Dr. Shuhao Shen | Cybersecurity | Best Researcher Award

Shuhao Shen | Cybersecurity | Best Researcher Award

Shuhao Shen, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Shuhao Shen is a dedicated Ph.D. student in Cyberspace Security at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) ๐ŸŽ“. As a member of Professor Cai Fuโ€™s team, he focuses on cutting-edge areas such as binary vulnerability detection, graph neural networks (GNNs), and large language model (LLM) applications ๐Ÿค–. Shuhao ranks in the top 25% of his Ph.D. cohort and previously ranked 12th during his undergraduate studies. He has contributed to national-level cybersecurity projects and collaborated with QiAnXin Group on binary component analysis ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ. Known for his diligence, curiosity, and adaptability, Shuhao aspires to lead in cybersecurity innovation ๐Ÿš€.

Professional profile :

Orcid

Suitability for Best Researcher Award :

Shuhao Shen is a promising Ph.D. researcher at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), actively contributing to the fields of binary vulnerability detection, graph neural networks (GNNs), and large language model (LLM) applications. His work addresses some of the most pressing challenges in cybersecurity, including the secure analysis of binary componentsโ€”an area critical to national infrastructure and digital defense. His academic performance, demonstrated by being in the top 25% of his Ph.D. cohort and previously ranking 12th in his undergraduate class, reflects consistent excellence and intellectual rigor.

Education & Experience :

๐ŸŽ“ Ph.D. in Cyberspace Security โ€” Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)
๐Ÿ“ Wuhan, China | โณ Sep 2023 โ€“ Jun 2028 (Expected)

  • ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿซ Under Prof. Cai Fu’s supervision

  • ๐Ÿ… Top 25% in academic ranking

  • ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ First-Class Academic Scholarship (2023)

๐ŸŽ“ Bachelor’s in Cyberspace Security โ€” HUST
๐Ÿ“ Wuhan, China | โณ Sep 2020 โ€“ Jun 2024 (Expected)

  • ๐Ÿ… Ranked 12th in major

  • ๐Ÿ† Honors: Outstanding Student Cadre, Excellent Communist Youth League Cadre

๐Ÿ’ผ Algorithm Engineer Intern โ€” Wuhan CGCL Lab
๐Ÿ“ Wuhan, China | โณ Jul 2023 โ€“ Dec 2024

  • ๐Ÿ” Focus on graph neural networks and binary vulnerability detection

  • ๐Ÿค Collaboration with QiAnXin Group and national-level LLM projects

Professional Development :

Shuhao Shen has developed strong skills in Python ๐Ÿ and C++ ๐Ÿ’ป, mastering deep learning frameworks and tools like LangChain and vLLM for large model deployment. Heโ€™s proficient with vulnerability detection tools such as angr ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ and IDA Pro ๐Ÿง , allowing him to design efficient rule-based and AI-assisted detection schemes. His hands-on experience includes publishing in the Journal of Systems and Software and contributing to significant projects involving binary analysis ๐Ÿ”ฌ, function embedding, and open-source component recognition ๐Ÿงฉ. Shuhaoโ€™s balanced skill set and real-world project exposure position him for continued growth in advanced cybersecurity development ๐Ÿ”.

Research Focus :

Shuhao Shenโ€™s research is centered on cyberspace security ๐Ÿ”, particularly in binary vulnerability detection, graph neural networks (GNNs) ๐ŸŒ, and large language models (LLMs) ๐Ÿค– for software analysis. His recent work includes utilizing angr and IDA Pro for binary feature extraction and applying function embeddings for open-source component detection in C/C++ binaries ๐Ÿงฉ. He is actively exploring the intersection of machine learning and cybersecurity, aiming to create intelligent, automated vulnerability detection systems ๐Ÿ”. His research aligns with next-generation software supply chain protection, secure development environments, and AI-augmented security tools ๐Ÿš€.

Awards & Honors :

๐Ÿ† National First Prize โ€“ Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program (Nov 2023)
๐ŸŽ–๏ธ First-Class Academic Scholarship โ€“ HUST (2023)
๐ŸŽ“ Outstanding Student Cadre โ€“ HUST
๐Ÿ“ฃ Excellent Communist Youth League Cadre โ€“ HUST

Publication Top Notes :ย 

Title:ย  BinCoFer: Three-stage purification for effective C/C++ binary third-party library detection

Author: Shuhao Shen
Publication Type: Journal article
Citation (placeholder): Shen, S. (Year). BinCoFer: Three-stage purification for effective C/C++ binary third-party library detection. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages. DOI

Conclusion :

Shuhao Shen demonstrates the research depth, technical innovation, and real-world impact that align perfectly with the goals of the Best Researcher Award. His advanced work in cybersecurity, particularly in leveraging AI to tackle binary vulnerabilities, is not only timely but also critical in an era of escalating digital threats. Given his contributions to both academic and industrial spheres, Shuhao is well-positioned to become a future leader in cybersecurity research, making him a highly deserving candidate for this recognition.

Ms. Ujunwa Madububa Mbachu | Cybersecurity | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ujunwa Madububa Mbachu | Cybersecurity | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ujunwa Madububa Mbachu, University of Southern Mississippi, United States

Ms. Ujunwa Madububa Mbachu is a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science (Cybersecurity) at the University of Southern Mississippi, USA. She is a Visiting Instructor at the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering and a Research Associate at the SPEN Lab, focusing on security and privacy in emerging networks. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and industry leadership, she is the President of the Cyberwatch Foundation, promoting inclusivity in cybersecurity education. Her expertise spans cybersecurity, machine learning, cloud computing, and privacy protection. She has received prestigious awards, including the Dissertation Completion Grant and Hall of Fame Induction at her university.

๐ŸŒย Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

๐Ÿ† Suitability for Best Researcher Awardย 

Ms. Mbachu is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her groundbreaking contributions in cybersecurity, privacy, and emerging network security. Her Ph.D. research on Secure and Privacy-Aware Traffic Management Services in Autonomous Vehicles addresses critical global challenges in data protection and smart transportation. She has authored impactful research, led cybersecurity initiatives, and mentored students in computing sciences. As a leader in the Cyberwatch Foundation, she actively bridges academic research and real-world applications. Her dedication to advancing cybersecurity knowledge and fostering technological inclusivity makes her a highly deserving nominee for this prestigious recognition.

๐ŸŽ“ Educationย 

Ms. Mbachu is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity) at the University of Southern Mississippi (2021โ€“2025), with a dissertation on Secure and Privacy-Aware Traffic Management Services in Autonomous Vehicles, under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Sherif. She earned an M.Sc. in Information Technology from the National Open University (NOUN), Nigeria (2017), focusing on the socioeconomic implications of national security and privacy systems. Her academic foundation includes a strong background in computer science, cybersecurity, and privacy research, preparing her for innovative contributions in data security, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ป Professional Experience

Ms. Mbachu is a Visiting Instructor at the University of Southern Mississippi, teaching computer science and IT courses across various modalities. She has also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, mentoring students and supporting research in cybersecurity. As a Research Associate at the SPEN Lab, she actively investigates security and privacy challenges in emerging networks. In the industry, she is the President of Cyberwatch Foundation, driving cybersecurity education initiatives. Her roles in academia and leadership demonstrate her commitment to advancing cybersecurity knowledge and empowering future researchers in the field.

๐Ÿ… Awards & Honors

Ms. Mbachu has received numerous accolades, including the 2025 Graduate School Dissertation Completion Grant and Hall of Fame Induction at the University of Southern Mississippi. She was also awarded the 2025 Student Travel Grant for her outstanding contributions to research. In 2021, she was honored with the College of Arts & Science Student Travel Award for her impactful academic work. These recognitions highlight her excellence in cybersecurity research, academic performance, and leadership in technology education. Her commitment to innovation and mentorship in cybersecurity has earned her prestigious acknowledgments from both academic and professional institutions.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focusย 

Ms. Mbachu’s research spans cybersecurity, privacy protection, machine learning, deep learning, and cloud computing. Her work focuses on securing emerging networks, with particular interest in privacy-aware traffic management in autonomous vehicles. She explores how artificial intelligence and cryptographic models enhance data security in smart infrastructures. Her studies also address cloud security, cyber-attack prevention, and AI-driven risk assessments. Through her leadership at the Cyberwatch Foundation, she advocates for inclusive cybersecurity education. Her multidisciplinary research contributes to both theoretical advancements and real-world cybersecurity applications, ensuring safer digital ecosystems in emerging technologies.

๐Ÿ“–ย Publication Top Notesย 

  1. Machine Learning Techniques to Predict Mental Health Diagnoses: A Systematic Literature Review
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 7
  2. Predictive Machine Learning Approaches for Mental Health Diagnoses in College Students
    • Year: 2024
  3. A Review of Machine Learning Techniques to Predict Mental Health Diagnoses
    • Year: 2024
  1. Secure and Privacy-Preserving Aggregation Scheme for Traffic Management Systems
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
  2. Hardware-Acceleration Based Privacy-Aware Authentication Scheme for Internet of Vehicles
    • Year: 2024
  3. Privacy-Aware and Hardware Acceleration-Based Aggregation Scheme for Smart Grid Networks
    • Year: 2023

 

 

Dr. Obada Al-Khatib | Network Security | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Obada Al-Khatib | Network Security | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Obada Al-Khatib, University of Wollongong in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Obada Al-Khatib is an esteemed researcher and academic specializing in electrical and information engineering. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor and Discipline Leader for Electrical, Computer, and Telecommunications Engineering at the University of Wollongong Dubai. Holding a Ph.D. from The University of Sydney, he has made significant contributions to wireless networks, IoT applications, and AI-driven signal processing. With industry experience as an electrical engineer and memberships in IEEE and Engineers Australia, Dr. Al-Khatib bridges the gap between academia and industry. His dedication to research, mentorship, and technological advancements makes him a prominent figure in engineering education. โšก๐Ÿ“ก

๐ŸŒ Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

๐Ÿ† Suitability for Award

Dr. Obada Al-Khatib’s exceptional contributions to wireless networks, IoT applications, and AI-driven signal processing position him as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research significantly enhances the optimization and security of modern communication networks, addressing global technological challenges. His leadership as Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong Dubai demonstrates his commitment to education and innovation. With numerous publications, industry experience, and professional memberships, Dr. Al-Khatibโ€™s work has broad academic and industrial impact. Recognizing his achievements would highlight his role in advancing cutting-edge research in electrical and information engineering. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ“ถ

๐ŸŽ“ Educationย 

Dr. Obada Al-Khatib holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Information Engineering from The University of Sydney, Australia (2015), where he focused on optimizing wireless networks and communication systems. He further pursued a Master of Education in Higher Education from the University of Wollongong, Australia (2017), enhancing his expertise in academic leadership and pedagogy. Additionally, he earned a Master of Engineering in Communication and Computer from the National University of Malaysia (2010), where he explored advanced networking technologies. His diverse educational background equips him with a unique combination of technical expertise and teaching excellence. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“ก

๐Ÿ”ฌ Experienceย 

Dr. Al-Khatib has extensive experience in both academia and industry. Since 2016, he has been an Assistant Professor at the University of Wollongong Dubai, where he also serves as Discipline Leader for Electrical, Computer, and Telecommunications Engineering (since 2022). His industry background includes working as an Electrical Engineer at CCIC in Qatar (2006-2009), gaining hands-on experience in large-scale engineering projects. He has also contributed to educational development by mentoring students and serving on university committees, shaping academic policies. His expertise in wireless networks, AI applications, and network security makes him a leader in the field. โšก๐Ÿ”ง

๐Ÿ… Awards and Honorsย 

Dr. Obada Al-Khatib has received numerous accolades for his contributions to research and academia. His work on wireless networks optimization and AI-driven signal processing has been recognized in IEEE conferences and journals. As an active IEEE member, he has contributed to high-impact publications and technical committees. His role as Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong Dubai reflects his leadership and dedication to academic excellence. Additionally, his achievements in higher education development and mentoring have earned him recognition within the university. His expertise and contributions continue to influence the evolution of communication engineering. ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“ก

๐Ÿ“ถ Research Focusย 

Dr. Al-Khatib’s research spans wireless networks optimization, IoT applications, AI-driven signal processing, machine learning, mobile edge computing, and network security. His work focuses on enhancing network performance, ensuring secure communications, and leveraging AI for smarter signal processing. His studies in 5G/6G networks, cloud computing, and energy-efficient communications contribute to next-generation network advancements. Additionally, his research on IoT security and edge computing addresses challenges in data privacy and system resilience. By integrating AI and machine learning into wireless networks, Dr. Al-Khatib pioneers innovations that drive the future of smart connectivity. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“ถ

๐Ÿ“–ย Publication Top Notesย 

  • Traffic Modeling and Optimization in Public and Private Wireless Access Networks for Smart Grids
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 30
  • Traffic Modeling for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Last Mile Wireless Access Networks
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 29
  • Spectrum Sharing in Multi-Tenant 5G Cellular Networks: Modeling and Planning
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 26
  • Queuing Analysis for Smart Grid Communications in Wireless Access Networks
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 10
  • Pursuit Learning-Based Joint Pilot Allocation and Multi-Base Station Association in a Distributed Massive MIMO Network
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 8