Fall 2024 UF Cyber Bytes
Volume-03 (Fall 2024)
Greetings University of Fairfax/ANU Community and friends,
Welcome to Fall 2024 newsletter! While transitioning to Fall session, I want to thank University of Fairfax faculty, staff, and the students for making every effort to achieve institutional effectiveness in all areas. Many good things are happening at the University of Fairfax that I want to share with you. While our enrollment is increasing consistently, we have taken initiatives to improve/upgrade our infrastructure and facilities for residency classes, added secured entry system, remote monitoring of classrooms with webcams in real-time, and much more. We are all excited to let you know that we are ready for business at our Orlando, FL campus. We are now licensed to offer four doctoral and three masters programs at Orlando campus. Furthermore, our “student-centric” focus has led to the integration of Tutor.com online/interactive/live tutoring help to all our students to ensure guaranteed success in all programs at UF. More good things to come. Your feedback to this issue is highly appreciated. Please email your comments and suggestions to president@ufairfax.edu. – Dr. Varma, President, UF
Message from the Chief Academic Officer
Dear University of Fairfax Community,
I’m excited to share some significant updates that reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence and growth here at UF. This past year has been transformative. We’ve doubled our enrollment, launched new programs, and now proudly offer fully online education across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, meeting the evolving needs of our students and providing greater access to quality education.
Our recent accreditation reevaluation is going well, affirming the strength of our programs. To stay aligned with market demands, we’re also taking this opportunity to review and update our curriculum, ensuring our students graduate equipped with the knowledge and skills essential for their careers.
We’re thrilled to welcome two new leaders to the UF family – the Dean of IT and the Dean of Business – each bringing vision and expertise to further strengthen our academic community. In addition, we’ve recruited more than 10 highly qualified faculty, consisting of PhD/doctorate holders with extensive academic and industry experience. This infusion of talent enriches our teaching and provides our students with a robust, real-world education.
Together, we’re building a dynamic future at UF, one that prioritizes innovation, academic excellence, and student success. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.
Warm regards,
Sajad Khorsandroo, PhD
Chief Academic Officer
Academic Leadership …. meet the new deans
Dean, IT, Cybersecurity, and Computer Science
Dr. Joel Christensen
DIT (Doctor of Information Technology)
MS (Networking and Communications)
Certifications: Security+, CEH, ITIL
Expertise: Compliance/Audit, Networking, Quality, Data Analytics, Agile, Canvas, Blackboard, Training & Development
Experience: 7+ years industry and academia
Dean, Business Programs
Dr. Paula Cherry
DBA (Doctor of Business Administration – Management)
MSIT (Master of Science in Information Technology)
MBA (Human Resources)
Certifications:
Expertise: Accreditation, instructional design, DBMS, Analytics, Recruitment/Retention, FERPA
Experience: 7+ years – Faculty, Site Director, Dean, CAO, Compliance, Registrar, Financial Aid
Doctorate of Information Assurance (DIA)
Congratulations!
Dr. Vaidehi Shah, DIA
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Azad Ali (Chair), Dr. Larry Adnanson, and Dr. Paula Cherry
Dissertation Title: “Introducing a Framework to Address the Socio-Technical Vulnerabilities in Emergency Healthcare System for Enhanced Resilience“
Dr. Swati Sharma, DIA
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Sandra Fonseca (Chair), Dr. Ahmad Moustafa, and Dr. Sharon Gagnon
Dissertation Title: “Examination of Cybersecurity Practices in Small Hotels: A Comprehensive Study of Awareness, Challenges, and Solutions“
Dr. Jose Enrique De La Vega, DIA
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Franklin Orellana (Chair), Dr. Sandra Fonseca, and Dr. Shardul Pandya
Dissertation Title: “Exploring The Use Of Artificial Intelligence For Vendor Risk Management In San Antonio’s Financial Sector“
Meet our Admissions Team
Message from the Director of Admissions …
It is always wonderful engaging with so many prospects coming from various backgrounds and cultures looking for enrollment in different programs here at the University of Fairfax. It is our goal to make the application process as clear and simple as possible. The Office of Recruitment and Admissions are available to speak with our applicants at any point during the application process.
We are a diverse educational and professional team who are deeply committed to making our students succeed in their respective fields and careers. Me and my admissions team are here to educate our prospects on different programs we offer and share our experiences as a student to set up the right expectations. Hence, we are confident that our graduates are equipped to effectively witness to a wide range of needs and concerns in our society and become socially responsible employees and leaders in their field of interest.
UF Admissions Team – always ready to meet!
My name is Aditi Patel. I am from India and reside in California. I am currently working as a Managing Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Fairfax. I am also pursuing my Doctorate in Business Admissions (DBA) at UF.
My name is Frehiwot Girma. I am from Ethiopia and reside in Maryland. I am currently working as an Admission representative at the University of Fairfax and pursuing my Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) at UF.
Hi, I’m Omna Reddy Kommidi. I’m from India. I am currently pursuing my master’s from the University of Fairfax. I’m always eager to connect with like-minded individuals and explore new opportunities. I am currently working as an Admission representative at the University of Fairfax.
I am Tolulope Fadamitan, preferred to be called Fadams. I am an Admission Representative with the University of Fairfax and currently studying M.Sc. Cloud Computing.
Hello, I’m Mahdia Twinkle, the Managing Associate Director of Admissions. I have a master’s degree in information technology and I’m from Bangladesh. In my role, I oversee the admissions team of representatives and assist students on their educational journeys, ensuring they receive the necessary support and guidance to make well-informed decisions about their educational paths.
Hello, my name is Amarjargal Zandan. I am an admission representative at the University of Fairfax. I am also a devoted author, writer, certified health coach, full-time doctoral student, and an employee at University of Fairfax.
My name is Christabelle Ogbonna. I am an Admission Representative at the University of Fairfax. I am currently studying Masters of Science in Computer Science and Engineering at UF.
Hi, my name is Phaneendranath Challapalli. I am an admission representative at the University of Fairfax. I am studying Master of Computer Science and Engineering. I am from India. Thank you for your recent enquiries, I am happy to assist you and guide you throughout your enrollment process.
Hello, my name is Shine. I am from Mongolia. I recently completed my Master of Science in Information Technology program. Now, I am working as an admissions representative, guiding students through their educational adventures and ensuring that prospective students receive the support and guidance they need to make informed decisions about their academic futures.
Meet our new International Student Adviser
Alaisa Core, International Student Advisor, University of Fairfax
Before joining the University of Fairfax, Alaisa worked in higher education institutions, specializing in study abroad and international student advising. She joined U in September 2024, focusing on quality assurance and document compliance. She holds an M.S. in Higher Education Leadership with a focus on International Education and enjoys learning about the usage of extended reality such as VR and AR technology to benefit international education. In her free time, Alaisa enjoys dancing, traveling with her husband and daughter, and playing video games.
Meet our new Academic Adviser
Ryan Farrell has worked in higher education for the past 10 years, specializing in international higher education, immigration compliance, and advising a variety of different immigrant visa classifications. He joined the University of Fairfax in January 2024, focusing on quality assurance and document compliance, while serving as one of the university’s Designated School Officials. He holds an M.S. in Information Technology Project Management and enjoys learning about a variety of IT platforms. In his free time, Ryan enjoys traveling to different countries, visiting national parks, and plays tennis for recreational fun.
University of Fairfax showcase Cyber truck at Kentucky State Fair (Summer 2024)
We were thrilled to bring the Tesla Cyber Truck to the Kentucky State Fair. This event allowed us to showcase our commitment to technology and innovation, while presenting a futuristic view of advanced technology that could be integrated in our academic portfolio. The state fair visitors viewed, explored, and enjoyed our Cyber Truck while learning about educational opportunities in IT and Cybersecurity at UF.
Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Christopher Carter, Chief Information Security Officer, V2X
Dr. Christopher Carter, former vice president at Science Applications International Corp. (Nasdaq: SAIC), was named chief information security officer at V2X, according to the executive’s LinkedIn announcement. He brings to V2X years long experience in leading cyber risk management and defenses against advanced persistent threats. Carter, as a cybersecurity adviser in the last eight years, has provided advisory services for cybersecurity, cyber-physical integration, information technology service management optimization, enterprise architectures and digital service evolution for public and private sector organizations.
Dr. John Galliano, DIA
Primary reviewer for “The Ultimate Kali Linux Book – Third Edition” by Glen D. Topics like passive reconnaissance, advanced penetration testing techniques, and post-exploitation strategies were presented in a progressive manner, making complex concepts accessible to learners. A new chapter on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is notable for its detailed approach to gathering and analyzing publicly available information. My review aimed to ensure that the theoretical knowledge and practical labs were well-balanced, providing readers with both the skills and the mindset required to excel in ethical hacking and penetration testing. The book’s author, Glen D. Singh, lauded my technical contributions, incorporating almost all of my comments, revisions, and additions into the final manuscript.
Dr. Jorge Llano, DIA
I am currently the Chief Security Officer for a global media company and I am also a professor at the Horry Georgetown Technical College in South Carolina. Being a professor was a lifelong dream that came true. I could not have completed this journey without the help and guidance of the amazing faculty at the University of Fairfax. As an immigrant to this country, my parents came to the USA without any funds, without understanding the local language, and without the support of family. My parents daily stressed the importance of being educated and that one day, it would open many doors for me. I am forever grateful to the University of Fairfax for allowing me to study and achieve the dreams of both myself and my parents.
Dr. Patricia G. Foley, DIA
Elevated to senior member of IEEE (top 10% of 450,000 members)
Continued research: IoT security
Presented at 8th Annual International Symposium of Applied Research (SOAR)
Theme: Fostering Innovation and Addressing Global Challenges, brings together academia, researchers, and the global community.
Westcliff University (symposium@westcliff.edu)
University of Fairfax brought Tutor.com to Canvas Learning Management System
Our institution has invested in Tutor.com, the world’s largest and highest-rated online tutoring company, to support our students on their academic journey. We now can help students improve their grades and become more successful in their classes. Tutor.com is available 24/7 for student Tutoring. Designed to help students organize, prioritize, and achieve their academic goals, Tutor.com’s 24/7 Student Success Tutoring offers guidance and reassurance for students of all backgrounds. Tutor.com’s Student Success Tutors are qualified and prepared to help students build the foundations for academic success.
HOW TO ACCESS: After entering through Canvas LMS, you will be able to connect 1:1 with a Student Success Tutor by selecting a Student Success topic from the tutoring dropdown menu. Topics include:
- Study Techniques: Methods, pacing, and test taking strategies
- Note-Taking: Outlining, mapping, and more
- Managing Homework: “Budgeting” the workload and scheduling time wisely
- Managing Knowledge Gaps: When to seek help, using tutoring services, and evaluating trustworthy online resources
- Scholarly Resources: How to locate and identify academic resources, use proper citations, and learn about plagiarism
- Using Technology: Online search techniques, commonly used programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and useful keyboard shortcuts
- Organizational Skills: Time management, scheduling and planning, reminders and alerts
- Motivation and Goals: College-to-career planning, community service & volunteer work, and how to stay on track
- Building Healthy Habits: Diet and exercise, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive caffeine & alcohol
- Finding Balance: Self-care, avoiding over-commitment, and handling social pressures
Tutor.com’s expert tutors are available in more than 200+ subjects and test-prep areas: https://www.tutor.com/subjects/libraries
UF Accolades
Publications by: Ali, Pandya, and Varma, University of Fairfax
American Society of Competitiveness (ASC) Conference Journal
International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS) – Journal of CIS
Ali, A., Pandya, S., & Varma, U. (2023). ChatGPT and Cheating: Analysis of the Factors That Led to the Increasing Concerns in Education About Using ChatGPT in Academic Dishonesty. Competition Forum 21(1), 16-24.
Ali, A., Varma, U., & Pandya, S. (2024). About the proliferation of data science programming languages: explanatory study, technological development, and common Issues in Information Systems, 25(4), 333-343.
Amarjargal Zandan, Admissions Representative, University of Fairfax
Amarjargal’s education has equipped her with cutting-edge knowledge in modern healthcare management, holistic nutrition, health coaching, and prevention. Drawing on her expertise, Amarjargal wrote this book to help make lifestyle changes and choose health-promoting ways that produce real and lasting results. The distorted health of many years with no diagnosis and the search for a cure led Amarjargal Zandan to learn about nutrition and dietary theories to become a health coach. Her interest in business MBA shifted into healthcare management, through which Amarjargal became an expert in caring about people. Amarjargal’s training was from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where she studied a variety of dietary theories and practical lifestyle coaching methods. She earned her MBA in Healthcare Management from the American National University. She studied comprehensive business practices and research, many healthcare organizational issues, quality improvement, safety risk, ethics, and legal principles, including informatics and policies.
Dr. Sandra Fonseca, Professor, University of Fairfax
The International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines (IABPAD)
Presenting and chairing a conference session IABPAD summer conference
IABPAD Summer Online Conference, June 22-23, 2024
Session Chair: Sandra Fonseca-Lind, University of Fairfax
Presentation: “Lean data analytics strategies for secure and reliable applications development and operations in remote and distributed platform (DevSecOps)”
Dr. Azad Ali, Professor, University of Fairfax
Concurrent Presentation Sessions – Session Chair: Azad Ali
International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS)
64th IACIS Annual Conference – October 2 – 5, 2024
One Ocean Resort and Spa, Atlantic Beach, Florida
A hybrid Conference – Face-to-Face & Virtual (asynchronous)
Conference Theme: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning applications/innovations
“The Proliferation of Data Science Programming Languages: Explanatory Study Technological Development, and Common Features; Azad Ali, University of Fairfax; Shardul Pandya, University of Fairfax; Umesh Varma, University of Fairfax”
University of Fairfax Student Satisfaction Survey (Fall 2024)
Did you achieve, or will you have achieved upon completing your program, the goals you had when you started: YES: 96.3%
All things considered, were you satisfied with your program at this institution? YES: 96.55%
Would you recommend this program to a friend? YES: 97.22%
How would you rate your overall satisfaction with your experience at the university? Very satisfied/satisfied: 88%
How satisfied are you with the effectiveness of teaching and instructional materials you receive in your courses? Very satisfied/Satisfied: 95%
How satisfied are you with the available times classes were offered? Very satisfied/Satisfied: 100%
New Faculty joined UF
Dr. Wendell J. Shaw, Ph.D. (Artificial Intelligence) / DBA (CIS)
Ph.D. (Capitol Technology University) / DBA (Argosy University)
Government Chief Info. Officer Certification Program, Florida
Automated Logistical Specialist Certificate, United States Army
Master of Information Systems (CIS), University of Phoenix
Primary Leadership Development Course (P.L.D.C), US Army
Automated Logistical Specialist Certificate, United States Army Quartermaster School, Honor Graduate
Dr. Timothy M. McGee, D.CS, MCITP, CISSP, CEH, ITILV3, GCIH
Doctorate of Computer Science (Emerging Media & Cyber Security)
Masters of Science in Information Technology (Telecommunications Engineering)
Senior Data and Analytic Scientist
Senior Information Security Professional
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Joint Advanced Cyber Warfare Course
United States Military Academy West Point Master Teacher
Dr. John Giordani, DIA, CISA
DIA (Doctorate in Information Assurance)
Master’s (Management of Information Systems)
IT Director and Information Assurance Specialist
United Nations FCU: Technology Risk Manager
Chairman of the Cybersecurity/IT Committee of America’s Credit Unions (formerly NAFCU)
Member of the Cybersecurity Board of Advisors at Pace University
Member of the Cybersecurity Board of Advisors at Ithaca College
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISACA
Race formula cars and an avid skier!
Recommended Journals for Research
(An International peer-review journal operated under CSC-Open Access Policy.)
International Journal of Computer Science and Security (IJCSS) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJCSS/description.php
International Journal of Biometrics and Bioinformatics (IJBB) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJBB/description.php
International Journal of Engineering (IJE) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJE/description.php
International Journal of Image Processing (IJIP) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJIP/description.php
International Journal of Security (IJS) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJS/description.php
Signal Processing: An International Journal (SPIJ) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/SPIJ/description.php
International Journal of Computer Networks (IJCN) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJCN/description.php>
Advances in Multimedia – An International Journal (AMIJ) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/AMIJ/description.php
International Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems (IJAE) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJAE/description.php
International Journal of Data Engineering (IJDE) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJDE/description.php
International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Robotics (IJRA) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJRA/description.php
International Journal of Software Engineering (IJSE) https://www.cscjournals.org/journals/IJSE/description.php
Recommend: 10 most useful AI courses
Virtual/Onsite Cybersecurity Internships and job opportunities
AGE Solutions LLC: https://www.age.solutions/
Unilever: http://www.unilever.com
Talentify.io: https://www.talentify.io
2025 Summer Computer Science/Software/Cyber Security Intern: http://www.hitachienergy.com
Enterprise and Product Cybersecurity Intern: ttps://www.accuray.com
Intern I – Cybersecurity Engineering – Enterprise IT Product Security: https://careers.dexcom.com/careers/index
Cyber Security Training & Internship: https://refontelearning.com
Cyber Security Intern: http://www.brooksource.com
Information security Threat Modeler–Remote: https://www.avanceservices.com
IT GRC & Security Co-op: https://www.ceifx.com
Cyber Security Subject Matter Expert: http://www.valiantsolutions.com
Supervisory IT Cybersecurity Specialist (INFOSEC): http://www.uspto.gov/jobs
(General Hire) Cybersecurity Engineering Intern (Security & Privacy, USDS)- 2025 Summer (BS/MS): https://www.tiktok.com/about?lang=en
Global Cyber Security Lead: http://www.resonetics.com
OT Cybersecurity Specialist (REMOTE): http://www.enersys.com/
What does a cybersecurity intern do?
Testing web application security
Monitoring inbound security data
Responding to minor security events
Escalating events as needed
Assessing network security for vulnerabilities
Disassembling and debugging malicious software
Researching threats
Assisting with penetration testing
Developing scripts and automation
Helping to design and implement security solutions
Spring Term 2025 Schedule
Spring Term 2025 (25SP1) Session 1A
January 3, 2025: New Student Applications D
January 13, 2025: Course Session Begins
February 6, 7, 8, 9: Term A Undergraduate Residency Dates (Wk. 4)
February 27, 28, Mar 1, 2: Term A Undergraduate Residency Dates (Wk. 7)
March 9, 2025: Course Session Ends
March 23, 2025 Incomplete Assignment Deadline
Spring Term 2025 – (25SP3) Session 1B
January 3, 2025: New Student Applications
January 13, 2025: Course Session Begins
March 20, 21, 22, 23: Term B Master’s Residency Dates (Wk. 10)
April 10, 11, 12, 13: Term B Doctoral Residency Dates (Wk. 13)
May 4, 2025: Course Session Ends
May 18, 2025: Incomplete Assignment Deadline
Spring Term 2025 – (25SP2) Session 2A
February 28, 2025: New Student Applications
March 10, 2025: Course Session Begins
April 3, 4, 5, 6: Term A Undergraduate Residency Dates (Wk. 4)
April 24, 25, 26, 27: Term A Undergraduate Residency Dates (Wk. 7)
May 4, 2025: Course Session Ends
May 18, 2025: Incomplete Assignment Deadline
Spring Term 2025 – (25SP4) Session 2B
February 28, 2025: New Student Applications
March 10, 2025: Course Session Begins
April 20 – 27, 2025: Term B Spring Break
May 15, 16, 17, 18: Term B Master’s Residency Dates (Wk. 10)
June 5, 6, 7, 8: Term B Doctoral Residency Dates (Wk. 13)
June 29, 2025: Course Session Ends
July 13, 2025: Incomplete Assignment Deadline
University of Fairfax Orlando Campus: open for business!
We are excited to share that we will be opening the Orlando learning site for enrollment for SP1 2025! We will initially open enrollment for four programs, exclusively for new students who select the Orlando site. This enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the residencies planned for graduate master’s and doctoral students over two separate weekends, we will allocate classrooms accordingly. During the doctoral residency weekend, one classroom will be designated for the Doctor of Information Assurance (DIA) program and the other for the Doctor of Software Development (DSD) program. On the master’s residency weekend, one room will be reserved for the Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering program, and the other for the Master’s in Cybersecurity Management program.
University of Fairfax / 5850 T. G. Lee Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822
We are licensed and adjudicated (to enroll international students) to offer the following DEAC accredited academic programs at Orlando campus:
Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering
Doctorate in Information Assurance
Doctorate of Business Administration
Doctorate of Software Development
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Master of Business Administration
Master of Computer Science and Engineering
Degree programs offered through UF eLearning:
Bachelor of Science in Network Administration
Bachelor of Science in Network Administration & Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Science in Software Development
Master in Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Master of Science in Computer Science & Engineering
Master of Science in Cloud Computing
Master of Science in Information Technology
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
Doctorate of Information Assurance (DIA)
Doctorate of Software Development (DSD)
PhD in Computer Science & Engineering
Cybersecurity Best Practices Certificate
Information Security Professional Practices Certificate
Enterprise Information Security Certificate
