Mr. Stephen Afrifa | Botnet Awards | Best Researcher Award-3213

Mr. Stephen Afrifa | Botnet Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Stephen Afrifa, Tianjin University, China

Mr. Stephen Afrifa is a dedicated lecturer in the Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), with a strong background in IT project management, data science, AI, and machine learning. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Tianjin University, China, where his research focused on using machine learning models to assess climate change impacts. With expertise in a wide range of programming languages and statistical tools, Stephen has developed software solutions and led research initiatives in both academic and professional settings. His leadership in AMANPENE Foundation and UENR reflects his commitment to using technology for societal good, particularly in climate modeling and poverty alleviation.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

Suitability for the Award:

Mr. Stephen Afrifa is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his strong academic background, impactful research publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and leadership in addressing significant societal challenges through technology and AI. His dedication to teaching, research, and community service further bolsters his eligibility, making him a distinguished candidate deserving of this award.

Educational Background

Stephen holds a Master of Science in Engineering (Information and Communication Engineering) from Tianjin University, where he focused on machine learning models related to climate change. His foundational education includes a WASSCE Certificate from Kumasi High School.

Professional Overview

Mr. Stephen Afrifa is a proactive and versatile individual with a strong commitment to enhancing user experiences through technology. He excels in both quantitative and qualitative projects and thrives in international, multicultural environments.

Work Experience

Currently a Lecturer in the Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Stephen supervises and guides students at various academic levels. He also serves as a part-time Software Application Developer at CY Technologies, leading software development and research projects.

Skills and Expertise

Well-versed in programming languages and statistical tools like Python, R, C/C++, and more, Stephen has a robust background in IT project management, network security, and data science. His research interests include IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, emphasizing sustainable practices.

Honors and Leadership

Recognized as the Best Graduating Student in Computer Science at UENR and a recipient of the Absa Tertiary Scholarship, Stephen also holds leadership roles, including being an Academic Board Member at Eterno Press and a Lead Research Facilitator at UENR.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Title: Mathematical and Machine Learning Models for Groundwater Level Changes: A Systematic Review and Bibliographic Analysis
    • Year: 2022
    • Cited by: 44
  • Title: Detection of Anemia Using Conjunctiva Images: A Smartphone Application Approach
    • Year: 2023
    • Cited by: 23
  • Title: Ensemble Machine Learning Techniques for Accurate and Efficient Detection of Botnet Attacks in Connected Computers
    • Year: 2023
    • Cited by: 20
  • Title: Cyberbullying Detection on Twitter Using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning Techniques
    • Year: 2022
    • Cited by: 16
  • Title: VAR, ARIMAX and ARIMA Models for Nowcasting Unemployment Rate in Ghana Using Google Trends
    • Year: 2023
    • Cited by: 15

 

 

Ms. Qiping Wei | Security Analysis | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Qiping Wei | Security Analysis | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Qiping Wei, University of Texas at Arlington, United States

Ms. Wei, a Ph.D. graduate in Computer Science with a focus on testing and security analysis of Solidity smart contracts, has demonstrated remarkable dedication to advancing blockchain technology. Her perseverance, highlighted by the extensive revision process of her first journal paper published in 2024, underscores her commitment to high-quality research. Leading innovative projects that integrate reinforcement learning and large language models to enhance Solidity smart contract security, Ms. Wei is at the forefront of blockchain technology and AI applications. Her impactful work and leadership in the field reflect her significant contributions and align with the values of the Research for Women Researcher Award.

Professional Profile:

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Suitability for the Award

Ms. Qiping Wei is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her specialization in the testing and security analysis of Solidity smart contracts is timely and critical, given the growing importance of blockchain technology. Her successful publication record, leadership in innovative research projects, and contributions to global technology make her a standout researcher in her field.

Academic Background and Achievements:

Ms. Wei has an impressive academic trajectory, having completed her Ph.D. in Computer Science with a specialization in testing and security analysis of Solidity smart contracts. Her educational journey, marked by persistence and dedication, reflects her commitment to advancing in a challenging field.

Her determination is evident from the multiple rounds of revision her first paper underwent before its eventual acceptance, highlighting her resilience and dedication to high-quality research. This perseverance culminated in the publication of her first journal paper in 2024, showcasing her contributions to the field.

Research Contributions:

Ms. Weiā€™s research focuses on the critical area of blockchain technology, specifically the testing and security analysis of Solidity smart contracts. This work is increasingly important as blockchain systems become more integral to global networks.

She is leading two innovative projects that utilize reinforcement learning and large language models (LLMs) to improve the symbolic execution of Solidity smart contracts. These projects aim to enhance the security and reliability of blockchain systems, demonstrating her leadership in advancing technology at the intersection of AI and blockchain.

Impact and Innovation:

Her work has made a tangible impact, as evidenced by the significant interest in her publications. Her paper on the application of LLMs in engineering has garnered substantial attention, indicating the relevance and significance of her research.

By addressing security challenges in blockchain technology and exploring advanced AI techniques, Ms. Wei is pushing the boundaries of how these technologies can be applied to improve digital infrastructure. This aligns with the values of the Research for Women Researcher Award, which celebrates innovation and excellence in technology.

Professional Experience and Leadership:

Ms. Weiā€™s involvement in part-time academic roles during her undergraduate years and her subsequent research efforts reflect her deep commitment to the field. Her leadership in managing research projects and contributing to advancements in blockchain security further underscores her suitability for this award.

Publication Top Note:

  • Title: Mining New Scientific Research Ideas from Quantum Computers and Quantum Communications
    • Year: 2019
    • Cited by: 6
  • Title: SmartExecutor: Coverage-Driven Symbolic Execution Guided by a Function Dependency Graph
    • Year: 2023
    • Cited by: 2
  • Title: MagicMirror: Towards High-Coverage Fuzzing of Smart Contracts
    • Year: 2023
  • Title: Sligpt: A Large Language Model-Based Approach for Data Dependency Analysis on Solidity Smart Contracts
    • Year: 2024
  • Title: SmartExecutor: Coverage-Driven Symbolic Execution Guided via State Prioritization and Function Selection
    • Year: 2024

 

 

Dr. Samah Alhazmi | Security Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Samah Alhazmi | Security Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Samah Alhazmi, Saudi Electronic University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Samah Alhazmi, an Associate Professor at Saudi Electronic University (SEU), holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Manchester, UK, with a focus on AI, Machine Learning, and NLP. She also earned an M.Sc. in Advanced Computer Science from the same institution and a B.Sc. from King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah. Dr. Alhazmi has served as Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and held leadership roles including Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs and Head of the Computer Science Department at SEU. Her expertise spans Data Collection and Analysis, Business and Policy Analysis, Project Management, and Curriculum Planning. She has received prestigious awards such as the IBM Blockchain Developer – Explorer Award and the Predictive Analytics Modeler – Explorer and Mastery Awards. Her notable publications include works on blockchain applications in education, Arabic SentiWordNet, and energy management in wireless sensor networks.

šŸŒĀ Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

  1. Research Excellence: Dr. Alhazmiā€™s research contributions in artificial intelligence, data mining, and sentiment analysis have made a significant impact in her field. Her work on blockchain applications and sentiment analysis is widely cited, demonstrating its influence and relevance.
  2. Leadership and Service: Dr. Alhazmi has held several leadership positions at SEU, including Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs and Head of the Computer Science Department. Her leadership has been pivotal in curriculum development, academic policy enhancement, and strategic planning.
  3. Awards and Recognition: The numerous awards she has received highlight her exceptional achievements and contributions to research and professional development. Her awards in blockchain development and predictive analytics reflect her proficiency in cutting-edge technologies.
  4. Teaching and Mentorship: Dr. Alhazmi has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring students, guiding their academic and professional growth. Her role in designing innovative curricula and supervising research projects underscores her commitment to education.
  5. Administrative and Strategic Contributions: Her involvement in committees related to scheduling, policy implementation, and accreditation demonstrates her effectiveness in academic administration and strategic planning.

šŸŽ“ Education:

Dr. Samah Alhazmi earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Manchester, UK, focusing on AI, Machine Learning, and NLP. She also holds an M.Sc. in Advanced Computer Science from the same institution and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah.

šŸ›ļø Professional Experience:

She is currently an Associate Professor at Saudi Electronic University (SEU), where she has also served as Assistant Professor and Lecturer. Dr. Alhazmi has held key roles including Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs, Head of the Computer Science Department, and various leadership positions within SEU.

šŸ” Key Skills:

Her expertise includes Data Collection and Analysis, Business and Policy Analysis, Project Management, and Curriculum Planning. She is recognized for her leadership and research development skills.

šŸ† Awards and Honors:

Dr. Alhazmi has received multiple awards, including the IBM Blockchain Developer – Explorer Award and Predictive Analytics Modeler – Explorer and Mastery Awards. She was also honored with distinction for her M.Sc. dissertation and has received several publication awards.

šŸ“š Research Contributions:

Notable publications include “Blockchain-based Applications in Education” (Applied Sciences, 2019), “Arabic SentiWordNet in Relation to SentiWordNet 3.0” (Linguistic Research, 2013), and “Efficient Clustering Based Routing for Energy Management in Wireless Sensor Networks” (Electronics, 2022).

Publication Top Notes:

  • Title: Blockchain-Based Applications in Education: A Systematic Review
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 468
  • Title: Arabic SentiWordNet in Relation to SentiWordNet 3.0
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 23
  • Title: Efficient Clustering Based Routing for Energy Management in Wireless Sensor Network-Assisted Internet of Things
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 11
  • Title: Detection of Primary User Emulation Attack Using the Differential Evolution Algorithm in Cognitive Radio Networks
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 10
  • Title: Applsci-09-02400. Pdf
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 5

 

 

 

Prof. Daehee Jang | Software Security Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Daehee Jang | Software Security Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Daehee Jang, Kyung Hee University, South Korea

Prof. Daehee Jang is an accomplished academic currently serving as Assistant Professor at Kyunghee University’s Computer Engineering Department in South Korea. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Information Security from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), where he studied under Prof. Brent Byunghoon Kang, and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Hanyang University. Dr. Jang’s professional journey includes roles as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Georgia Tech and Assistant Professor at Sungshin Women’s University. He has received prestigious honors such as the Grand Prize in the Information Security Paper Competition and the NAVER Ph.D. Fellowship Award, showcasing his significant contributions to the field of information security.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

šŸŽ“ Educational Background:

Dr. Daehee Jang earned his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), specializing in Information Security under the guidance of Prof. Brent Byunghoon Kang. He also holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Hanyang University, graduating with honors after completing military service.

šŸ’¼ Professional Journey:

Currently serving as Assistant Professor at Kyunghee University in the Computer Engineering Department, Dr. Jang previously held a similar role at Sungshin Women’s University. He also gained international research experience as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Georgia Tech under the mentorship of Prof. Taesoo Kim.

šŸ† Academic Achievements:

Dr. Jang has received numerous accolades, including the Grand Prize in the 2017 Information Security Paper Competition and the Excellence Award in multiple editions of the Korea Information Security Paper Competition. His contributions to the field have been recognized with awards such as the NAVER Ph.D. Fellowship Award in 2016.

Publication Top Notes:

 

 

Prof. syed Hasan | Cloud Security | Best Scholar Award

Prof. syed Hasan | Cloud Security | Best Scholar Award

Prof. syed Hasan, King Abdulaziz Unversity, Saudi Arabia

Prof. Syed Hasan is a distinguished academic and researcher currently serving as a Professor at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Jamia Delhi, complemented by an M.Phil. in Computer Science and a Master’s in Statistics from Aligarh University. Prof. Hasan’s expertise spans Design & Analysis of Algorithms, E-Security, E-Learning, and Cloud Computing. With a career that began at Aligarh University, where he rose to the position of Professor & Head of Department, he later served as Professor & Head of IT Department at University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Oman. Prof. Hasan has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, authored 74 research papers, and played pivotal roles in academic leadership and research groups throughout his esteemed career.

šŸŒĀ Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

šŸŽ“ Academic Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Computer Science from Jamia Delhi (1994), M.Phil. (PGDCS) in Computer Science from Aligarh University (AMU, 1979), and Master’s in Statistics (1978) and Baccalaureate (1976) from Aligarh University, all with First Class distinctions.

šŸ” Areas of Expertise:

Specializes in Design & Analysis of Algorithms, E-Security, E-Learning, and Cloud Computing.

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ« Experience:

Began as a Lecturer at Aligarh University (1979-1994), progressing to Assistant Professor (1994-1995), Associate Professor (1995-1996), and Professor & Head of Department (1996-1997) at the same institution. Later, served as Professor & Head of IT Department at University of Technology and Applied Sciences (formerly Musanna College of Technology) in Oman (1997-2010), and currently as a Professor at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia (2010 ā€“ present), focusing on teaching, research, and academic administration.

šŸ† Scholarly Achievements:

Actively supervises PhD and Master’s theses, having supervised over 30 Master’s dissertations. Published 74 research papers/articles and is a member of the Information Security Research Group at King Abdul-Aziz University. Founding Chairman of the Department of Computer Science at Aligarh Muslim University and Head of IT Department in Oman for 14 years.

Publication Top Notes:

 

 

Ms. Kritika | Cybersecurity Awards | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Kritika | Cybersecurity Awards | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Kritika, India

šŸŽ“ Ms. Kritika, a dynamic Computer Science postgraduate šŸ–„ļø, holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from GGSIP University in New Delhi, India šŸ‡®šŸ‡³. As an Independent Researcher based in Delhi, her expertise in cybersecurity is evident through her extensive contributions, including peer-reviewed articles and book chapters šŸ“š. Kritika’s research interests span interdisciplinary cybersecurity domains, code smell detection in software šŸ§¾, and vulnerability analysis and mitigation strategies šŸ›”ļø. Her ambition and dedication drive her to uncover new insights and best practices in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

šŸŒ Professional Profile:

Orcid

šŸŽ“ Educational Background

  • Master of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering (2022) – GGSIP University, New Delhi, India
  • Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology (2019) – GGSIP University, New Delhi, India

šŸ¢ Professional Experience

  • Independent Researcher – Delhi, India

šŸ“ Research Interests

  • Interdisciplinary cybersecurity domains
  • Code smell detection in software
  • Vulnerability analysis and mitigation strategies

Publication Top Notes:

1.Ā  Cyber Security and its cognitive ramifications on E-Governance
2.Ā  Correlating propensity between code smell and vulnerability in java applications
3.Ā  A Deep Dive into Code Smell and Vulnerability Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques
4.Ā  A review on harmonizing psychological factors into cyber space
5.Ā  Corollary of digital forensics in e governance

 

 

 

 

 

Prof Dr. Jiliang Zhang | Hardware Security | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Jiliang Zhang | Hardware Security | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Jiliang Zhang, Hunan University, China

Prof. Dr. Jiliang Zhang, an eminent figure in computer science and technology, currently affiliated with Hunan University, China. šŸŽ“ His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Technology from Hunan University, where he received accolades for his dissertation on “Security and Trust for FPGA-based Systems.” šŸ… Prof. Zhang’s research interests span hardware security, including areas like Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and True Random Number Generators (TRNGs), as well as new computing architectures such as in-memory computing and brain-inspired computing. šŸ”¬ With a rich professional experience, including positions as a research scholar at the University of Maryland and visiting researcher at Tsinghua University, Prof. Zhang brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as a professor at Hunan University.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Educational Background šŸŽ“

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science and Technology – Hunan University, China (2015)
    Dissertation: “Security and Trust for FPGA-based Systems” (Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation)
  • B.E. in Chemical Engineering and Technology – Shandong University of Science and Technology, China (2009)

Honors and Awards šŸ…

  • Worldā€™s Top 2% Scientists – Stanford University, 2020-2023 (Ranked 36th in 2023 and 16th in 2022 in computer hardware and architecture)
  • CCF Distinguished Lecturer – 2022, 2023
  • Second Natural Science Award – Hunan Province, 2022

Research Interests šŸ”¬

  • Hardware Security: Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs), True Random Number Generators (TRNGs), Hardware Obfuscation, IP Protection, FPGA Security, Hardware Trojan Detection, Cryptographic Accelerators, CPU Security, and Applications in Secure Systems.
  • New Computing Architectures: In-memory Computing and Brain-inspired Computing.

Professional Experience šŸ«

  • Professor – Hunan University (Dec 2020 – Present)
  • Associate Professor – Hunan University (May 2017 – Dec 2020)
  • Associate Professor – Northeastern University (May 2015 – Apr 2017)
  • Research Scholar – University of Maryland, College Park (Sept 2013 – Sept 2014)
  • Visiting Researcher – Tsinghua University, Beijing (Aug 2012 – Sept 2012; Sept 2010 – Jun 2011)

Google Scholar Metrics šŸ“Š

  • Citations: 3025
  • H-index: 29

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Design and Application of Programmable Analog Circuit for Solving Lyapunov Matrix Equation Based on Memristors
    • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics
    • Year: 2024
  1. Design of Artificial Neurons of Memristive Neuromorphic Networks Based on Biological Neural Dynamics and Structures
    • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers
    • Year: 2024
  2. FTOP: An Efficient Flow Table Overflow Preventing System for Switches in SDN
    • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering
    • Year: 2024
  3. Quantization Backdoors to Deep Learning Commercial Frameworks
    • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Dependable and Secure Computing
    • Year: 2024
  4. Timing Side-channel Attacks and Countermeasures in CPU Microarchitectures
    • Journal: ACM Computing Surveys
    • Year: 2024

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Abdelhadi Zineddine | Cybesecurity assessment methods | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Abdelhadi Zineddine | Cybesecurity assessment methods | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Abdelhadi Zineddine, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Morocco

Abdelhadi Zineddine is a Ph.D. student specializing in cybersecurity at Sultan Moulay Slimane University in Beni Mellal, Morocco. He earned his Master’s degree in Telecommunications Systems and Computer Networks from the same institution. With professional experience in the call center industry and a stage at the Office ChĆ©rifien des Phosphates Group, Abdelhadi brings a diverse background to his academic pursuits. His projects span cybersecurity assessments, object-oriented programming, storage management analysis, and hardware implementations. Certified in CCNA 200-301 and CEHv11ā€”Certified Ethical Hacker, Abdelhadi is committed to advancing his expertise in cybersecurity. Beyond his academic pursuits, he enjoys programming, traveling, and sports like football and cycling.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

šŸŽ“ Education:

Mr. Abdelhadi Zineddine is a Ph.D. student in cybersecurity at the Polydisciplinary Faculty (FPBM), Sultan Moulay Slimane University (USMS) of Beni Mellal, Morocco. He holds a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Systems and Computer Networks from the same institution.

šŸ”’ Skills:

Abdelhadi possesses proficiency in various programming languages including C/C++, Java, Python, MATLAB, and LaTeX. He is adept in operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and MacOS, and is well-versed in software and computer tools like Eclipse, VirtualBox, GNS3, and office software.

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’» Professional Experience:

Abdelhadi has worked in the call center at B2S (SFR Company) in Casablanca, Morocco, from 2014 to 2018. He also completed a stage in Office ChƩrifien des Phosphates Group (OCP) in Kouribga, Morocco, in April-May 2013.

šŸ“š Academic Projects:

His academic projects include cybersecurity assessments, object-oriented programming tasks, storage management analysis, and hardware implementations.

šŸ“œ Certificates and Attestations:

Abdelhadi holds certificates of training in “CCNA 200-301” and “CEHv11ā€”Certified Ethical Hacker” issued by UITS.

šŸ‹ļø Interests:

Outside of academia, Abdelhadi enjoys programming, traveling, and sports such as football and cycling.

Publication Top Note:

  • Title: A systematic review of cybersecurity assessment methods for HTTPS
  • Published in: Computers and Electrical Engineering
  • Year: 2024