Dr. Swati Sharma
Dr. Swati Sharma is an accomplished academic, researcher, and entrepreneur with expertise spanning information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and hospitality management. She teaches at American National University and the University of Fairfax, where she designs and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in networking, cybersecurity, database systems, AI-driven technologies, and IT governance. Her teaching emphasizes hands-on labs, case-based learning, and real-world applications, preparing students for both technical and leadership roles.
Dr. Sharma earned her doctorate with a dissertation titled “Examination of Cybersecurity Practices in Small Hotels: A Comprehensive Study of Awareness, Challenges, and Solutions.” Building on this foundation, she is now developing a high-impact research study titled Small Hotels, Big Consequences: How Cyberattacks Undermine Economic and Defense Systems, which explores how vulnerabilities in small hospitality organizations can scale into national-level risks that affect economic stability, supply chains, public safety, and defense resilience. Her broader research interests include cybersecurity awareness, AI-enabled risk mitigation, IT governance, and project management in healthcare and hospitality sectors.
She continues to strengthen her expertise through advanced professional certifications, including:
- AI for Work and Life (1 CEU)
- Certified Supervisor
- ISACA Data Management & IT Governance (1 CPE Hour)
- Digital Defense: Cybersecurity Basics for Everyone (1 CPE Hour)
- Prompt Engineering Online Course (1 CPE Hour)
These credentials demonstrate her commitment to continuous learning, particularly in AI transformation, cybersecurity readiness, data governance, and strategic digital leadership.
With a deep passion for technology, education, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Sharma continues to mentor students, collaborate with academic and industry leaders, and develop innovative solutions that address emerging challenges in cybersecurity, AI governance, digital risk, and hospitality operations. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing safer digital ecosystems and strengthening the resilience of organizations that form the backbone of local and national systems.