Volume-04 (Summer 2026)
University of Fairfax Celebrates the Class of 2026 at Annual Graduation Ceremony
On June 27, 2026, the University of Fairfax proudly celebrated the accomplishments of its graduates during the 2026 Commencement Ceremony at the University of Fairfax. The ceremony honored students who were recognized for their academic excellence, perseverance, and dedication.
Graduation marks the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and personal growth. Throughout their academic journey, graduates balanced professional responsibilities, family commitments, and rigorous coursework while developing the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders in their respective fields. The commencement ceremony brought together graduates, faculty, staff, family members, and friends to celebrate this significant milestone. As graduates crossed this important threshold, they joined a growing network of University of Fairfax alumni committed to advancing cybersecurity, information technology, business, healthcare, leadership, and other professional disciplines.
The University of Fairfax extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are proud of each graduate’s accomplishments and look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will make in their professions, communities, and around the world. We wish all our graduates continued success as they begin the next chapter of their personal and professional journeys.
Leadership Team Visits Salem Campus During May Residency
The University of Fairfax leadership team visited the Salem, Virginia campus during the May 28–30, 2026 residency, reaffirming the University’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and meaningful engagement with its learning community. The three-day residency provided an opportunity for senior academic leaders to connect directly with students,faculty, and staff while observing classroom activities, supporting faculty, and experiencing firsthand the University’s innovative residency model.
Representing the University’s executive leadership were Dr. Umesh C. Varma, President; Dr. Sajad Khorsandroo, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Dr. Sahar Bahmani, Dean of the School of Business; and Dr. Rajan Thapaliya, Assistant Dean of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and IT. Their presence throughout the residency reflected the University’s strong belief that leadership involvement is essential to fostering a collaborative academic environment and maintaining a student-centered educational experience.
During the visit, the leadership team participated in classroom observations, met with students and faculty, engaged in informal discussions, and explored opportunities to further enhance academic programs and student services. Their interactions provided valuable insights into the student learning experience while demonstrating the University’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and educational innovation.
During the residency, Dr. Rajan Thapaliya served as the instructor for IT5720 – Web Application Development: Mobile Applications. Throughout the three-day residency, students participated in hands-on coding exercises, collaborative programming activities, live demonstrations, and practical workshops focused on mobile application development. Through experiential learning, students gained valuable experience designing, developing, and testing mobile applications while strengthening their technical, problem-solving, teamwork, and professional communication skills.
Beyond the classroom, the residency created numerous opportunities for students to build professional relationships with faculty members, University leaders, and fellow classmates. Networking, informal conversations, and collaborative activities encouraged the exchange of ideas and experiences among participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. These interactions strengthened the sense of community that distinguishes the University of Fairfax and reinforced the value of collaborative learning.
The leadership visit also highlighted the University’s distinctive educational model, which integrates flexible online learning with immersive in-person residency experiences. This combination allows students to benefit from the convenience of online education while participating in collaborative, hands-on learning experiences that strengthen critical thinking, technical expertise, leadership skills, and professional confidence. Residency sessions continue to serve as an essential component of the University’s mission to prepare graduates for success in today’s rapidly evolving global workforce.
The successful May 28–30, 2026 Salem Residency demonstrated the University of Fairfax’s unwavering dedication to academic quality, innovation, and student achievement. By maintaining a visible and engaged leadership presence, supporting faculty excellence, and providing meaningful experiential learning opportunities, the University continues to cultivate an environment where students are empowered to grow academically, professionally, and personally. The residency stands as another example of the University’s ongoing commitment to delivering a transformative educational experience that prepares graduates to lead and succeed in their respective fields.
Record-Breaking Guest Speaker Session with 101 Participants and Professional Development Webinar on Generative AI and Emerging Technologies
Dr. Allen shared valuable insights from his extensive career as a Data Scientist, AI Developer, and Systems Engineer, highlighting practical lessons learned while developing real-world AI and machine learning solutions. His presentation provided attendees with a unique perspective on how AI technologies are being applied to solve complex challenges in defense, aerospace, and enterprise environments.
Also, UFairfax hosted a Professional Development Webinar on Generative AI and Emerging Technologies on May 15, 2026, featuring Dr. Keith Allen. During the session, faculty explored the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations of generative AI in higher education while learning practical strategies for responsible AI integration in teaching, research, and academic administration. Faculty actively participated in the discussion, gaining valuable insights into preparing students for an increasingly AI-driven future.
University of Fairfax Alumni Join Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and IT Advisory Board
The University of Fairfax announced the appointment of three distinguished alumni to the Advisory Board for the Department of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology. Their appointments reflect the University’s commitment to engaging accomplished graduates whose industry expertise will help guide academic excellence, curriculum innovation, and workforce readiness. The newly appointed alumni advisory board members are:
- Dr. Heather Kingsbury – Director, Cyber Defense, PwC
- Dr. Frances Undelikwo – Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO), NOVA Bank; Former Divisional Head of IT and Operational Risk, Fidelity Bank PLC
- Dr. Cristy Alice Peterson – Senior Cybersecurity Engineer and Lead Cyber Policy Developer, Pante
These accomplished professionals bring extensive leadership experience in cybersecurity, information security, cyber defense, risk management, and technology policy from globally recognized organizations. As University of Fairfax alumni, they offer valuable perspectives that will strengthen the connection between academic programs and the evolving needs of industry.
The Advisory Board plays an important role in supporting the continued growth of the Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and IT programs by providing strategic guidance on curriculum development, emerging technologies, industry trends, and career preparation. Their insights will help ensure that University of Fairfax graduates remain well prepared to meet the demands of an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven workforce.
The University of Fairfax warmly welcomes Dr. Heather Kingsbury, Dr. Frances Undelikwo, and Dr. Cristy Alice Peterson to the Advisory Board and thanks them for their continued dedication to the University and its mission of developing the next generation of technology and cybersecurity leaders.
Advisory Board Member Offers Both paid and unpaid Internship Opportunities to Students
During the Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and IT Advisory Board Meeting held on May 5, 2026, University of Fairfax Advisory Board members CPA Pashupati Shrestha and Anupam Dutta announced new internship opportunities for University of Fairfax students, further strengthening the University’s commitment to experiential learning and industry engagement.
CPA Pashupati Shrestha, Founder and CEO of Buddha Tax and Accounting, offered internship opportunities for students pursuing business, accounting, finance, and related disciplines, providing hands-on experience in accounting, taxation, auditing, financial reporting, and business operations under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Anupam Dutta, Founder and Director of Headway BPO Solutions/Headway BPO of America, announced both paid and unpaid internships for students interested in technology, business, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and related fields. His organization provides students with valuable real-world experience while helping them develop the professional skills needed for today’s global workforce.
These internship opportunities reflect the Advisory Board’s continued commitment to supporting University of Fairfax students by connecting academic learning with meaningful industry experience and career development.
Congratulations to Dr. Robert M. Rasha Jr.
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET, Robert M. Rasha Jr. successfully defended his Doctor of Information Assurance (DIA) dissertation titled Feasibility of Cybersecurity Framework Adoption in Small- to Mid-Sized Public Water Utilities in California: A Qualitative Study of Implementation Challenges. His research explored the implementation challenges associated with adopting cybersecurity frameworks in California’s small- to mid-sized public water utilities, contributing valuable insights to the field of critical infrastructure security. The University of Fairfax congratulates Dr. Rasha on this outstanding academic achievement and wishes him continued success in his future professional and scholarly endeavors.
Elsevier Recognizes Dean Dr. Sahar Bahmani for Excellence in Academic Peer Review
The University of Fairfax congratulates Dr. Sahar Bahmani, Dean of the School of Business, on receiving an Elsevier Certificate of Reviewing from the International Review of Economics & Finance. The certificate recognizes her completion of three peer reviews for the journal between January and March 2026, acknowledging her valuable service to the academic community through rigorous scholarly peer review. Elsevier is one of the world’s largest and most respected academic publishers, serving researchers, educators, and professionals across a wide range of disciplines. Its peer-reviewed journals are recognized for their rigorous editorial standards and their role in advancing high-quality scientific and scholarly research worldwide.
Dr. Bahmani’s dedication to advancing academic excellence extends well beyond this recent recognition. Since earning her Ph.D. more than 20 years ago, she has served as a trusted peer reviewer for more than 90 internationally recognized scholarly journals across the fields of economics, finance, business, management, public policy, and education. Her expertise has supported leading publications, including Applied Economics, Economic Modeling, Empirical Economics, International Review of Financial Analysis, Journal of Macroeconomics, Journal of Management Analytics, Journal of Risk and Financial Management, Quantitative Finance and Economics, and many others.
Peer reviewers play a vital role in maintaining the quality, integrity, and credibility of scholarly research. Through her longstanding commitment to the peer-review process, Dr. Bahmani has helped ensure that published research meets the highest standards of academic rigor while contributing to the advancement of knowledge across multiple disciplines. Her dedication to scholarly excellence reflects her commitment to supporting researchers, strengthening the academic publishing process, and fostering high-quality research that benefits the global academic community.
Her achievement reflects the dedication to academic excellence, research, and global engagement. The University looks forward to her continued leadership and lasting impact on the global academic community. In his free time, Ryan enjoys traveling to different countries, visiting national parks, and plays tennis for recreational fun.
University of Fairfax Faculty Earn Recognition at Prestigious International Conferences
Dr. Sandra Fonseca-Lind and Dr. Swati Sharma have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements and continue to make valuable contributions to research in cybersecurity and information technology.
The faculty team was selected to present their research paper, “An Empirical Analysis of Cybersecurity Practices in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),” at the 2026 IABPAD Summer Virtual Conference, held on June 20, 2026. During the conference, Dr. Sharma also served as the discussant for the session, demonstrating her expertise and leadership in the field. The presentation was featured in the Management, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence track alongside researchers from leading institutions.
Adding to this achievement, the same research was also accepted for presentation and publication at the 2026 International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS) Conference, scheduled for October 2–3, 2026. The IACIS Conference is a highly respected international event that brings together scholars and professionals from around the world to share innovative research and advancements in information systems and technology.
The research is based on Dr. Sharma’s dissertation work, highlighting the quality and impact of her scholarly contributions. Dr. Sandra Fonseca-Lind, who served as Dr. Sharma’s dissertation chair, expressed her pride in their successful collaboration and looks forward to continuing their joint efforts in research, publication, and academic presentations.
Their accomplishments reflect the University’s commitment to advancing research, fostering academic collaboration, and promoting innovation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and information technology.
Mock Defense Program Launches
Beginning in Summer 2026, the University of Fairfax launched an optional Mock Defense Program to help doctoral students prepare for their dissertation defenses. Developed by Deans Dr. Sahar Bahmani and Dr. Rajan Thapaliya, the program allows students to practice their dissertation presentations, receive constructive feedback, and build confidence before their official defense.
Stephanie Menoscal-Ramos was the first student to participate in the program, completing her mock defense on May 21, 2026. She successfully defended her DIA dissertation the following day, titled Strengthening Cybersecurity in Healthcare: An Evaluation of Training Practices and Regulatory Compliance at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, demonstrating the program’s goal of supporting student success.
Board Member Dr. McGuire Earns Prestigious Manhattan Book Award
The University of Fairfax congratulates Dr. Kevin McGuire, University of Fairfax Board Member, on receiving the Gold Award at the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards for his debut cybersecurity thriller, Sleeper Code. This recognition reflects Dr. McGuire’s expertise in cybersecurity and his contribution to the field through both professional practice and writing. The University celebrates this achievement and his continued service to the cybersecurity community.
Academic Journal Publications by University of Fairfax Faculty
Dr. Azad Ali, adjunct professor at the University of Fairfax, on the publication of his latest peer-reviewed research article, “Pedagogical Recommendations for Leveraging the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Writing Doctoral Dissertations to Address the Education Adoption Gap,” published in Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, Volume 23 (2026). Co-authored with Dr. Ramesh Soni of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the article provides practical and ethical recommendations for integrating artificial intelligence into doctoral dissertation writing while promoting responsible AI use and addressing the gap in AI adoption across higher education. https://iisit.org/Vol23/IISITv23Art09Ali14197.pdf
Dr. Rajan Thapaliya recently published a journal article entitled “Artificial Intelligence and the Human Brain: A Comparative Analysis of Capabilities and Trajectories.” ISSN: 2756-2638. Transactions on Engineering and Computing Sciences; Vol. 14 No. 04(2026) (121-132). Published on 2026-08-03. This research highlights the future trajectory of AI and its potential to complement human cognitive capabilities while recognizing the limitations that distinguish artificial systems from human intelligence. https://scholarpublishing.org/journals/index.php/TECS/article/view/12057/12207
Also, Dr. Thapaliya published his peer-reviewed research article, “Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality in the Metaverse: A Scoping Review of Human-Centered Applications in Public Health,” in Transactions on Engineering and Computing Sciences, Volume 14, Issue 4 (2026). Published on 2026-07-19. His research highlights the transformative role of AI, virtual reality, and the metaverse in advancing healthcare and public health. https://scholarpublishing.org/journals/index.php/TECS/article/view/12003/12182
University of Fairfax Faculty Participate in Grammarly Training
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing teaching excellence and supporting effective academic communication, the University of Fairfax hosted a Grammarly for Education training session for faculty members. The training session was held on June17, 2026, from 12 pm to 12:40 pm (PDT). The session was led by Anna Leporte, Customer Success Manager II, who provided a comprehensive overview of Grammarly’s educational platform and demonstrated how faculty can leverage its tools to improve writing quality, maintain academic integrity, and responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into the learning environment.
Participants learned about Grammarly’s writing assistance tools and discussed practical ways to incorporate them into their daily workflows. The session supported the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development and academic excellence.
From Idea to Innovation During the Residency by UFairfax Students
During the May 28–30, 2026 residency at the University of Fairfax Salem Campus, Virginia, Dr. Rajan Thapaliya, Assistant Dean of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and IT, led the IT5720 Web Application Development – Mobile Applications residency. The residency emphasized hands-on learning, industry-aligned skills, critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application development. During the Residency Day 3 Lab Project, “Creating My Own App,” Students wrote their first-ever brainstorming white papers and built their own mobile applications. Student app projects included:
- Ahmad Mustafa Mohammed Mustafa – FixNow AI: Smart Maintenance and Facility Management Platform
- Vaibhav Satishkumar Patel – MindMend: An AI Wellness Coach Mobile App
- Shival Kiran Rajgor – SmartFlow AI
- Benjamin Agyin Turkson – TrashSafe Rewards: An Intelligent Waste Collection and Recycling Incentive Platform
The session was highly interactive, with students spending most of their time in hands-on lab activities, presentations, collaborative discussions, and creative problem-solving. To encourage entrepreneurship and innovation beyond the classroom, Dr. Rajan Thapaliya recommended that students continue developing their applications for publication on the Google Play Store. He also encouraged interested students to explore turning their ideas into startup businesses by registering their own companies and offered guidance and mentorship throughout the process, including support with business formation and connecting students with appropriate professional resources when needed.
Student Feedback on the Residency:
Ahmad Mustafa Mohammed Mustafa: “The residency was highly beneficial and provided an excellent opportunity to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications. The interactive practical exercises enhanced my learning, and when I encountered challenges, Dr. Thapaliya was helpful and cooperative in providing guidance.”
Benjamin Agyin Turkson: “The three-day residency was intellectually enriching and professionally valuable. The sessions successfully connected theory with practical applications, while case studies, presentations, and collaborative discussions strengthened my analytical thinking and understanding of modern web and mobile app development.”
Shival Kiran Rajgor: “The residency exceeded my expectations by combining technical learning with practical business applications. The presentations, discussions, and app case studies helped me understand how successful technology products are designed, developed, and brought to market.”
Vaibhav Satishkumar Patel: “The residency was an enriching and trans formative experience that blended technical depth with entrepreneurial thinking. It provided an intensive, hands-on environment where I could immediately apply theoretical knowledge to tangible deliverables: an original app concept, a white paper, and an investor-style pitch.”
Business Advisory Board Strengthens MBA and DBA Programs
The University of Fairfax Business Advisory Board continues to play a vital role in advancing the quality and relevance of the University’s MBA and DBA programs. During meetings held in November 2025 and May 2026, board members provided valuable insights and strategic recommendations to help ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with current industry trends, employer expectations, and the evolving needs of today’s business professionals.
A special highlight of the Business Advisory Board is the participation of two distinguished University of Fairfax alumni. Dr. Regina Bumper, who earned her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Fairfax in 2022, serves as a Human Resources Analyst with the U.S. Army and has more than 12 years of experience as a Military Personnel and Protocol Specialist. Dr. Rayfurd Thompson, a 2025 University of Fairfax DBA graduate, serves as Finance and Development Director at Roads to Recovery, Inc., while also teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Lynchburg.
Throughout the year, both alumni returned to the University as guest speakers, sharing their professional expertise and personal experiences with MBA and DBA students. As former students, their perspectives have been especially valuable in helping the University improve its course curriculum and shape the future of business education at theUniversity of Fairfax. Their insights continue to strengthen the student learning experience while ensuring that academic programs remain relevant to today’s workforce.
The University of Fairfax Business Advisory Board also includes distinguished business leaders, faculty members, industry professionals, and experts with diverse functional expertise. Their collective knowledge and experience provide valuable guidance in strengthening both the MBA and DBA programs, ensuring that the curriculum reflects current market trends, industry best practices, and the evolving demands of employers.
Current board members include Dr. Ali Dadpay, Dr. Assan Jallow, Dr. Joe Derry, Dr. Neil Armstrong, Dr. Daniel Zimmerman, and Dr. Jennifer Yruegas. The University of Fairfax sincerely thanks all Business Advisory Board members for their continued service, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. Their collaboration and leadership play an important role in preparing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.
University of Fairfax Faculty Member Dr. Giordani Publishes Innovative AI Book
Published by SenAnSys Publishing on February 8, 2026, the 239-page book presents AI concepts in a unique and engaging way by using the art of Italian cooking as a teaching tool. Through relatable culinary analogies, the book explains complextopics such as machine learning, neural networks, model training, feature selection, and ethical AI, making advanced concepts easier to understand for students, educators, professionals, and technology enthusiasts.
Designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners, Pasta, AI & Quantum Lasagna transforms challenging technical concepts into practical lessons without sacrificing depth. Drawing on Dr. Giordani’s extensive expertise in technology risk management, information security, and artificial intelligence, the book encourages readers to explore emerging technologies with curiosity while demonstrating that learning AI can be both approachable and enjoyable.
Recently in April Dr. John Giordani completed a three-day residency. He spent his time leading custom workshops and attending university guest speaker events, which sparked some of the most engaging classroom discussions he has had the pleasure of facilitating. More than just a teaching milestone, this experience was a powerful reminder of why he loves what he does. It reinforced his belief that, even as an instructor, there is always an opportunity to learn from the fresh perspectives of his students. Watching them leave feeling truly connected to the material and to one another made this residency a personal and professional highlight of the year.
Student Comment on Dr. Giordani’s April Residency
Gained a really valuable hands-on learning experience through an engaging and interactive discussion during the residency. We actively participated in open discussions and collaborative workshops, which made it easier to connect with both peers and Dr. Giordani. This experience helped me focus on my research topic, especially the core variables, and boosted my confidence in my work and studies. It also reminded me of the bigger purpose behind research, using it to create meaningful impact and contribute to a better world. It was a very inspiring and effective experience I’ve ever had, and I’m especially thankful for Dr. Giordani’s supportive and engaging teaching style. – Khaliunaa Altangerel
University of Fairfax Strengthens Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and IT Advisory Board with Distinguished Industry and Academic Leaders
The University of Fairfax continues to strengthen its commitment to academic excellence and industry collaboration by expanding its Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and IT Advisory Board under the leadership of Dr. Rajan Thapaliya following his appointment as Assistant Dean of the department. The Advisory Board Meeting was held on May 5, 2026, from1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST via Zoom and brought together an exceptional group of leaders from academia, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, healthcare, software engineering, finance, and global business to provide strategic guidance for the University’s technology programs.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Rajan Thapaliya, Asst. Dean of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and IT, who welcomed the advisory board members and outlined the University’s vision for strengthening academic programs through meaningful industry collaboration. He emphasized the importance of aligning curriculum with emerging technologies, workforce expectations, and experiential learning opportunities while fostering partnerships that benefit both students and faculty.
The strengthened Advisory Board includes distinguished professionals from leading universities, Fortune 500 companies,government agencies, financial institutions, and technology organizations. Internal members include Dr. SajadKhorsandroo, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Rajan Thapaliya, Assistant Dean of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and IT. External members include Dr. Roxane Kemp, President of Ebed-Melech University and former ChiefAcademic Officer of EC-Council University; Dr. Giuseppe Frau, Principal Engineer at Synopsys and former Senior SoftwareEngineer at Intel Corporation; Jean-Baptiste Gerard, President and CEO, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, professor, and formerAI and Strategy Consultant at IBM and LVMH; Dr. Jesudhas Yogarajah, Senior Vice President of Data Science at Bank OZK;Prof. Deepa Adhikari, former Vice President at Big Dream and research faculty member; CPA Pashupati Shrestha, owner of Buddha Tax and Accounting and multiple hospitality businesses in New York; Niroj Ghale, Principal Software Engineer atSincera Technologies; Dr. Keith Allen, Technical Lead for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science at Guidehouse; Dr. Raed Omar Sbeit, Network and Technology Management Executive and Professor; Dr. Ramesh Matcha, MD,Professor at the University of South Florida and former Medical Director; and Mr. Anupam Dutta, Founder and Director ofHeadway BPO Solutions. The board also includes distinguished members Dr. Heather Kingsbury, Director of Cyber Defense at PwC; Dr. Frances Undelikwo, Chief Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer at NOVA Bank; and Dr. CristyAlice Peterson, Senior Cybersecurity Engineer and Lead Cyber Policy Developer at Pantex.
A major outcome of the meeting was the commitment from several advisory board members to support University of Fairfax students through internships, mentorship programs, guest lectures, hiring pipelines, curriculum feedback, and collaborative initiatives. These partnerships will provide students with valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience while strengthening the University’s connection with industry leaders across multiple sectors.
University of Fairfax Hosts 15 Distinguished Guest Speakers for DBA and MBA Programs
The University of Fairfax Department of Business successfully hosted a series of 15 distinguished guest speaker sessions during the Fall 2025 through Summer 2026. The series brought together renowned leaders and industry experts who shared their real world experiences, career paths, and professional insights with students and faculty, strengthening the University’s commitment to bridging academic learning with industry practice.
The series began on October 2, 2025. Both Dr. Regina Bumper and Dr. Rayfurd Thompson have presented as past UFairfax DBA graduates and current UFairfax Business Advisory Board members. Dr. Thompson presented his DBA dissertation in January on Leadership Selection and Training: Impacts on Succession Planning and Organizational Continuity. Three other business advisory board members at UFairfax who have presented. Dr. Joe Dery presented on using data analytics for sound decision-making, digital transformation, decision intelligence, and agentic industry trends in April 2026. Anthony Weinberg, MBA who presented as a leader in multi departmental strategic operations, process & quality and Jennifer Yruegas, JD, MBA will present July 24 on being a senior executive leader in business and legal affairs, specializing in global intellectual property, driving strategic growth & organizational excellence. We have had one of our own UFairfax faculty, Dr. John Giordani present in February on Machine Learning in his recently published book.
These guest speaker sessions provide students with valuable opportunities to learn from accomplished professionals who are shaping the future of leadership, marketing, economics, human resources, and finance. Through these interactions, participants gained practical knowledge, industry perspectives, and career insights that complemented their academic studies.
On February 6, 2026, Dr. Massomeh Hajilee, a Full Professor of Economics and Data Analytics at Texas A&M University, presented a timely current topic: Trade Wars and Tariffs impacting market volatility.
In April 2026, Dr. Atieh Poushneh, an Associate Professor of Marketing at California State University-Bakersfield, presented on anthropomorphic AI and empathic AI and the effect of such technologies on users’ behavior. Also in April, Desiree Cocroft, MBA, presented very interactively with our students on identity work, identity shift, positive intelligence, habit change, and leadership transformation. In June, Dr. Patrick Runyon presented fintech innovation, global payments, leadership, and his journey from executive to entrepreneur as the founder of Confiyon.
Distinguished Guest Speakers Inspire CS, Cybersecurity, and IT Students
The University of Fairfax Department of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology successfully hosted a series of distinguished guest speaker sessions during the Spring 2026 residency programs. The series brought together renowned industry experts who shared their real-world experiences, technical expertise, and professional insights with students and faculty, strengthening the University’s commitment to bridging academic learning with industry practice.
The series began on April 16, 2026, with Dr. Keith Allen, Technical Lead for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science at Guidehouse. His presentation, “Lessons Learned from Current Work Developing AI and Machine Learning Tools,” provided participants with practical insights into developing enterprise AI
solutions, machine learning applications, and predictive analytics. Students and faculty actively participated throughout the session, engaging in thoughtful discussions and asking questions about AI development, emerging technologies, and career opportunities.
On April 17, 2026, Dr. Giuseppe Frau, Principal Engineer in Research and Development at Synopsys Inc., presented “Bridging Software, Cybersecurity, and AI: Real-World Insights from Corporate Practice.” Drawing on more than 26 years of experience in engineering and cybersecurity, Dr. Frau discussed the integration of software engineering, artificial intelligence, hardware systems, and cybersecurity in today’s technology landscape. His presentation offered valuable perspectives on innovation, secure system design, and industry best practices.
The guest speaker series continued during the May 2026 residency with Dr. Raed Omar Sbeit, an internationally recognized technology executive, cybersecurity thought leader, author, and leadership expert. His presentation, “Agentic AI and Use Cases in FAANG,” explored how agentic AI is transforming modern enterprises and
leading technology organizations. Drawing from his leadership experience at AT&T and Verizon, Dr. Sbeit shared practical examples of AI implementation, Agile leadership, digital transformation, and innovation. The presentation concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session that allowed students and faculty to interact directly with the speaker.
What Our Students Say About Us
- “I am happy with the overall learning experience at UoF as a doctoral student.”
- “I have had a positive overall academic experience at the University of Fairfax. The faculty are knowledgeable and supportive… Overall, I am satisfied with my experience and would recommend the program to others.”
- “Overall, my experience at the University of Fairfax has been positive, and I appreciate the flexibility and diversity of the program. The instructors have been knowledgeable and supportive, especially in connecting academic concepts with real-world business and technology practices.”
- “It is getting so much better. I have nothing to say. I love the changes that you are making for us. Thank you.”
- “Everything is great so far.”
- “My overall experience at the University of Fairfax has been positive and rewarding. The program has strengthened my research and professional skills, and the faculty have been supportive and knowledgeable.”
- “My experience so far has been amazing.”
- “I would like to first thank my instructors in my MBA program and, overall, the University of Fairfax for giving me the opportunity to study and achieve my career goals.”
- “Great experience.”
- “One of the best professors was allotted, thanks a lot to UoF.”
University of Fairfax – Student Help and Support Center
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Student Resources
The mission of the University of Fairfax is to offer flexible, in-demand distance education programs that meet the needs of employers and students in a changing global marketplace. The University designs quality programs that foster critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration in career-focused disciplines. The programs offer students practitioner-focused curricula that advance applied knowledge and research in applicable contemporary career fields. https://ufairfax.edu/university/about-mission-history/
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