Activities

• 2009

Guidelines for students

• Electronic submission
• Research proposal
• Biography
  
  Please limit the length of your biography to 500 words (at least 300 words). If you do not already have your photo on Angel, make one available. Make sure that you discuss the topics shown below:

  • Why did you decide to major in your current major?
  • What are your career goals (both immediate and ultimate)?
  • What aspect of your major do you enjoy the most?
  • Are you interested in research? Do you plan to pursue an M.S. degree? If so, in what field?

Courses I am teaching

• IST 451: Network Security
• IST 240: Introduction to Computer Languages
• IST 230: Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics
• IST 220: Networking and Telecommunications
• IST 210: Organization of Data
• SRA 221: Fundamentals of Information Security
• SRA 111: Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis
• CSE 260: Discrete Mathematics
• CMPSC 203: Principles of Programming with Business Applications
• MIS 204: Introduction to Business Information Systems
• MIS 120: Micro Operating Systems

My Educational Philosophy

Teaching is one of my main motivations for pursuing a career in academia. Some may regard teaching as a duty, but I consider it an invaluable gift given to a selected few.

In addition to being a researcher, I have extensive industry experience. I believe that my experience in both academia and industry will provide students with a balanced infusion of knowledge that is not only academically solid but also deeply rooted in the best industrial practices.

The synergy will work especially well since my principle research interests currently lie in software engineering, computer networking, and computer security, three exciting fields where academia and industry are heavily dependent on each other for the common goal of advancing knowledge.

I strive to develop my courses around group projects. Having been involved in numerous large-scale government/industry projects, I know the importance of human factors in developing any software product of significance. In fact, regardless of the field, the ability to contribute to teamwork is one of the most important qualifications of a highly successful professional. My project-centered classes (or, more technically, problem-based learning) will let students realize the importance of communication and collaboration when working in a large organization. To make the classroom learning even more practical and realistic, I extensively use the ongoing projects in the Open Source community with an emphasis on the Linux operating system. In fact, I have a long-term goal to establish a software engineering/computer security curriculum incorporating the most up-to-date developments in the Open Source community.

Having taught college students for many years, I understand that one of the most crucial qualities of an effective teacher is to engage students in their learning. Therefore, I will do my best to form an educational environment where teaching is not just one-sided dissemination of knowledge but also an exciting adventure in which the teacher and students explore the rapidly changing world of science and technology. In this scenario, my role as a professor will be that of a facilitator.

I will also try to be a nurturer always willing to listen to my students and to show compassion. Often a student needs encouragements from a professor to overcome various obstacles they encounter during the learning process. I believe that the primary role of a professor is not that of a harsh critic but rather that of a counselor who can provide clear directions when a student is struggling.