Alumni Spotlights

Degrees Obtained from the School of Engineering:

Ph.D., Secured Embedded Systems

Current Profession and Employer:

IoT/AI/ Post-Doc/ Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

What do you like the most about your profession?

What I like most about my current profession is the research aspect. Cybersecurity is at the forefront of today's technology, which means that many organizations are working hard to discover solutions that can protect consumers from cyberattacks. In addition to supporting the research community, I'm really interested in learning more about cutting-edge technology and innovative ways of implementing ideas.

How did the Mitchell SOE prepare you for your career?

I am a member of the Center for Reverse Engineering and Assured Microelectronics (CREAM) Laboratory at Morgan State University, located in the School of Engineering. My research advisor, Dr. Kevin Kornegay, also the Director of the CREAM Lab and the Cybersecurity Assurance and Policy Center (CAP), had a significant effect on our career by supplying the resources necessary for students to carry out research in a highly secure setting. Our research facility is outfitted with the most up-to-date testbeds with home automation devices, the medical Internet of Things, and many more. Our primary emphasis is the hands-on implementation of cybersecurity, and we gained experience in attacking and defense various cyber systems.

Who, from the SOE, had the most impact on you during your time at the SOE, and how have they impacted you?

Dr. Kevin Kornegay - my research advisor significantly impacted my career and my whole life. I also want to recognize Dr. Thierry Wandji and my CREAM colleagues who supported me during my journey. Dr. Kornegay provided the resources I needed to move on with my research. His consistent encouragement, exceptional leadership, encouragements, and support motivate me to put forth my best effort at all times. He allowed me to work at the Center for Reverse Engineering Assurance and Microelectronics (CREAM) lab and the Center for Cybersecurity Assurance and Policy (CAP) center and use the available resources. At the academic level, Dr. Kornegay advised me on several courses that were relevant to my research, including Introduction to Cybersecurity, Network Security, Embedded Systems and Microprocessors (including machine learning systems), Security Management (including security management systems), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (including artificial intelligence). At the research level, Dr. Kornegay examined my research papers and provided valuable criticism before publishing them in peer-reviewed journal articles. Most importantly, he referred me to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where I was offered my first job as a Cybersecurity researcher. Dr. Kornegay graduated the first generation of Ph.Ds. in Secure Embedded Systems this May at Morgan State University. A total of four Ph.D students graduated from the CREAM Lab this Spring 2022 including myself. We are so proud!!

What advice would you give the current SOE student?

If you are currently enrolled at Morgan State University and are interested in learning more about the quality of research being conducted at the School of Engineering, please go to iotcream.com. We trained skilled engineers in the field of cybersecurity. The most extensive advice I can provide to students who are now enrolled in SOE is to network with their peers and inquire about the many laboratories and projects currently underway. As a student, you should concentrate more on the hands-on aspect. There are two primary questions that you should constantly ask yourself. What do you know, and how can you enhance your knowledge and abilities? Who is the best person to get in touch with? You need a mentor who can assist in developing your career and maybe your future profession.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Visit iotcream.com and reach out to faculties or students working with the CAP center.