Ashland University Welcomes Dr. Abdulbast Abushgra: A New Era for Cybersecurity Education
In a significant development for Ashland University, Dr. Abdulbast Abushgra has joined the faculty, enabling the institution to offer face-to-face cybersecurity courses for the first time in several years. This move comes at a crucial moment as the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to surge, and the university aims to enhance its offerings in this vital field.
A Long-Awaited Addition
“Ashland University has not had a full-time assistant professor of cybersecurity since spring 2022,” remarked Christopher Swanson, Ph.D., a seasoned professor of Mathematics at AU. The absence of a dedicated faculty member in cybersecurity has hindered the growth of the program, making Abushgra’s hiring a pivotal moment for the university. Swanson, who chaired the hiring committee, emphasized the importance of having a full-time professor to not only teach but also engage with students outside the classroom through activities like cybersecurity club meetings.
Dr. Abushgra’s Impressive Background
Dr. Abushgra brings a wealth of experience to Ashland University, having taught cybersecurity courses for five years at Utica University, one of the top ten cybersecurity colleges in the nation. His academic journey began in Libya, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture engineering and two master’s degrees in engineering management and urban planning. He later pursued a Ph.D. in computer science and engineering from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
Reflecting on his time at Utica, Abushgra noted, “I liked Utica except for the weather. A lot of snow.” After spending years in the Northeast, he sought a different climate and environment, ultimately leading him to Ashland. His decision to remain in the U.S. was influenced by his mother, who urged him to stay due to the unrest in Libya.
Vision for Growth in Cybersecurity
Dr. Abushgra is not just looking to fill a gap; he has ambitious plans for the cybersecurity program at Ashland University. “I would like to see this program move forward and not just be a program to fill a small gap somewhere,” he stated. His vision is to transform the cybersecurity program into a flagship offering in Ohio, leveraging the university’s existing faculty and leadership.
Gordon Swain, Ph.D., interim chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of in-person classes in keeping the curriculum fresh and relevant. “Cybersecurity is a field that is growing really fast, and it just continues to change,” Swain noted, emphasizing the need for a dedicated faculty member to keep the program dynamic.
A Collaborative Environment
The addition of Dr. Abushgra means that Ashland University now has two full-time instructors in the Computer Science department, fostering a collaborative environment between computer science and mathematics. Associate Professor Selvanayaki Kolandapalayam Shanmugam, Ph.D., expressed her enthusiasm for having a dedicated cybersecurity expert on board, especially as the cybersecurity club seeks leadership for competitions and conferences.
The university has also established a dedicated cybersecurity lab, which Swain described as being “in its infancy.” This lab will provide students with hands-on experience, allowing them to engage in real-life cybersecurity scenarios rather than just simulated work.
Preparing Students for the Future
Dr. Abushgra is committed to enhancing the employability of AU students by expanding the cybersecurity curriculum. Currently teaching general cybersecurity classes, he aims to introduce specialized courses in areas such as cybersecurity operations, management, forensics, and crime investigation. “Employers like a more specialized area of expertise,” he explained, underscoring the importance of tailored education in today’s job market.
Both Abushgra and Shanmugam believe that students with strong mathematical skills will excel in computer science, reinforcing the synergy between the two disciplines at Ashland University. Shanmugam, who has a patent for her research on autonomous camera sensor networks, also integrates research projects into her classes to enhance student employability.
A Bright Future Ahead
The faculty in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science are optimistic about the future of the cybersecurity program with Dr. Abushgra’s arrival. Swain remarked, “The faculty are excited about the potential offered by face-to-face cybersecurity education and being able to serve students even better.”
As Ashland University embarks on this new chapter in cybersecurity education, the combination of experienced faculty, dedicated resources, and a collaborative environment promises to create a robust program that meets the growing demands of the cybersecurity field. With Dr. Abushgra at the helm, students can look forward to a vibrant learning experience that prepares them for successful careers in this critical area of technology.