I am dedicated to fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment that benefits both my students and myself. I uphold the principles of equality and inclusivity in all interactions, both within and beyond the classroom. In response to the unique educational challenges of 2020, I developed hybrid and hyflex courses, available synchronously and asynchronously, to ensure accessibility for all students at the University of Denver. My teaching approach is centered on active learning, utilizing strategies such as team-based activities and open discussions. I am vigilant in avoiding gender or racially discriminatory language and imagery, and welcome constructive feedback for improvement. I draw on contemporary and relevant examples from extensive literature to inspire and engage students in their areas of interest, while also encouraging them to broaden their horizons and gain international recognition in their fields.
Courses Teaching / Taught
Winter 2021 Onwards: COMP 3721/4721 : Computer Security
Graduate GR and Undergraduate UG level course (4 credits)
Course Website:
Canvas course page. Please check the canvas site regularly. Course documents and essential information, including assignments, reading materials, discussions, and special announcements, will be posted on canvas.
Description:
This comprehensive course in computer security offers an in-depth exploration of the essential components and challenges in the field, catering to the increasing demand for robust security practices across various sectors. It covers a wide spectrum of topics, including threats to information confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as well as the defense mechanisms employed to counter these threats. Students will gain foundational knowledge in network security, encompassing cryptographic techniques, security protocols, and authentication, authorization, and access control technologies. The course blends theoretical concepts with hands-on experience through assignments and projects, aiming to equip students with a practical understanding of the tools and strategies used by hackers. Topics such as risk management, policy development, security controls, and database security are also covered, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate and address contemporary security challenges.
Fall 2020 Onwards: COMP 3732/4732 : Human-Centered Data Security and Privacy
Graduate GR and Undergraduate UG level course (4 credits)
Course Website:
Canvas course page. Please check the canvas site regularly. Course documents and essential information, including assignments, reading materials, discussions, and special announcements, will be posted on canvas.
Description:
In the era of pervasive digitalization, it becomes imperative to comprehend the user needs and requirements for secure technological interactions and adherence to privacy standards. This course adopts a socio-technical lens to scrutinize user interactions with everyday devices such as web platforms, mobiles, and wearables, taking into account cognitive, social, organizational, commercial, and cultural dimensions. Students will gain insights into technological interactions from the viewpoints of various stakeholders, including users, developers, and system administrators, and will learn to develop tools aimed at safeguarding user data. The curriculum includes analysis of contemporary research papers, student-led presentations, and interactive discussions. By the end of the quarter, students are expected to complete a project that contextualizes security and privacy issues within a broader user-centric and societal framework, applying technological tools to address these challenges.
Prerequisites & Notes:
Familiarity with programming (COMP 2355, 2370)
Basic concepts of data analytics
Spring 2021 Onwards: COMP 3705/4705 : Experience Design
Undergraduate UG level course (2 credits)
Course Website:
Canvas course page. Please check the canvas site regularly. Course documents and essential information, including assignments, reading materials, discussions, and special announcements, will be posted on canvas.
Description:
This course offers an immersive journey into the world of user experience (UX) design and design research. With a practical approach, it equips students with real-world UX design practices, ensuring a deep understanding of both research methodologies and design ideas. The course is structured to enhance students' comprehension of user experience, emphasizing the significance of design research in creating meaningful and user-centric products and services. Through a combination of theoretical learning and applied projects, students are encouraged to explore and apply design principles, methods, and tools, preparing them for success in the dynamic field of experience design. the course offers an interesting Field Work in one of the museums of Denver.
Fall 2022 Onwards: COMP 1201/1202/1203 : Introduction to Computer Science Series
Undergraduate UG level course (2 credits)
Course Website:
Canvas course page. Please check the canvas site regularly. Course documents and essential information, including assignments, reading materials, discussions, and special announcements, will be posted on canvas.
Description:
The Introduction to Computer Science Series, encompassing courses COMP 1201, 1202, and 1203, is a meticulously designed program initiated in Fall 2022, specifically catering to first-year undergraduate students. This series serves as a foundational gateway, offering a holistic introduction to the multifaceted domain of computer science. It delves deep into critical areas such as Cybersecurity, Programming Languages, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Software Engineering, and Ethical Implications in Computing, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts and contemporary issues in the field. Through this series, students are encouraged to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, setting a robust groundwork for their future endeavors in computer science and related disciplines.
Prerequisites & Notes:
Additive Course, No prereq for COMP 1201, then students need to take COMP 1201 for COMP 1202, and both COMP 1201 & 1202 for COMP 1203.
Invited Talks/Lectures/Presentations
Keynote Speaker At Privacy Sensitive Robotics Workshop in association with the Human Robot Interaction Conference (HRI) 2024
Phishing in Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Government - CSIRO Data 61 -- 2023
Improving the security postures of the non-WEIRD population at CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security -- 2023
Augmented/Virtual/Mixed Reality Security in Aarhus University -- 2023
User mental models for the marginalized communities in University of Luxembourg -- 2023
Implementation of a risk-reduction-based incentivization model at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) three times in 2020 and 2023.
Authentication Technologies at University of Texas at Dallas (UTDallas) -- 2022
Vulnerable populations risk perception and security at Enigma 2020 and understanding the risk models for Phishing detection and resilience at 2021
Ambient risk indicators through Bluetooth monitoring device, 'Securtle,' at BSides St. Louis and Minneapolis in 2020 and 2021 (virtually attended)
Human-centered security in on risk analysis, decision analysis, and security for phishing attacks at SRA and APWG Risk Awareness Symposium 2019
Presented at RSA 2019 about Phishing attacks, multi-factor authentication, and risk communication
Symposium panelist at RSA 2019 on human behavior, privacy, and security
Presented at Black Hat 2018 about Authentication Technologies and how to make more human-centered security while understanding the user mental models
Presented poster on risk communication toolbar at GHC 2018
Workshop panelist for IU ProHealth graduate school admissions workshop in 2018
Keynote speaker at WiC symposium, CEWiT 2016 and 2017 symposium
Posters presented at GHC 2018, IoTDI 2018, Midwest Security Conference 2018, FTC PrivacyCon 2018, and WiCyS 2018
Gave lightning talks at WEIS 2017 and CyberW (CCS) 2017
Guest Lecturer
Fall 2017: Info-I 590 Privacy Information and Identity (Instructor: Dr. Christena Nippert-Eng)
Spring 2018: Info-I 330 Legal and Social Informatics of Security (Instructor: Dr. Sameer Patil)
Teaching Assistant
Fall 2018: Info-I 544 Experience Design (Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Bardzell)
Spring 2018: Info-I 231 Introduction to the Mathematics of Cybersecurity (Instructor: Dr. Ryan Henry)
Fall 2017: Info-I 537 Legal and Social Informatics of Security (Instructor: Dr. Sameer Patil)
K-12 Summer Instructor
Summer 2018: Introduction to Programming (Foundation of Science and Mathematics summer school)