Academic Team and Faculty at College of Cybersecurity
Selected Key Faculty of the Cybersecurity Programs
The following is a list of the key faculty at the College of Cybersecurity at the Virginia Institute of Science & Technology (VIST) . All faculty at VIST have Ph.D./or Doctoral degrees in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Technology, Physics, Law, Higher Education Leadership or related engineering/science fields. All professors are Senior Technical Managers/Directors, Chief Engineers, Chief Scientists, Project Engineers, or Chief Network Architects in Federal Governmental Agencies and large corporations with at least 15 years of experience in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. VIST professors are experts in the fields which they are teaching with the most popular IT theories, current technologies, and industry demanded skills in the current job markets.
Lead Faculty of Cybersecurity College, Prof. Derek A. Smith
Prof. Derek A. Smith is a key member of the executive leadership team in Cybersecurity at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Derek serves as Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) Technical Program Sr. Manager. He is a distinguished government leader in the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity Service, where he has made significant contributions in the areas of Agile methodologies, program management, project management, and leadership. With a deep expertise in managing, coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams, Derek is known for his ability to work closely with stakeholders to achieve strategic goals, solve complex problems, and build productive relationships.
As a Professor and SME in Cybersecurity, Derek has guided future leaders in cybersecurity and IT. He is the author of several influential books, including Cybersense: The Leader’s Guide to Protecting Critical Information and The Conversational Guide to CISSP Certification. His expertise is widely recognized through his speaking engagements and media appearances on networks like RT, Al Jazeera, and ABC.
Prof. Smith holds top-level professional certifications in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Network Risk Analysis, and Management. He has been teaching at VUST since 2016 and has received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the Virginia Institute of Science & Technology in 2018, 2020, and 2024. Since 2024, he has served as the Lead Faculty for Cybersecurity at VIST.
Professors who Teach During 2022-2025 Academic Years
Selected Professors at VIST |
University |
Degree |
Majors |
Dr. Paul Wang. CISSP, CCISO, CISM Professor, Dean, Chair, Director at multiple Universities. etc. |
George Mason University | Ph.D. 2004 | Computer Science |
| Southwest JiaoTong University | M.S. | Computer Science | |
| Southwest JiaoTong University | B.S. | Computer Science | |
Dr. Larry Adnanson. Professor and Dean at multiple Universities. CISSP, CISO, Security+, MCSA etc. |
University of Fairfax | Ph.D. 2020 | Information Assurance (Cyber Security) |
| State University of New York Buffalo | M.S. | Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
| M.E. Technical University | B.S. | Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
Dr. Mingkui Wei. Professor of Cybersecurity at George Mason Universities. |
NC State University | Ph.D. 2016 | Computer Science |
| Southeast University | M.S. | Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
| Nanjing University of Science & Technology | B.S. | Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
Dr. Moe Moussavi. Professor at multiple Universities. Security+, Project+, Server+, CEH, CompTIA, etc. |
George Washington University | Ph.D. 1985 | Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| George Washington University | M.S. | Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
| Tehran Polytech | B.S. | Electrical and Electronics | |
Dr. Scott Pike. Professor at multiple Universities. CISSP, SSCP, CISO, Security+, Project+, Server+, CEH, CompTIA, etc. |
Capital Technology University | Ph.D. 2024 | Security Management |
| Capital Technology University | M.S. | Info Assurance | |
| Excelsior College | B.S. | Computer and Information Systems | |
Dr. Jimmy Tsai. Professor at multiple Universities. FERPA for Colleges and Universities, CCNA, CCNP, CEH, CompTIA, etc. |
National Central University | Ph.D. 2006 | Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| University of Southern California | M.S. | Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
| Chung Cheng University of Technology | B.S. | Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
Dr. GIDEON U. NWATU. Professor at University of the District of Columbia and multiple universities; CompTIA, MCSE, ITIL, MCP, etc. |
Walden University | Ph.D. 1999 | Information Management System |
| University of District of Columbia | MBA | Information Management System | |
| West Virginia University Technology | B.A. | Business Admission | |
Dr. Peter Bai. Professor at Virginia State University and multiple universities; PMP, COP, MCP, etc. |
Clemson University | Ph.D. 1998 | OM and Computer Science |
| Peking University | M.S. | Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
| Peking University | B.S. | Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
Prof. Derek Smith, C/CISO, CISSP, CEI, CEH, CFHI, CAP, CNDA, CSSA. Professor of Univ. of Maryland, Excelsior College, and Air Force; PGCCC Chairman of the Cyber Committee |
Liberty University | Ph.D. | Education Leadership & Technology |
| University of Maryland | M.S. | Information Technology & Assurance | |
| University of Nevada | B.S. | Education | |
Dr. Sean Wang, CISSP, Fmr Professor at GMU, TSU, GSU, Chief Scientist and Sr. Director at DC Government. |
George Mason University | Ph.D. 2004 | Computing Science |
| Southwest Jiaotong University | M.S. | Computing Science | |
| Southwest Jiaotong University | B.S. | Computing Science | |
Dr. Nadeem Haq, CCNA, MCTS, VMWAR, etc. Professor of Univ. of Maryland, Excelsior College, and Air Force; PGCCC Chairman of the Cyber Committee |
Northcentral University | Ph.D. | Educational Technology & E-Learning |
| Strayer University | M.S. | Information System | |
| Strayer University | B.S. | Computer Information Systems | |
Dr. Zhijun Zhang, CISSP, CISO, etc. Professor of Drexel Univ.2001 – 2006, Lead Security Architect, World Bank Group |
University of Maryland | Ph.D. 1999 | Computing Science |
| Institute of Maryland | M.S. | Computing Science | |
| Peking University (No. 1 in China) | B.S. | Computing Science | |
Dr. Martin Ma, PMP Professor at 8+ universities in both US and China, Project Chief Scientist of Information Assurance Architect in DoD, NASA, Raytheon, Boeing, EarthSat, etc. |
University of Oklahoma | Ph.D. 1993 | GIS, Remote Science & Computer Modelling |
| University of Denver | Ph.D. | Satellite Telecommunication & Information Management | |
| University of Northern Iowa | M.S. | Geographic Information System | |
| Dr. John Jiang, CISSP Senior Director of HCM Cloud Operations Security, SAP. |
Columbia University | Ph.D. 1991 | Electrical & Computing Engineering |
| Columbia University | M.S. | Electrical Computing Engineering | |
| Peking University (No. 1 in China) | B.S. | Physics |
List of Selected Professors or Special Guest Speakers at VIST
Selected Professors at VIST |
Institute |
Degree |
Majors |
Dr. Sean Wang, CISSP, Fmr Professor at GMU, TSU, GSU, Chief Scientist and Sr. Director at DC Government. |
George Mason Institute | Ph.D. 2004 | Computing Science |
| Southwest Jiaotong University | M.S. | Computing Science | |
| Southwest Jiaotong University | B.S. | Computing Science | |
Dr. Doris Sartor Senior Executive Director and Professor at USAF Air Command and Staff College. US Air Force |
Auburn University | Ph.D. 1992 | Higher Educational Leadership & Technology |
| Atlanta University | M.A. | Counselling | |
| Limestone College | B.A. | Counselling & Psychology | |
| Dr. John Jiang, CISSP Senior Director of HCM Cloud Operations Security, SAP. |
Columbia University | Ph.D. 1991 | Electrical & Computing Engineering |
| Columbia University | M.S. | Electrical Computing Engineering | |
| Peking University (No. 1 in China) | B.S. | Physics | |
Dr. Jim Chen, Full Professor of George Mason Institute, Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of AIP/IEEE Computing in Science & Engineering (CiSE). |
University of Central Florida | Ph.D. 1995 | Computer Science |
| Southwest Jiaotong University | M.S. | Computer Science | |
| Southwest Jiaotong University | B.S. | Computer Science | |
Dr. GIDEON U. NWATU. Professor at University of the District of Columbia and multiple universities; CompTIA, MCSE, ITIL, MCP, etc. |
Walden University | Ph.D. 1999 | Information Management System |
| University of District of Columbia | MBA | Information Management System | |
| West Virginia University Technology | B.A. | Business Admission | |
Prof. Derek Smith, C/CISO, CISSP, CEI, CEH, CFHI, CAP, CNDA, CSSA. Professor of Univ. of Maryland, Excelsior College, and Air Force; PGCCC Chairman of the Cyber Committee |
Nova Southeastern University | ABD | Education Leadership & Technology |
| University of Maryland | M.S. | Information Technology & Assurance | |
| University of Nevada | B.S. | Education | |
Dr. Zhijun Zhang, Professor of Drexel Univ.2001 – 2006, Lead Security Architect, World Bank Group |
University of Maryland | Ph.D. 1999 | Computing Science |
| University of Maryland | M.S. | Computing Science | |
| Peking University (No. 1 in China) | B.S. | Computing Science | |
Dr. Vera McKethan Chief of Air Force Learning Branch, Pentagon, DoD |
University of Phoenix | Ph.D. 2006 | Higher Educational Leadership |
| Troy University of Montgomery | M.S. | Higher Education Counselling | |
| Troy University of Montgomery | B.S. | General Science | |
Dr. George Zhang, CCIE, CCSP Chief Scientist of Security and Senior Consultant of Cyber Security to DoD, DISA, NIH, AOC, WMATA, etc. |
University of Utah | Ph.D. 1994 | Electrical & Computing Engineering |
| University of Utah | M.S. | Physics | |
| Fudan University (No. 3 in China) | B.S. | Electrical & Computing Engineering | |
| Dr. Charley Liu, Principal Engineer of Data Science & Security |
University of Pittsburg | Ph.D. 2008 | Physics |
| Carnegie Mellon University | M.S. | Computing Science | |
| University of Science & Technology of China | B.S. | Physics & Computing Science | |
| Dr. Yi Pang, MCSE Professor of Tongji Univ. Chief of Scientist of Information Assurance |
University of Maryland | Ph.D. 1990 | Physics & EE |
| University of Maryland | M.S. | Computing Engineering | |
| Fudan University | B.S. | Physics | |
Dr. Leon Zhao, Assistant Professor of U. of Maryland, B.C. Senior Backbone Capability Planner & Senior Security Specialist at Time Warner Cable |
North Carolina State University | Ph.D. 2002 | Computer Science |
| Chinese Academy of Science (No.10) | M.S. | Computer Science | |
| Nankai University (No. 8 in China) | B.S. | Computer Science | |
Dr. Joe Hua, OCP, PMP Associate Professor of Southeastern Univ. 1996 – 2006, Senior Information System Security Architect at US Dept. of HHS |
University of Delaware | Ph.D. 1995 | Transportation Engineering with emphasis on Computing Artificial Intelligence |
| Kobe University (No. 11 in Japan) | M.S. | Science | |
| Chang An University | B.S. | Science | |
Dr. Martin Ma, PMP Professor at 8+ universities in both US and China, Project Chief Scientist of Information Assurance Architect in DoD, NASA, Raytheon, Boeing, EarthSat, etc. |
University of Oklahoma | Ph.D. 1993 | GIS, Remote Science & Computer Modelling |
| University of Denver | Ph.D. | Satellite Telecommunication & Information Management | |
| University of Northern Iowa | M.S. | Geographic Information System | |
Dr. Xi Jiang Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins Institute, 1994 – 2000, Senior Network Security Architect at AT&T Bell Labs |
University of Washington | Ph.D. 1989 | Electrical Engineering |
| University of Washington | M.S. | Electrical Engineering | |
| University of Hawaii | B.S. | Electrical Engineering | |
Dr. Kaichang Zhang, TOGAS, IBM, ITIL Professor of UoNA, CTO in HP Enterprise Services, Senior Enterprise Architect & System Engineer, DoD, DHA, DHMS Executive Office |
University of Maryland | Ph.D. 1996 | Physics & EE |
| University of Maryland | M.S. | Physics & EE | |
| Southwestern Jiaotong University | B.S. | Physics | |
Dr. Zhibo Zheng, Neo4J, ICP Senior Data Scientist and Analytics Lead, in Booz Allen Hamilton |
Columbia University | Ph.D. 2008 | Dynamic System Engineering |
| Wuhan University | M.S. | Dynamic System Engineering | |
| Wuhan University | B.S. | Dynamic System Engineering | |
| Prof. Sallieu Kanu, CISSP, CISM, CISA, CEH, CEI, CRISC, Security+, ITIL V3, ASCS, etc. |
Nova Southeastern University | Ph. D 2022 | Cyber Security Management and Information Assurance |
| Strayer University | M.S. | Information Assurance | |
| Strayer University | B.S. | Computer Science | |
Dr. Nadeem Haq, CCNA, MCTS, VMWAR, etc. Professor of Univ. of Maryland, Excelsior College, and Air Force; PGCCC Chairman of the Cyber Committee |
Northcentral University | Ph.D. | Educational Technology & E-Learning |
| Strayer University | M.S. | Information System | |
| Strayer University | B.S. | Computer Information Systems |
Note: (1). Special Guest Speaker.