Education:

Dr. Moses Ashawa holds a Ph.D. in Cyber Defence and Security from Cranfield University, United Kingdom, which he completed in 2022. He earned his Master of Science in Computer Security and Digital Forensics with distinction from the University of Bedfordshire in 2017. Dr. Ashawa also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the National Open University of Nigeria, obtained in 2015, and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computer Science from Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria, completed in 2013. Additionally, he completed his secondary education with the West African Education Certificate (WAEC) at Calvin Foundation College, Nigeria, in 2006. This diverse educational background provides him with a strong foundation in both technical and pedagogical aspects of computer science and cybersecurity.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Moses Ashawa has a diverse professional background that spans teaching, research, and curriculum development. Currently, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic experience at his institution by developing lecture notes and course modules that align with university curricula and setting clear learning objectives. His commitment to student success is evident in his approach to assessment, where he marks student work and provides impactful feedback to enhance their understanding and confidence. Dr. Ashawa actively collaborates with unit heads and course coordinators to innovate curriculum developments, ensuring that academic standards are met and that emerging technologies are integrated into the learning experience. Additionally, he contributes to research projects in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, collaborating with industry partners such as Cisco to strengthen student internships and employability prospects. His previous experience includes serving as a Maths and ICT Supply Teacher in the UK, where he prepared lesson plans and established positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. As a Graduate Assistant at the American University of Nigeria, he delivered undergraduate lectures on topics such as artificial intelligence and ethical hacking, while also supporting students in their practical sessions and projects. Dr. Ashawa’s multifaceted experience highlights his dedication to education and research in the field of cybersecurity.

Research Interests:

Dr. Moses Ashawa’s research interests lie at the intersection of cybersecurity and advanced technology. He specializes in penetration testing and ethical hacking, focusing on developing methods to assess and enhance the security of systems against potential threats. His work in malware analysis involves investigating malicious software to understand its behavior and develop effective detection techniques. Additionally, Dr. Ashawa is passionate about digital forensics, exploring ways to recover and analyze data from digital devices to support investigations and legal proceedings. He is also keenly interested in the applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cybersecurity, particularly how these technologies can be leveraged to improve threat detection and response strategies. Furthermore, his research extends to the Internet of Things (IoT), where he examines the unique security challenges posed by interconnected devices and seeks innovative solutions to safeguard them. Through his research, Dr. Ashawa aims to contribute significantly to the advancement of cybersecurity practices and knowledge.

Skills:

Dr. Moses Ashawa possesses a robust skill set that spans various domains within cybersecurity and education. His technical expertise includes penetration testing, ethical hacking, and malware analysis, allowing him to identify vulnerabilities in systems and develop effective security measures. He is proficient in digital forensics, utilizing advanced methodologies to recover and analyze data from electronic devices for investigative purposes. Dr. Ashawa has a strong foundation in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which he applies to enhance cybersecurity measures and improve threat detection capabilities. In addition to his technical skills, he excels in curriculum development and instructional design, having created innovative course materials that engage students and facilitate effective learning. His ability to provide individualized support reflects his strong interpersonal skills and commitment to student success. Furthermore, Dr. Ashawa is adept at collaborating with industry partners, demonstrating his capacity to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. His diverse skill set not only enhances his research capabilities but also enriches the educational experiences of his students.

Publication Top Noted:

“Enhancing credit card fraud detection: an ensemble machine learning approach”

• Authors: AR Khalid, N Owoh, O Uthmani, M Ashawa, J Osamor, J Adejoh
• Journal: Big Data and Cognitive Computing, 2024
• Citations: 40

“RETRACTED ARTICLE: Improving cloud efficiency through optimized resource allocation technique for load balancing using LSTM machine learning algorithm”

• Authors: M Ashawa, O Douglas, J Osamor, R Jackie
• Journal: Journal of Cloud Computing, 2022
• Citations: 39

“Analysis of android malware detection techniques: a systematic review”

• Authors: MA Ashawa, S Morris
• Publisher: Society of Digital Information and Wireless Communications, 2019
• Citations: 35

“Effective methods to detect metamorphic malware: a systematic review”

• Authors: M Irshad, HM Al-Khateeb, A Mansour, M Ashawa, M Hamisu
• Journal: International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics, 2018
• Citations: 23

“Analysis of mobile malware: a systematic review of evolution and infection strategies”

• Authors: M Ashawa, S Morris
• Publisher: جامعة نايف العربية للعلوم الأمنية‎, 2021
• Citations: 20

“Forensic data extraction and analysis of left artifacts on emulated android phones: a case study of instant messaging applications”

• Authors: M Ashawa, I Ogwuche
• Journal: Seizure, 2017
• Citations: 11

Conclusion:

Dr. Moses Ashawa exemplifies the qualities sought in the Research for Best Researcher Award. His robust academic credentials, extensive teaching experience, significant research contributions, and active engagement in professional development all position him as a leading figure in the field of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. His ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry, alongside his dedication to fostering student success, makes him a commendable candidate for this prestigious award.

Education:

Dr. Khaled Alzaareer holds an impressive educational background in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power and Energy Systems. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Quebec, École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS) in Montreal, Canada, in December 2020, achieving a GPA of ‘Excellent.’ His dissertation, titled “Novel Fast Techniques for Online Voltage and T/D Power Exchange Control in Smart Distribution Grids Considering Voltage Stability Issues,” reflects his deep expertise in smart distribution grids. Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Alzaareer completed his Master’s degree in Electrical Power Engineering at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan, in August 2012, with a dissertation focused on “Stability Analysis for Photovoltaic Connected Distribution Grid,” also earning a GPA of ‘Excellent.’ He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Power & Machines Engineering, graduating from Yarmouk University in June 2010. Additionally, he completed his General Secondary Education Certificate in the Scientific Stream from Al-Hashemite Secondary School in Ajlun, Jordan, in 2005. Dr. Alzaareer’s strong academic credentials provide a solid foundation for his research and teaching endeavors in the field of Electrical Engineering.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Khaled Alzaareer has a diverse professional background in academia and research within the field of Electrical Engineering. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy Engineering at Al Hussein Technical University (HTU) in Amman, Jordan, a position he has held since February 2023. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Philadelphia University from September 2021 to February 2023 and a part-time lecturer at both Al Hussein Technical University and the University of Jordan. Dr. Alzaareer gained valuable research experience as a Research Assistant at Concordia University, where he contributed to the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Smart, Sustainable, and Resilient Cities. He also worked with the Power Electronics and Industrial Control Research Group at the University of Quebec (ETS) in Montreal. His earlier roles include full-time lecturer positions at Hashemite University in Jordan and Fahad Bin Sultan University in Saudi Arabia, as well as a Laboratory Instructor at Yarmouk University. Through these experiences, Dr. Alzaareer has developed a strong foundation in both teaching and research, focusing on power system analysis, renewable energy resources, and smart grid technologies.

Research Interests:

Dr. Khaled Alzaareer’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum within the field of electrical engineering, with a particular focus on power systems and renewable energy. He is deeply engaged in power system analysis and control, exploring innovative solutions to enhance the stability and efficiency of electrical grids. His work includes the integration of renewable energy resources, where he investigates methods to optimize their deployment in existing systems. Dr. Alzaareer is also passionate about smart grid technologies, aiming to develop intelligent systems that improve energy management and reliability. Furthermore, he delves into optimization and operations research, applying advanced analytical techniques to solve complex energy challenges. His research is driven by the goal of contributing to sustainable energy solutions that address the evolving demands of modern power networks.

Skills:

Dr. Khaled Alzaareer possesses a diverse set of skills that align with his expertise in electrical engineering and energy systems. His technical proficiencies include advanced knowledge in power system analysis and control, enabling him to effectively diagnose and enhance the performance of electrical grids. Dr. Alzaareer is skilled in the integration of renewable energy resources, utilizing innovative approaches to optimize their use within existing infrastructure. He is also well-versed in smart grid technologies, demonstrating an ability to design and implement intelligent energy management systems. Additionally, his expertise extends to optimization and operations research, where he employs sophisticated analytical techniques to tackle complex energy-related problems. Dr. Alzaareer’s strong academic background, combined with practical experience in research and teaching, equips him with a comprehensive skill set to contribute meaningfully to advancements in the field of electrical engineering and sustainable energy solutions.

Publication Top Noted:

Charging and Discharging Strategies of Electric Vehicles: A Survey

• Journal: World Electric Vehicle Journal
• Cited By: 62
• Year: 2021
• Contributors: C.Z. El-Bayeh, K. Alzaareer, A.M.I. Aldaoudeyeh, B. Brahmi, M. Zellagui

The Value of Thermal Management Control Strategies for Battery Energy Storage in Grid Decarbonization: Issues and Recommendations

• Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
• Cited By: 47
• Year: 2020
• Contributors: M.A. Hannan, A.Q. Al-Shetwi, R.A. Begum, S.E. Young, M.M. Hoque, P.J. Ker, K. Alzaareer, et al.

Development of New Identification Method for Global Group of Controls for Online Coordinated Voltage Control in Active Distribution Networks

• Journal: IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid
• Cited By: 37
• Year: 2020
• Contributors: K. Alzaareer, M. Saad, H. Mehrjerdi, D. Asber, S. Lefebvre

A New Sensitivity Approach for Preventive Control Selection in Real-Time Voltage Stability Assessment

• Journal: International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems
• Cited By: 34
• Year: 2020
• Contributors: K. Alzaareer, M. Saad, H. Mehrjerdi, C.Z. El-Bayeh, D. Asber, S. Lefebvre

Review of the Estimation Methods of Energy Consumption for Battery Electric Buses

• Journal: Energies
• Cited By: 31
• Year: 2021
• Contributors: A.S. Al-Ogaili, A.Q. Al-Shetwi, H.M.K. Al-Masri, T.S. Babu, Y. Hoon, K. Alzaareer, et al.

Education:

Dr. Munirah Sarhan AlQahtani has a strong academic foundation in business and management. She began her higher education journey at the University of Stirling, UK, where she completed a Pre-Master in Business and Management (Postgraduate Diploma) in 2010, credited with 144 SCQF points. She then pursued a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the same university in 2011, earning 180 SCQF points. Committed to furthering her academic expertise, Dr. AlQahtani completed her PhD in Business Management from Aston University, UK, in 2017. In addition to her degrees, she has obtained a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and a Certified Management Consultant Award (CMC) from the Institute of Management Consulting, further strengthening her professional qualifications.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Munirah Sarhan AlQahtani has a diverse and rich professional background that spans academia, administration, and community engagement. She began her career as a full-time Arabic language and literature teacher with the Ministry of Education in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2004 to 2008. She later transitioned into an administrative assistant role within the same ministry, where she has served since 2011. During her time in the UK, Dr. AlQahtani was a full-time doctoral researcher and teaching assistant at Aston University from 2013 to 2017. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at Imam Mohammed bin Saud University, a role she has held since 2019. Additionally, she has been actively involved as an e-learning supervisor since 2020, contributing to the advancement of digital education platforms. Dr. AlQahtani’s wide-ranging experience highlights her dedication to education, research, and student development.

Research Interests:

Dr. Munirah Sarhan AlQahtani’s research interests lie at the intersection of management science, organizational psychology, and human resource management. She is particularly focused on exploring the latest advancements in management consultancy, leadership, and sustainability within business organizations. Dr. AlQahtani is also passionate about enhancing teaching and learning methodologies in higher education, with a special emphasis on improving student skills and developing innovative learning environments. Her research also extends to examining productivity, performance improvement, and strategic planning within organizations. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to contributing to the growing body of knowledge in management and organizational studies, with a focus on practical applications that benefit both academic and professional fields.

Skills:

Dr. Munirah Sarhan AlQahtani possesses a diverse set of skills that span both academic and professional domains. She has strong expertise in teaching and learning methodologies, particularly in higher education, where she excels in curriculum development, student mentoring, and academic supervision. Her skills in management consulting are backed by her Certified Management Consultant (CMC) certification, enabling her to provide strategic guidance on business operations, leadership, and organizational performance improvement. Dr. AlQahtani is also adept in research writing, with extensive experience in conducting and publishing academic research, particularly in management science and organizational psychology. Additionally, she has a solid command of e-learning platforms and digital education, contributing to her role as an e-learning supervisor. Her communication and presentation skills are evident from her active participation in conferences and workshops, where she shares her insights on management, education, and research strategies.

Publication Top Noted:

• The Role of Leaders’ Regulatory Focus Towards Creativity and Safety Ambidextrous Behavior: A Conceptual View
  • Author: Munirah Sarhan Alqahtani
  • Published: February 2023
  • Article Type: Full-text available
• The Gender Gap in Senior Management: What Is Holding Saudi Women Back?
  • Author: Munirah Sarhan Alqahtani
  • Published: January 2023
  • Article Type: Full-text available
• Winner Asia Case Comp 2022
  • Author: Munirah Sarhan Alqahtani
  • Published: December 2022
  • Article Type: Case study
• Gender: The Moderator Role Between Materialism, Customer Value, and Customer Loyalty
  • Authors: Eman Abdulhmeed Hasnin, Munirah Sarhan Alqahtani, Somia Abdulkader Othman
  • Published: April 2022
  • Article Type: Full-text available
• The Impact of Interactional Justice on Employees’ Job Performance and Assisting Behaviour
  • Author: Munirah Sarhan Alqahtani
  • Published: March 2022
  • Article Type: Full-text available
• Effects of Working from Home on Job Performance: Empirical Evidence in the Saudi Context during the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Authors: Jamel Choukir, Munirah Sarhan Alqahtani, Essam Khalil, Elsayed Mohamed
  • Published: March 2022

Education:

Mr. Md Abu Taher is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA, with a perfect CGPA of 4.0. His doctoral research focuses on microgrid distributed control and cybersecurity, areas critical to advancing energy security and grid resilience. He is expected to graduate in December 2025. Prior to this, Mr. Taher earned his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in June 2008, where he graduated with a CGPA of 3.52 out of 4. His undergraduate studies concentrated on power systems, laying the foundation for his future work in energy systems and renewable energy solutions.

Professional Experience:

Mr. Md Abu Taher has extensive professional experience in the field of electrical engineering and energy systems. From January 2015 to April 2022, he served as a Senior Lead Engineer at Grameenphone BD Ltd, where he played a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption through various optimization techniques. His responsibilities included projecting the annual budget for network expansion and improving power supply resilience by adopting PV-based islanded power supply solutions. Prior to this, he worked as an Associate Engineer at Orascom BD Ltd from June 2008 to December 2014, where he was responsible for estimating total power consumption across the radio network and implementing optimized source selection strategies to reduce energy costs. His professional experience, combined with his academic expertise, has enabled him to make significant contributions to the energy sector, particularly in the areas of power system optimization and renewable energy solutions.

Research Interests:

Mr. Md Abu Taher’s research interests lie at the intersection of renewable energy, microgrid distributed control, and cybersecurity. His Ph.D. work focuses on developing resilient microgrid control systems, addressing the critical issue of energy security. He is particularly interested in analyzing the impact of various cyber-attacks on energy systems, including Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) and False Data Injection (FDI) attacks, and exploring mitigation techniques through advanced machine learning algorithms. Additionally, Mr. Taher is passionate about enhancing the stability and resilience of the U.S. electrical grid, using artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative control strategies to protect distributed energy resources. His research contributes to advancing sustainable energy solutions and fortifying energy infrastructure against disruptions caused by both natural disasters and intentional cyber threats.

Skills:

Mr. Md Abu Taher possesses a diverse skill set that encompasses various aspects of electrical engineering and renewable energy systems. He excels in system design, operation, maintenance, and testing, demonstrating expertise in developing efficient and reliable power delivery systems. Proficient in simulation and modeling, he utilizes advanced software and tools for circuit design and analysis, including MATLAB, ETAP, and OPAL-RT. Mr. Taher also has strong programming skills in Python and expertise in using artificial intelligence techniques for cybersecurity applications. His analytical and problem-solving abilities are complemented by robust project management and organizational skills, enabling him to effectively allocate resources and lead projects. Additionally, he has a proven track record in collaborating with teams, showcasing his leadership and management capabilities in dynamic work environments. This multifaceted skill set positions him well to contribute significantly to innovative energy solutions and research initiatives.

Publication Top Noted:

Reliability analysis of wireless power transfer for electric vehicle charging based on continuous Markov process

• Authors: M. Behnamfar, M.A. Taher, A. Polowsky, S. Roy, M. Tariq, A. Sarwat
• Published In: 2023 Fourth International Symposium on 3D Power Electronics Integration and …
• Citations: 14
• Year: 2023

Analyzing replay attack impact in DC microgrid consensus control: Detection and mitigation by Kalman-filter-based observer

• Authors: M.A. Taher, M. Tariq, M. Behnamfar, A.I. Sarwat
• Published In: IEEE Access
• Citations: 13
• Year: 2023

Analyzing the effects of interference and packet loss on consensus-based secondary control in islanded AC microgrid

• Authors: M.A. Taher, M. Tariq, A.I. Sarwat
• Published In: 2023 IEEE Design Methodologies Conference (DMC), 1-6
• Citations: 7
• Year: 2023

Disruptive effects of denial-of-service (DoS) attacks on microgrid distributed control: Altered communication topology, voltage stability, and accurate power allocation

• Authors: M.A. Taher, H. Iqbal, M. Tariq, A.I. Sarwat
• Published In: 2023 IEEE International Conference on Energy Technologies for Future Grids …
• Citations: 5
• Year: 2023

Long short term memory utilized photovoltaic inverter humidity controller for capacitor reliability enhancement

• Authors: S. Roy, A.S. Khan, M.A. Taher, M. Tariq, A. Sarwat
• Published In: 2023 IEEE International Conference on Energy Technologies for Future Grids …
• Citations: 5
• Year: 2023

False Data Injection Attack Detection and Mitigation using Non-linear Autoregressive Exogenous Input-Based Observers in Distributed Control for DC Microgrid

• Authors: M.A. Taher, M. Behnamfar, A.I. Sarwat, M. Tariq
• Published In: IEEE Open Journal of the Industrial Electronics Society
• Citations: 4
• Year: 2024

Recurrent neural network-based sensor data attacks identification in distributed renewable energy-based DC microgrid

• Authors: M.A. Taher, H. Iqbal, M. Tariq, A.I. Sarwat
• Published In: 2024 IEEE Texas Power and Energy Conference (TPEC), 1-6
• Citations: 4
• Year: 2024

Enhancing security in islanded AC microgrid: Detecting and mitigating FDI attacks in secondary consensus control through AI-based method

• Authors: M.A. Taher, M. Tariq, A.I. Sarwat
• Published In: 2023 IEEE International Conference on Energy Technologies for Future Grids …
• Citations: 4
• Year: 2023

Wavelet and signal analyzer based high-frequency ripple extraction in the context of MPPT algorithm in solar PV systems

• Authors: M.A. Taher, M. Behnamfar, A.I. Sarwat, M. Tariq
• Published In: IEEE Access
• Citations: 3
• Year: 2024