Joseph Squillace | Cybersecurity | Global Scientific Impact Award

Dr. Joseph Squillace | Cybersecurity | Global Scientific Impact Award

Associate Professor | The Pennsylvania State University | United States

Dr. Joseph Michael Squillace is an Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity at Penn State University, Schuylkill, specializing in information security, privacy, cyber policy management, and cybersecurity education. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University, where his doctoral research examined corporate investments in privacy, along with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in computer information systems and information technology, both with concentrations in cybersecurity and network engineering. Dr. Squillace’s professional contributions span leadership in cybersecurity pedagogy, research project management, and the development of educational frameworks focused on cyber awareness, ethical computing, and privacy protection. His research explores areas including cyberbullying prevention, artificial intelligence vulnerabilities, privacy inequality, and the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, with numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals and conferences. He has successfully secured significant research funding from federal agencies and international organizations, advancing cyber education and public safety initiatives. Dr. Squillace has been honored with multiple institutional and national awards recognizing excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, and he has served as a keynote speaker, visiting professor, and academic fellow for cybersecurity organizations across Europe and the United States. His interdisciplinary work continues to shape the intersection of technology, governance, and human behavior in building secure and equitable digital environments.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. 1. Squillace, J., Hozella, Z., Cappella, J., & Sepp, A. (2023). An exploration of SETA in cyber bullying to reduce social harm and juvenile suicide. IEEE World AI IoT Congress (AIIoT), 477–480.

    2. Squillace, J., Cappella, J., & Sepp, A. (2024). User vulnerabilities in AI-driven systems: Current cybersecurity threat dynamics and malicious exploits in supply chain management and project management. ASU International Conference in Emerging Technologies for Industry 4.0.

    3. Bantan, M., & Squillace, J. (2022). Privacy inequality and IT identities: The impact of different privacy laws adoptions. Journal of Information Privacy and Security.

    4. Squillace, J., & Cappella, J. (2024). Examining how targeted cyber attacks on critical supply chain networks can lead to economic collapse and civil unrest. IEEE SoutheastCon, 1482–1489.

    5. Squillace, J., & Bantan, M. (2022). A taxonomy of privacy, trust, and security breach incidents of Internet-of-Things linked to F (M). AANG corporations. IEEE World AI IoT Congress (AIIoT), 591–596.

Dr. Zeinab Shahbazi | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zeinab Shahbazi | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at Kristianstad University, Sweden

Dr. Zeinab Shahbazi is an accomplished researcher specializing in Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Blockchain, and Knowledge Discovery. With a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Jeju National University, South Korea, she has over eight years of research experience in AI and data-driven technologies. Dr. Shahbazi has held postdoctoral positions in Spain and Sweden and is currently a Senior Lecturer in AI at Kristianstad University. Her research focuses on enhancing state-of-the-art architectures and developing innovative solutions in software-based intelligent systems. She has been recognized with several academic awards, including a Presidential Award and Best Paper Presentation honors. Fluent in multiple languages and technically skilled in programming and data systems, she actively contributes as a reviewer for high-impact journals. Her international collaborations and funded research projects reflect her commitment to advancing AI applications. Dr. Shahbazi is a dedicated and forward-thinking researcher making significant contributions to the field of computer science.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Zeinab Shahbazi holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Jeju National University, South Korea, where she completed her dissertation on cryptocurrency price prediction using blockchain frameworks, graduating with an impressive CGPA of 4.32/4.5. She also earned a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Chonbuk National University, Korea, with a thesis on deep learning techniques for paragraph focus analysis. Her foundational education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Pooyesh University in Iran. Throughout her academic journey, she received several scholarships and honors, reflecting her consistent academic excellence. Her education has been firmly rooted in AI, software systems, and intelligent technologies, providing her with a robust theoretical and practical grounding. This strong academic background has played a pivotal role in shaping her as a multidisciplinary researcher with global exposure, capable of addressing complex problems in AI and data science with both depth and innovation.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zeinab Shahbazi has accumulated diverse international professional experience in research and academia. She is currently a Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at Kristianstad University, Sweden. Prior to this, she held postdoctoral researcher positions at Halmstad University in Sweden and at the BCN-AIM Lab at the University of Barcelona in Spain. Her work has consistently focused on applied AI, reinforcement learning, and blockchain-based systems. Dr. Shahbazi has also led and participated in international research collaborations, notably securing a Vinnova-funded international staff exchange project with a partner institution in South Korea. Her career path showcases her ability to transition between theoretical research and practical implementations, including experience in advanced programming, system architecture, and AI model development. These roles have enabled her to contribute to both the academic and industrial applications of intelligent technologies, while also strengthening her leadership and mentoring capabilities in multidisciplinary, multicultural environments.

Research Interest

Dr. Zeinab Shahbazi’s research interests are deeply rooted in intelligent computing systems, with a focus on Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Blockchain, Knowledge Discovery, and their integration within modern technological ecosystems such as IoT, edge computing, and big data platforms. Her core research ambition lies in improving existing AI models and architectures, addressing their limitations, and introducing novel components to enhance performance and applicability. She has made notable contributions to the software aspects of AI, particularly through her work on knowledge-driven systems and blockchain-based data prediction. Dr. Shahbazi combines theoretical advancements with practical implementations, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications. Her multidisciplinary focus reflects a keen interest in innovation, system integration, and cross-domain problem-solving. This makes her work highly relevant to both academic audiences and industry stakeholders interested in deploying intelligent, data-driven systems for practical and scalable use.

Award and Honor

Dr. Zeinab Shahbazi has received multiple awards and honors in recognition of her academic excellence and research contributions. During her Ph.D. at Jeju National University, she was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for distinguished research publications. She also received a university research grant in 2021 for her outstanding output during 2019–2020. Earlier in her academic career, she was a recipient of the BK government scholarship and multiple semester-based scholarships during her Master’s studies at Chonbuk National University. Her early academic promise was also recognized with a government-funded scholarship during her undergraduate studies in Iran. Additionally, she won the Best Paper and Presentation Award at the ITEC Conference in 2019, further solidifying her reputation in the research community. These honors demonstrate a consistent trajectory of excellence, reflecting both the quality and impact of her research work, as well as her ability to compete and stand out in international academic environments.

Conclusion

Dr. Zeinab Shahbazi exemplifies a dynamic and impactful researcher in the field of computer science, particularly in AI, machine learning, and data-driven systems. Her strong educational background, diverse international research experience, and cross-disciplinary expertise make her a well-rounded academic and innovator. Her ability to secure research funding, collaborate internationally, and publish high-quality work underlines her potential for long-term academic leadership. Recognized through various awards and honors, she has demonstrated excellence not only in individual performance but also in contributing to the broader scientific community through peer review and collaboration. Fluent in multiple languages and culturally adaptive, Dr. Shahbazi brings global perspective and technical depth to every role she undertakes. With a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to advancing the state of AI, she stands as a strong candidate for high-level recognitions such as the Best Researcher Award and is poised to continue making meaningful contributions to academia and beyond.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Integration of blockchain, IoT and machine learning for multistage quality control and enhancing security in smart manufacturing
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 187

  • Title: A procedure for tracing supply chains for perishable food based on blockchain, machine learning and fuzzy logic
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 140

  • Title: Towards a secure thermal-energy aware routing protocol in wireless body area network based on blockchain technology
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 123

  • Title: Smart manufacturing real-time analysis based on blockchain and machine learning approaches
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 72

  • Title: Toward improving the prediction accuracy of product recommendation system using extreme gradient boosting and encoding approaches
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, D. Hazra, S. Park, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 68

  • Title: Improving transactional data system based on an edge computing–blockchain–machine learning integrated framework
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 64

  • Title: Product recommendation based on content-based filtering using XGBoost classifier
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 64

  • Title: Agent-based recommendation in E-learning environment using knowledge discovery and machine learning approaches
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 63

  • Title: Fake media detection based on natural language processing and blockchain approaches
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 63

  • Title: Improving the cryptocurrency price prediction performance based on reinforcement learning
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 60

  • Title: Machine learning-based analysis of cryptocurrency market financial risk management
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 58

  • Title: Lithium-ion battery estimation in online framework using extreme gradient boosting machine learning approach
    Authors: S. Jafari, Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun, S.J. Lee
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 58

  • Title: Blockchain-based event detection and trust verification using natural language processing and machine learning
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 51

  • Title: Knowledge discovery on cryptocurrency exchange rate prediction using machine learning pipelines
    Authors: Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 42

  • Title: Lithium-ion battery health prediction on hybrid vehicles using machine learning approach
    Authors: S. Jafari, Z. Shahbazi, Y.C. Byun
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 36

Muawia Elsadig | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muawia Elsadig | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Muawia A. Elsadig is an accomplished Assistant Professor at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Saudi Arabia, with extensive experience in computer science, particularly in cybersecurity, information security, AI, machine learning, and bioinformatics. He has held academic positions at renowned institutions across Sudan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Elsadig has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications, many of which appear in high-impact Q1 and Q2 journals such as IEEE Access. His recent research focuses on cyber threat detection, secure communications, AI applications, and ethical issues in emerging technologies. He also serves as a reviewer for several leading international journals and contributes actively to institutional research development through editing, reviewing, and ethical oversight roles. With a consistent research record, interdisciplinary expertise, and international teaching background, Dr. Elsadig demonstrates strong leadership and scholarly contributions, making him a highly deserving candidate for recognition through prestigious research awards.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Muawia A. Elsadig holds a strong academic foundation in computer engineering and science. He earned his B.Sc. (Honors) in Computer Engineering from the University of Gezira, Sudan, in 2000, followed by an M.Sc. in Computer Engineering and Networks from the same institution in 2003, graduating with first-class honors. He later completed his Ph.D. in Computer Science, specializing in Information Security, at Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST) in 2018. His academic progression reflects a focused commitment to cybersecurity and advanced computing disciplines. Each stage of his education laid a strong theoretical and technical groundwork, preparing him for a dynamic career in both academia and research. His doctoral studies, in particular, sharpened his expertise in network security and information assurance, providing a springboard for his subsequent contributions to the fields of cyber defense, machine learning, and secure systems. Dr. Elsadig’s educational background is both comprehensive and rigorously specialized.

Professional Experience

Dr. Muawia A. Elsadig has over two decades of professional experience in academia and industry, reflecting his deep engagement with computing disciplines. He has served in teaching and research roles at prominent universities including the University of Gezira in Sudan, the University of Sharjah in the UAE, and King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia. Since 2018, he has held the position of Assistant Professor at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) in Saudi Arabia, contributing to both the Computer Science Department and the university’s Deanship of Scientific Research. His responsibilities span teaching, curriculum development, research supervision, and participation in ethical review processes as a member of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). He has also been involved in the editorial review of internal research grants. His industry experience complements his academic roles, providing a practical dimension to his teaching and research. Dr. Elsadig’s professional journey is marked by dedication, cross-cultural competence, and research leadership.

Research Interest

Dr. Muawia A. Elsadig’s research interests are broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing cybersecurity, information security, network security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and bioinformatics. His work explores both theoretical foundations and practical applications, with a strong focus on developing lightweight, efficient models for detecting cyber threats such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and covert channels. He is also interested in the ethical implications of emerging technologies, having published insightful work on the societal impacts of AI tools like ChatGPT and machine translation systems. Dr. Elsadig has applied machine learning techniques to critical areas such as breast cancer detection and secure data encryption, demonstrating a commitment to using AI for social good. His research often bridges technical rigor with applied innovation, and he collaborates on projects that integrate computing with healthcare and secure communications. This interdisciplinary approach makes his research both relevant and impactful in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape.

Award and Honor

Dr. Muawia A. Elsadig has received multiple awards and recognitions for his research excellence, particularly for publishing in high-impact, peer-reviewed international journals indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus (Q1 and Q2). These recognitions reflect the high quality and scholarly contribution of his research in fields such as cybersecurity, AI, and bioinformatics. He has also been acknowledged by his institutions for his active role in scientific research development, including grant proposal evaluations and ethical oversight. Beyond individual publications, his selection as a peer reviewer for top-tier journals like IEEE Access and Artificial Intelligence Review is an implicit honor, affirming his expertise and credibility in his research domains. While the profile does not list named external awards or grants, the consistent publication record, academic appointments, and responsibilities he holds at respected institutions are strong indicators of his professional esteem. These honors collectively highlight his value as a research leader and academic mentor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Muawia A. Elsadig stands out as a highly accomplished academic and researcher in the domains of computer science and cybersecurity. With a solid educational background, extensive teaching experience, and a strong portfolio of international publications, he has made significant contributions to both theoretical advancements and practical solutions in his field. His work bridges artificial intelligence, secure systems, and bioinformatics, reflecting both depth and breadth in his research pursuits. Dr. Elsadig’s ongoing involvement in peer review, research ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration highlights his commitment to advancing knowledge and ensuring research integrity. He is not only a prolific scholar but also an active academic citizen dedicated to mentoring, ethical governance, and the strategic development of research agendas. His achievements and leadership position him as a compelling candidate for prestigious honors such as the Best Researcher Award, and he continues to be a driving force in his academic community and beyond.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Language Translation: A Review
    Authors: YA Mohamed, A Khanan, M Bashir, AHHM Mohamed, MAE Adiel, MA Elsadig
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 124

  • Title: Breast Cancer Detection Using Machine Learning Approaches: A Comparative Study
    Authors: MA Elsadig, A Altigani, HT Elshoush
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 60

  • Title: VANETs Security Issues and Challenges: A Survey
    Authors: MA Elsadig, YA Fadlalla
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 60

  • Title: Detection of Denial-of-Service Attack in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Lightweight Machine Learning Approach
    Author: MA Elsadig
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 52

  • Title: Covert Channel Detection: Machine Learning Approaches
    Authors: MA Elsadig, A Gafar
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 49

  • Title: A Polymorphic Advanced Encryption Standard – A Novel Approach
    Authors: A Altigani, S Hasan, B Barry, S Naserelden, MA Elsadig, HT Elshoush
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 46

  • Title: Survey on Covert Storage Channel in Computer Network Protocols: Detection and Mitigation Techniques
    Authors: MA Elsadig, YA Fadlalla
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 37

  • Title: Security Issues and Challenges on Wireless Sensor Networks
    Authors: MA Elsadig, A Altigani, MA Baraka
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 26

  • Title: Network Protocol Covert Channels: Countermeasures Techniques
    Authors: MA Elsadig, YA Fadlalla
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 26

  • Title: Information Extraction Methods and Techniques in Chemical Documents: Survey
    Authors: M Abdelmagid, AA, Mubarak Himmat
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 24

  • Title: Mobile Ad Hoc Network Routing Protocols: Performance Evaluation and Assessment
    Authors: MA Elsadig, A Yahia
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 22

  • Title: Packet Length Covert Channel: A Detection Scheme
    Authors: MA Elsadig, YA Fadlalla
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 20

  • Title: A Balanced Approach to Eliminate Packet Length-Based Covert Channels
    Authors: MA Elsadig, YA Fadlalla
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 17

  • Title: Analyzing the Performance of the AES Block Cipher Modes of Operation
    Authors: A Altigani, M Abdelmagid, B Barry
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 13

  • Title: ChatGPT and Cybersecurity: Risk Knocking the Door
    Author: MA Elsadig
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 10

Haiyan Kang | Network security | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr Haiyan Kang | Network security | Best Researcher Award 

Prof Dr Haiyan Kang  , Beijing Information Science and Technology University , China

Kang Haiyan, a prominent Chinese researcher, was born in China and currently serves as a professor in the Department of Information Security at Beijing Information Science and Technology University. A senior member of the China Computer Federation and the ACM, he has been recognized as an outstanding talent in Beijing. With a Ph.D. in computer application technology from the Beijing Institute of Technology (2005), he is also an executive member of the Privacy Protection Committee of the China Confidentiality Association. Kang’s contributions to education have earned him multiple teaching awards, and he is noted for his mentorship of graduate students. His extensive research has garnered numerous provincial and ministerial awards, alongside 20 patents. Kang has authored over 110 academic papers and six monographs, making significant strides in network security, blockchain, and privacy protection.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

Kang Haiyan’s impressive academic and professional achievements make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With over 110 published academic papers and six monographs, his prolific output demonstrates a significant commitment to advancing knowledge in the fields of network security, blockchain technology, and privacy protection. His research has garnered six provincial and ministerial level awards, reflecting his impact within the academic community. Kang’s leadership as a professor and his role as chief of a national first-class major in information security further emphasize his dedication to education and mentorship. Additionally, his executive position in the Privacy Protection Committee of the China Confidentiality Association showcases his influence in shaping policies and practices in the domain of privacy protection.

Areas for Improvement

While Kang’s research output is commendable, there is room for broader international collaboration, which could enhance the global relevance of his work. Increasing engagement in interdisciplinary research could also provide innovative perspectives on complex security issues. Furthermore, focusing on enhancing public outreach and education regarding privacy issues could amplify the societal impact of his research.

Education 

Kang Haiyan obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Application Technology from the Beijing Institute of Technology in 2005, where he developed a strong foundation in information security and computer science. His doctoral research focused on advanced computing technologies, setting the stage for his subsequent contributions to the field. Throughout his academic journey, Kang has continually pursued knowledge in various aspects of information security, including network security and privacy protection. He has engaged in various professional development programs and has been recognized for his outstanding academic performance. His educational background equips him with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling him to tackle complex problems in his research. This strong educational foundation, combined with his continuous pursuit of knowledge, has significantly shaped his career as an educator and researcher, leading to his recognition as a leading figure in the domain of information security.

Experience 

Kang Haiyan has amassed extensive experience in academia and research over his career. Currently a professor at Beijing Information Science and Technology University, he leads the Department of Information Security, overseeing the national first-class major in information security. As an editorial board member of the Journal of Information Security Research and an expert reviewer for the National Key Research and Development Program, he plays a crucial role in shaping research direction in the field. His involvement with the China Computer Federation and the ACM highlights his commitment to advancing computer science. Kang has also contributed significantly to teaching, having received multiple awards for his instructional excellence, including national and local teaching achievement prizes. His mentorship has positively impacted many graduate students, further extending his influence in academia. With a solid background in research and teaching, he has become a respected leader in the information security landscape.

Research Focus 

Kang Haiyan’s research focuses on critical areas within information security, including network security, blockchain technology, and privacy protection. His work in network security investigates innovative methodologies for safeguarding data and mitigating cyber threats. Kang’s exploration of blockchain technologies aims to enhance the security and integrity of digital transactions. A significant aspect of his research is the development of privacy-preserving techniques, particularly through differential privacy and federated learning approaches, which have gained increasing importance in today’s data-driven world. His contributions have led to the publication of over 110 academic papers and numerous patents, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in these fields. Additionally, his work addresses real-world challenges, ensuring that his research has practical applications. As he continues to explore emerging trends and technologies, Kang remains dedicated to fostering a secure and privacy-conscious digital environment.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Kang Haiyan, Wang Jiakang. Swarm Mutual Learning 🐝
  2. Kang Haiyan, Wang Xiaoshi. Research on the Deep Learning Method Based on Data Feature Relevance and Adaptive Differential Privacy 📊
  3. Kang Haiyan, Ji Shanshan. Hierarchical Stackelberg Game Swarm Learning Incentive Method for Wireless Edge Network 📡
  4. Xiaoying Qiu, Haiyan Kang, et al. A Privacy-Preserving and Intelligent Authentication Scheme for Next Generation-CPS 🔒
  5. Wu Jing, Haiyan Kang. An effective ISDPR rumor propagation model on complex networks 📈
  6. Kang Haiyan, Ji Yuanrui. Research on Time-Serial Location Data Publication Based on Local Differential Privacy 🗺️
  7. Kang Haiyan, Long Molan. Research on network attack analysis method based on attack graph of absorbing Markov chain 📉
  8. Kang Haiyan, Yange Yujie. An Enhanced Detection Method of PCB Defect Based on D-DenseNet 🖥️
  9. Yang Yujie, Kang Haiyan. An Enhanced Detection Method of PCB Defect Based on Improved YOLOv7 🔍
  10. Kang, H., Li, Y., Zhang, S. An effective differential privacy protection method of location data based on perturbation loss constraint 🛡️
  11. Kang Haiyan, Deng Jie. A cross encryption scheme for data security storage in cloud computing environment ☁️
  12. Kang Haiyan, Feng Yaping, et al. Research on personalised privacy-preserving model of multi-sensitive attributes 🛡️
  13. Kang Haiyan, Ji Yuanrui, Zhang Shuxuan. Enhanced Privacy Preserving for Social Networks Relational Data Based on Personalized Differential Privacy 🔐

Conclusion

Kang Haiyan’s contributions to information security and his dedication to teaching and mentorship position him as a leading figure in his field. His extensive publication record, coupled with numerous accolades, demonstrates his commitment to advancing research and education. By addressing potential areas for improvement, he could further enhance his impact on both the academic community and society at large, making him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.