your network, or if you have guidance on appropriate channels within the community, I would greatly appreciate your support.

If you're open to participating, I’d love to schedule a convenient time for the virtual interview, which will be held via Zoom. Please let me know your availability, especially on weekday evenings or weekends over the next few weeks.

Additionally, if you’re able to move forward, I kindly ask you to complete both the informed consent (Step 1) and the SBOM survey (Step 2) prior to our interview.

Rest assured, your responses will remain confidential and non-identifiable in any reports or publications. Participation is completely voluntary, and you’re welcome to withdraw at any time without consequence.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, or if you need more information, you can contact me directly at candacear...@gmail.com or crich...@captechu.edu.

Thank you once again for your support and contribution!

Step 1: SBOM Informed Consent Form

Step 2: Complete the study

Thank you for your time and continued efforts in advancing national software supply chain security. I would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions about the study and provide additional documentation if needed.

Warm regards,
Candace Richardson
Doctoral Candidate, Systems Engineering Management
Capitol Technology University

Email: [candacear...@gmail.com or crich...@captechu.edu]

Help strengthen national cybersecurity—your voice matters!

 Recruiting through [August 31, 2025]