The cybersecurity industry is changing and evolving so fast. And good information is key to staying on top of the latest trends.
That’s where Cybersecurity Guide comes in! It’s our mission to create the most comprehensive and up-to-date cybersecurity resource on the internet.
This section is dedicated to posting interviews with some of the leading cybersecurity researchers, professors, and industry insiders.
The goal of these interviews is to help our readers understand the dynamic and diverse field of cybersecurity.
We also hope that these interviews are inspiring — and help prospective cybersecurity students and professionals understand that there are many ways to enter the field, and many ways to make an impact.
It is also our hope that these interviews reveal something about where the industry is heading so that people looking for cybersecurity degree programs, or for certification programs, will feel like they are making the right preparations for the future.
Cybersecurity Guide Podcast
Season one
Episode twenty-one
Dr. Abdulbast Abushgra is an assistant professor of cybersecurity at Utica University. He is skilled in MATLAB, analytical skills, information security, algorithms, cryptography, and programming languages. He holds a PhD in computer science and engineering focused on quantum computing from the University of Bridgeport.
Episode twenty
Dr. Erald Troja is an assistant professor with the Mathematics, Computer Science, and Science Division of St. John’s University’s Collins College of Professional Studies. He is also the acting program director for the Cybersecurity Systems program and the main point of contact for St. John’s University’s Cybersecurity Center of Academic Excellence. He received his PhD in computer science from the graduate center at the City University of New York.
Prior to joining St. John’s, he served as an assistant professor of computer science at Iona College, teaching computer science and cybersecurity courses. He has over 20 years of experience working as a senior systems engineer for Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications.
Episode nineteen
Dr. Seth Hamman is the Director of the Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity and an associate professor of cyber operations and computer science at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. He joined the faculty at Cedarville in 2012. He brings real-world experience to the classroom from having worked in the tech industry, both as an employee of a startup dotcom and as a consultant.
Episode eighteen
Karen Scarfone is a recognized cybersecurity expert, she develops publications for federal agencies, media companies, and other organizations. She was formerly a Senior Computer Scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Karen has co-authored over 100 NIST Special Publications and Interagency Reports on a wide variety of cybersecurity topics. In addition, she has co-authored or contributed to 18 books and published approximately 200 articles on cybersecurity topics.
Karen recently published a report on Cybersecurity Guide entitled Latest attack surface: Small business and cybersecurity.
Episode seventeen
Dr. Munther Abualkibash is an associate professor teaching cybersecurity, information security and applied computing. He earned a PhD in computer science and engineering, and an MS in computer science from the University of Bridgeport.
Episode sixteen
Dr. Sajal Das is a professor of computer science and Daniel St. Clair Endowed Chair in Computer Science at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He earned a PhD in computer science from the University of Central Florida, Orlando, an MS in computer science from the Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore, and a BS in Computer Science and Engineering from Calcutta University, India. Dr. Das has a research focus that includes cyber physical systems, security and privacy, smart environments, IOT, wireless sensor networks, mobile and pervasive computing, big data analytics, parallel and cloud computing, social networks, systems biology, graph theory, and game theory.
Episode fifteen
Dr. Michael Ruth, associate professor of Computer Science at Roosevelt University. He earned an MS in computer science and a PhD in Engineering & Applied Science from the University of New Orleans. His teaching interests are focused on introductory/intermediate programming, networking, system administration, and security courses. His research interests lie on the intersection of distributed systems and software engineering, more specifically, designing regression test selection techniques for web service-based systems.
Episode fourteen
Dr. Thaier Hayajneh, the founder and director of the Fordham Center for Cybersecurity, University Professor of Computer Science, and director of cybersecurity programs at Fordham University. Dr. Hayajneh is also a co-chair for the Center for Academic Excellence’s Cybersecurity Education Diversity Initiative. The topic for this show is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Cybersecurity.
Episode thirteen
Paul Warner is an assistant professor of information technology at Rowan College at Burlington County. Paul teaches at the Mount Laurel Campus in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.
Episode twelve
Dr. Doug Jacobson, is a professor at Iowa State University College of Engineering and the director of the ISU Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach. He received his PhD in computer engineering, an MS in electrical engineering, and a BS in computer engineering, all from Iowa State University.
Episode eleven
Dr. Stephen Torri, associate professor in The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Mississippi State University and Mary Lyn and Niles Moseley Endowed Chair of Cybersecurity.
Episode ten
Dr. Alex Bardas is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and the Institute for Information Sciences at the University of Kansas. He received his PhD from Kansas State University.
Episode nine
Dr. Neil Rowe is a professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Naval Postgraduate School, a public graduate school operated by the United States Navy and located in Monterey, California.
Episode eight
Christopher Mitchiner is the executive director for cyber at the University of North Georgia. The topic today, we’re going to be discussing educational opportunities for cybersecurity students at the University of North Georgia.
Episode seven
Dr. Terence Soule is a professor and the Chair of the Computer Science Department at the University of Idaho, and I’m excited to get to know him a little bit better and find out what’s going on at the University of Idaho, and that’ll be their topic today. So, the primary topic that we’re going to cover is educational opportunities for cybersecurity students at the University of Idaho.
Episode six
Dr. Alan Stines is an assistant professor in the Department of Information Technology at Middle Georgia State University. Dr. Stines teaches cybersecurity for fintech, web development, database principles, web programming, web application development, ethical hacking, and advanced web development.
He earned a PhD in Cyber Operations from Dakota State University, a Master of Science degree in Applied Computer Science from Columbus State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Macon State College.
Alan is the Director of the Cyber Center of Education and Applied Research and Coordinator of the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Episode five
Dr. Cliff Zou is the Program Coordinator of the Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy program at the University of Central Florida. He is also the Program Coordinator of the Master of Science in Digital Forensics, the Director of the UCF Alliance for Cybersecurity, and a Member of the UCF Cybersecurity and Privacy Cluster.
Dr. Zou has a PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and MS and BS degrees in Automation from the University of Science & Technology of China (USTC).
Episode four
Dr. Tony Coulson is the executive director of the Cybersecurity Center and full professor of Information and Decision Sciences in the Jack H. Brown College at California State University, San Bernardino. During his tenure at CSUSB, Tony has led more than 20 grant-funded cybersecurity projects totaling over $75 million. Dr. Coulson also led the establishment of a nationally acclaimed cybersecurity program that spans business, computer science, national security studies, criminal justice, and public administration. The program is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
Episode three
Luis Rivera is an IT professional teaching networking, cybersecurity, Windows and UNIX admin, and wireless courses at the University of New Haven as a lecturer. He has many years of IT industry experience in network and security technologies and has performed a number of IT roles.
Episode two
Dr. Garrett Whelan earned an Educational Doctorate in Community College Leadership from Cal State Fullerton, a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science from Michigan Technological University, and is an Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). He taught at ITT Technical Institute before joining Long Beach City College where he is a a full-time assistant security professor.
Episode one
Dr. Indrakshi Ray is a professor at Colorado State University working in the general area of cybersecurity. Her research includes data and application security, software security, network and operating systems security, and cyber-physical systems security. She is the director of the Colorado Center for Cybersecurity and she’s the site director of the National Science Foundation’s Industry University Cooperative Research Centers Program, Center for Cybersecurity Analytics and Automation.
Expert interviews
Barbara Endicott-Popovsky is the executive director of the Center for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity at the University of Washington. She has taught and mentored cybersecurity students in a variety of courses and formats and frequently consults with government organizations about the future of cybersecurity education. Linkedin profile
John V Franco is a professor at the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cinncinatti. He is also the director of the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations at the University of Cincinnati.The Center is a collaborative effort between the university and local major defense contractors in order to advance training in cyber operations and cybersecurity. Linkedin profile
Glen Olson is a faculty member at Estrella Mountain Community College, which has been recognized as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Linkedin profile
Raymond Albert is a Professor of Practice in Cybersecurity and the Director of Assumption College’s (soon to be Assumption University) Cybersecurity Program. LinkedIn profile.
Eugene Vasserman is an associate professor in the computer science department at Kansas State University. He also directs the university’s Center for Information and Systems Assurance. He has a wide-range of security-related research interests, but has most recently focused on medical cyber-physical systems. LinkedIn profile
Ken Dewey retired from the Air Force before entering academia. He is currently the director of the cybersecurity program at Rose State College. Dewey is also a faculty member in the computer information technology department and the principal investigator for a cybersecurity grant from the National Science Foundation. LinkedIn profile.
Tyler Flaagan is an instructor of computer and security sciences at Dakota State University. The university is recognized as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, Information Assurance Research, Cyber Operations, and most recently as a Cyber Defense Regional Resource Center. Faculty profile.
Matt Bishop is a computer science professor at UC Davis. He is also a co-director of the university’s Computer Security Laboratory and a faculty advisor to the UC Davis Cyber Security Club. Bishop wrote a textbook, now in its second edition called Computer Security: Art and Science. LinkedIn profile.
Sanjiv Bhatia is a professor and graduate director in the department of computer science at the University of Missouri, Saint Louis. One of his main research areas is in computer vision and he teaches courses on computer security. LinkedIn profile.
Hossein Sarrafzadeh is a professor of cybersecurity at St. Bonaventure University. He is also the chair of the university’s cybersecurity department and the director of the Western New York Cybersecurity Center. LinkedIn profile
Tamara Shoemaker is the director of the University Detroit Mercy’s Center for Cyber Security and Intel Studies. She is also the founder of the MCISSE CyberPatriot program. LinkedIn profile
Leslie Corbo is an assistant professor of cybersecurity and the associate director of the cybersecurity programs at Utica College. Her research areas include data privacy, cyber risk management, and malicious emails. LinkedIn profile
Stanley Mierzwa is the managing assistant director for Kean University’s Center for Cybersecurity. He also teaches courses on the foundations of cybersecurity and cyber risk management. LinkedIn profile
Nate Evans currently cybersecurity program lead at Argonne National Laboratory. Evans received his doctorate in computer engineering with a specialty in cybersecurity from Iowa State University. LinkedIn profile
Bill Mahoney is a professor of cybersecurity at the University of Nebraska Omaha. He has received numerous awards for his teaching, most recently the University of Nebraska’s Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award. Faculty profile
Greg Gogolin is a professor of information security and intelligence at Ferris State University. Gogolin created Ferris State’s undergraduate and graduate information programs. His research interests include digital forensics, cybersecurity, and business intelligence. LinkedIn profile
Tobi West is the Department Chair of Computer Information Systems at Coastline College and teaches cybersecurity and computer networking courses. West focuses on the development of education pathways for students to achieve their goals to become cybersecurity professionals. She enjoys organizing CyberTech Girls events and GenCyber Girls camp activities for middle school and high school girls to develop their interest in cybersecurity and technology. LinkedIn profile
George Markowsky is a professor of computer science at Missouri University of Science and Technology. LinkedIn profile
Drew Hamilton is a professor of cybersecurity and the director of the Center for Cyber Innovation at Mississippi State. LinkedIn profile
Ryan Sporrer is an instructor at Western Iowa Tech. He teaches Cyber Security & Digital Crime at the Sioux City Campus. Program profile
Tamara Schwartz is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Cybersecurity, a retired Air Force Officer, and an independent consultant. She is a recognized innovator with over 20 years of National Security experience. She received her BS in Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, her MS in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton, and her Doctorate of Business Administration from the Fox School of Business, Temple University. Her research specialty is advanced cyber strategy. Faculty profile
Wade Baker is a Collegiate Associate Professor of Integrated Security at Virginia Tech and part of the Business Information Technology faculty in the Pamplin College of Business. He teaches courses for the MBA and Master of IT programs and collaborates with internal and external parties to further the university’s growing list of cybersecurity initiatives. His research interests fall at the intersection of cybersecurity, risk management, business strategy, and data analysis. He received his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in 2017, where his doctoral work focused on cybersecurity risk in supply chains. Faculty profile
Joe Scherrer is the Executive Director of Professional Education at the Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) McKelvey School of Engineering. He also serves as director of the school’s cybersecurity strategic initiative. Scherrer graduated from Washington University in 1989 with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. Following a distinguished 24-year career as a leader and information technology and cybersecurity innovator with the US Air Force, culminating as the commander of the Air Force’s only combat-coded deployable communications wing, he retired as a colonel and returned to his hometown of St. Louis. In addition to his university duties, he is pursuing a doctor of liberal arts from University College, is an avid master’s bicycle racer, and is a certified executive leadership coach. LinkedIn profile
James Banfield is an associate professor at Eastern Michigan University. He has earned a Ph.D. in Information Assurance, an M.S. in Information Assurance, and a B.S. in Network Information Technology Administration, all from Eastern Michigan University. He teaches in the B.S. Information Assurance and Cyber Defense program. This program emphasizes the design, integration, administration, hardening, and protection of all types of computer information systems and network infrastructures in modern cyber environments. Faculty page
Ulku Clark is a professor of information systems and the Director of the Center for Cyber Defense Education at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Her research interests span information communications technologies, telecom policy, information security, IT productivity, healthcare IT, quality management and innovative education. She holds an MS in information technology and management and a Ph.D. in management science with management information systems concentration from The University of Texas at Dallas. Her publications appeared in various academic journals, such as JMIS, IEEE TEM, and IMDS. Faculty bio
Yan Solihin is the Director of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Cluster, and Charles N. Millican Chair Professor of Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. He obtained a BS in computer science from Institut Teknologi Bandung in 1995, a BS in Mathematics from Universitas Terbuka in 1995, M.A.Sc in computer engineering from Nanyang Technological University in 1997, and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 2002. He is a recipient of the 2010 and 2005 IBM Faculty Partnership Award, 2004 NSF Faculty Early Career Award, and 1997 AT&T Leadership Award. He is well known for pioneering cache sharing fairness and Quality of Service (QoS), efficient counter mode memory encryption, and Bonsai Merkle Tree, which have significantly influenced Intel Cache Allocation Technology and Secure Guard eXtension (SGX)’s Memory Encryption Engine (MEE). In recognition, he received IEEE Fellow “for contributions to shared cache hierarchies and secure processors” in 2017. He is listed in the HPCA Hall of Fame and ISCA Hall of Fame. Faculty bio
Richard Harknett is a Professor of Political Science and Head of the Department, Co-Director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, and Chair of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy at the University of Cincinnati. He holds an affiliate faculty position with the School of Information Technology at U.C. and a professorial lectureship at the Diplomatic Academy Vienna, Austria, where he served as Fulbright Professor in 2001. In 2017, he served as an inaugural Fulbright Professor in cyber studies at Oxford University, U.K., and in 2016 as the first Scholar-in-Residence at United States Cyber Command and NSA. His publications and research interests focus on international relations theory and international security studies with a particular focus on cyber strategy. He also regularly advises at the U.S. government and state of Ohio levels. Full faculty bio
Prasad Calyam is an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is the Director of the Cyber Education, Research and Infrastructure Center (Mizzou CERI) and Robert H. Buescher Faculty Fellow in the MU College of Engineering. He is also a core faculty in the University of Missouri Informatics and Data Science Institute (MUII). His research and development areas of interest include: Distributed and Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Computer Networking, Networked-Multimedia Applications, and Advanced Cyberinfrastructure. He enjoys working with students in the Virtualization, Multimedia, and Networking (VIMAN) Lab. Calyam obtained his MS and Ph.D. degrees from Ohio State University and BE from Bangalore University. Before coming to MU in 2013, he was a Research Director at Ohio Supercomputer Center/OARnet, The Ohio State University. Faculty profile
Matthew A. Chapman is a computer science and cybersecurity professor at the University of Hawaiʻi –West Oʻahu and an experienced computer scientist serving for over twenty-four years as an officer in the U.S. Army in a variety of positions both nationally and internationally. He served combat and operational deployments in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Key positions held include the Chief of Cyberspace Operations for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. He is directly responsible for excellence in teaching and the leadership and management of the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs. Concentrations include Cyber Operations and Information Security and Assurance (ISA). Dr. Chapman is also the Director of the UH West Oahu Cyber Security Coordination Center (UHWO CSCC) focusing on cyber workforce development. Full bio
Ralph Russo is the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement Information Technology Program Director. He is focused on keeping learning delivery and the Applied Computing curriculum on pace with cutting-edge technology, security, and industry advancement. Russo also holds the title of Professor of Practice. He created and delivered the first graduate and undergraduate cybersecurity courses at Tulane in 2011 and has taught in both the Homeland Security and Information Technology programs. Russo is a nationally recognized subject matter expert on technology in the homeland security and public safety domains. He has served in director-level leadership positions for technology/systems integration companies for over 15 years. He has also consulted for multiple federal, state, and local jurisdictions to successfully guide the development, deployment, and adoption of IT systems for security and public safety. Faculty profile
Provost David Bolman has dedicated his career to educating technologists who will shape and better our community through the innovations they help create. As someone who cares greatly about learning, his work at The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) has had a theme of providing students with exceptional moments and growth through the skills that their professors possess as they create learning spaces. As a technologist, he has worked to create a university where the culture of innovation is celebrated. Students learn the tools, techniques, concepts, and responsibilities of applying technology in ways that lift human society. Faculty profile
Clifford Neuman is the Director of USC Center for Computer Systems Security, Associate Professor of Computer Science Practice in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and a Scientist at USC’s Information Sciences Institute. He received an SB degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in June 1985. Upon completion, he spent a year working for MIT’s Project Athena, where he was a principal designer of the Kerberos authentication system. Neuman began graduate studies in the Computer Science Department of the University of Washington in the fall of 1986, received an MS degree in 1988, and a Ph.D. in June of 1992. Faculty profile