Faculty Biographies
Kwabena Konadu
CISSP, CASP, CEH, CEI, MCSA, MCP, WPCNE, Sec+, Net+, A+, AWS Developer Associate
Discipline Chair, Cybersecurity A.A.S.
NSA CAE, Point of Contact
kkonadu@nvcc.edu
Kwabena Konadu brings over 20 years of experience in Systems Engineering and IT infrastructure protection as discipline chair of the Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing program. Before NVCC, Mr. Konadu worked as an engineering contractor for the government and private sector. In 2012, Konadu worked tirelessly with selected nuclear scientists and engineers to help investigate an anomaly that brought down a critical space application program. His interest in information security goes back to the first time his company asked him to design and build a Sensitive Compartment Information Facility (SCIF). He describes himself as called to help prepare the next generation for future cyber-attacks. He loves engaging his students in cybersecurity competitions and hackathons. Since 2008, Konadu has been running IT/cybersecurity certification boot camps and prep courses for NVCC's Regional Workforce Division. He graduated with a B.S. in Electricals Engineering and M.S. in Telecommunication Networks from George Mason University. He is an award-winning professor and holds multiple industry certifications.
Jonathan Adams
Department of Defense contractor and civilian employee and manager. He has systems administration experience managing both Windows and Unix systems. He has development and content management experience building full-stack enterprise systems on a variety of platforms. He has additional experience in information assurance and program management. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Computer Information Science from Benedict College and a Master’s of Science degree in Computer Science from Howard University. He is pursuing a Doctorate in Information Technology with a focus on Cyber Security. He currently holds numerous Cyber Security industry certifications, including the CISSP, Security+, and SANS GSEC, GCIH, and GCIA. Research interests include Wireless Network Security & Risk Management and Ethical Considerations in Cyber Security
Wilmot Adekoya, PhD
MCSE
wadekoya@nvcc.edu
Dr. Adeklya
George Alves
CAP, Security+, Ethical Hacking Techniques, Network Security Vulnerability Technician, Information Assurance Manager
galves@nvcc.edu
George Alves serves as a Deputy CIO, Cybersecurity for a federal agency. He holds a master's degree in Information Technology with a minor in Information Assurance from Capella University
Henok Asfaw
Security+
hasfaw@nvcc.edu
Senior Threat Researcher at Cylance and Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity at NOVA and Marymount University. He has a dual MSc In IT and Cybersecurity from Marymount University
Marouane Balmakhtar, Ph.D., DSc
CISSP, CEH, CCSK, ITIL
mbalmakhtar@nvcc.edu
Dr. Marouane (Mar1) Balmakhtar is an (ISC)² global achievement Senior Professional Award Recipient. A prolific American inventor with 60+ U.S. Patents (both issued & pending) and over 16 years of experience in the Telecommunications/Cybersecurity industry. An Outstanding Adjunct Faculty recognized by the state of Virginia for excellence in leadership, teaching, and dedication. Dr. Balmakhtar currently serves as a Principal Technology Strategist at a major Telecommunications Service Provider working on evaluating upcoming technologies, helping to deliver early product prototypes in emerging areas such as universal connectivity, transparent supply chain security, and other innovative initiatives. Dr. Balmakhtar has actively contributed to various efforts to help advance 5G Cybersecurity and is a frequent speaker/active participant in both industry and academia. Dr. Balmakhtar serves as an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity at local colleges/universities. Dr. Balmakhtar served on Academic Curriculum Advisory and Cybersecurity Boards, reviewing programs and certification courseware for academia. Dr. Balmakhtar received his Doctor of Philosophy in Business/Management Information Systems from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, both Doctor of Science in Information Assurance and Master of Science in Information Security Management from University of Fairfax, Master of Science in Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Old Dominion University. Dr. Balmakhtar is also an IEEE senior member and volunteers as a Director of Technology at a local Northern Virginia (ISC)² Chapter promoting both academia and practice and assisting in organizing educational workshops to help establish a Cybersecurity community.
Dr. Mark Beattie
Dr. Beattie teaches at the Annandale Campus. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in science from the University of Glasgow, in Scotland, UK. He also has a college teaching certification from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, UK, and a doctorate from George Mason University, and a certificate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology's online extension school (MITx). Dr. Beattie has many years of experience working as both a systems software engineer and a systems network manager.
Emile Beshai
CGEIT, CISM
ebeshai@nvcc.edu
In August 2014, Emile joined Freddie Mac as a Senior Architecture Technology Leader. Previously, Emile directed the DHS Information Sharing Systems Interoperability and Portal Consolidation Architecture. Emile also worked for the Department of Treasury, serving at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) initiating and directing the development of BSA analytical systems and the Egmont Secure Web Platform, which continue to grow as a secure global network of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) in over 115 countries collaborating in fighting crimes including fraud and money laundering. Emile earned a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Business and Information Technology from the University of Maryland, and a bachelor’s degree in science from Ain Shams University.
Zenaida Bodwin (CEH)
ELI
zbodwin@nvcc.edu
Zenaida Bodwin teaches telecommunication, network engineering, and security courses at the Annandale Campus. She has a master's degree in Distance Education and developed online versions of the courses she teaches for NOVA Online. She completed cybersecurity training and workshops at the Naval Post Graduate School, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Marymount University. Cisco recognized Bodwin's 15 years of active participation and services in the Cisco Networking Academy program.
Johnson Chen
CISSP, CEH, CGIH, GCFA
jchen@nvcc.edu
Chen has over 15 years of experience in IT and spent the past five years specializing in cybersecurity. He holds dual MBA degrees in Information Assurance & Security Management and Entrepreneurship from California State University, San Bernardino. Professor Chen is a CyberCorps Scholarship for Service alumnus and currently serves as an IT Specialist (InfoSec) at the Department of Homeland Security. He has served as a faculty mentor for NOVA's Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition team and teaches at the Manassas Campus.
Brian Cheng
CISSP, GREM, GASF, GCFA, GCIH, GISP, GNFA, CSD, CSM
bcheng@nvcc.edu
Professor Cheng is an adjunct faculty of Information Technology (IT). Brian Cheng has a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech. Brian is a cyber-focused software engineer. He recently completed the Masters Certificate Program in Incident Response with the SANS Technology Institute.
Chola Chhetri
MS, M.Sc. CCSK, Security+, Network+
cchhetri@nvcc.edu
Professor Chhetri is a full-time IT faculty member at the Loudoun Campus. He is currently working on a doctorate degree in Information Technology at George Mason University. He has obtained a master's degree in Information Security & Assurance and an M.S. in Computer Science. He has 18 years of work experience in academia, government, and the non-profit sector.
Terrence Clapp
tclapp@nvcc.eduProfessor Clapp has a B.S. in Computer Science from North Carolina State University and an M.S. in Information Systems from Golden Gate University. He formerly served as an Information Technology Specialist at DISA.
Akette Cowart
Certified Information Systems Security Professional with over fifteen years of Information Technology and Information Security experience. Possesses an extensive background in computer and network security, system administration, and customer service to name a few. I also have specialized experience in incident response handling, developing and implementing policies, physical and personnel security, and vulnerability management. Champlain College with a Master of Science degree in Digital Forensic Science. I also have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Forensics and Digital Investigations. Currently, a certified Incident Responder and a certified Digital Forensic Examiner through the Department of Defense and hold GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner and Blackbag Technologies Blacklight Tool Examiner certifications.
Robert E Daniels
Masters of Art (Information Technology); (Acquisition Management); and (Management) all from Webster University; Bachelor of Art Industrial Arts University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Arkansas and a Certified Operations Research System Analyst U.S Army Logistics Management College Fort Lee Virginia. I am an Information Technology Program Manager for the Department of Defense. Retired US Army Officer. Over 30 years in the information technology arena.
Santwana Das
Campus POC
sdas@nvcc.edu
Santwana has a master's degree in Information Security and Assurance from George Mason University. She has experience in system analysis for large-scale enterprise implementations in the retail industry. Das' current research interests include Android system security and malware detection. She also serves as a part-time consultant for a local company focusing on building a secure execution environment on Android for enterprise users. Das has a bachelor's in Physics from Calcutta University (India).
Khanh Dinh
CISSP, CEH, Security+
Campus POC
kdinh@nvcc.edu
Dinh is an assistant professor at the Loudoun Campus. He obtained his master's degree in Telecommunications and Master Certificate in Telecommunications Forensics and Security from George Mason University. He was a Senior Information Security Analyst supporting various government contracts.
Gail Drake
gdrake@nvcc.eduGail has more than 30 years of experience in IT as a manager of information systems, chief operating officer, and professor. Gail holds an M.S. in Computer Systems, and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, and is pursuing a master's in Cybersecurity from Marymount University. She is also heavily involved in the field of robotics. Gail works with the VDOE on cybersecurity, information technology, robotics, and computer science curriculum.
Robert Dusek
CEH, A+, N+, MCSA
rdusek@nvcc.edu
Robert Dusek is an associate professor at the Loudoun Campus and has taught a variety of networking classes since 2001. He received a master's degree in Computer Science and Telecommunications from the University of West Bohemia. Dusek has over 20 years of IT experience in the public and private sectors.
Kazi Fazal
CISSP
kfazal@nvcc.edu
Fazal is an adjunct faculty of Information Technology (IT). He teaches various IT courses, focused primarily on networking and cybersecurity classes at the Loudoun Campus. Kazi Fazal has a B.S. and an M.S. in IT and computer systems security from George Mason University. He is a proud former student of NOVA! Kazi Fazal is a network security engineer, having trained and worked full-time as a U.S. federal government staff in a three-letter federal agency.
John Fiess
CISSP, GCIA, GCIH, GCFE, GCFA, GPEN and GREM
jfiess@nvcc.edu
Hatim Hussein, Ph.D.
CCNP Security, CCNP Routing, CCNA Security, Security+, CACI, MCSE
hshussein@nvcc.edu
Professor Hussein has a master's degree in Information Systems and a Graduate Certificate in Information Security Assurance from George Mason University. Professor Hussein teaches ITN 263 – Internet/Intranet Firewalls and ITN 260 – Network Security Basics (a Security+ prep) at the Alexandria Campus
Mun-Wai Hon
CISSP, CSSLP, SANS GLEG, EIT, PMP
mhon@nvcc.edu
Professor “Mike” Hon has worked with many law enforcement and intelligence government agencies across security domains ranging from computer forensics to completing successful white hat vulnerability exploit with over 20 years of IT experience and 16 years of teaching at NOVA, UVa, and GMU. Published in IEEE, Professor Hon focuses on practical, hands-on tools and examples to make cybersecurity practical to students. He also leads a team at a non-profit science and technology company that focuses on Cloud Security, FedRAMP, Data Forensics, and Big Data Analytics
Babur Kohy
CEH, CASP, Security+, Network+, ITILv3, and Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)
bkohy@nvcc.edu
Babur Kohy is an accomplished technology leader with a demonstrated record of delivering solutions. He has proven experience helping clients manage their cybersecurity and business risks while achieving organizational objectives. Babur also teaches Cyber and IT courses at the Loudoun Campus.
Based in Washington, D.C., Babur leads a variety of engagements serving as an associate director for young professionals, ISACA Greater Washington, D.C. (GWDC) chapter, and assists academic outreach efforts. Babur holds an M.S. in Cybersecurity from Marymount University and a B.S. in Business from Longwood University.
Jason McHuen
CISSP, CEH, CEI (Certified EC-Council Instructor), GWAPT, GXPN, Security+
jmchuen@nvcc.edu
Professor McHuen serves as the Senior Manager, IT/Cyber Security, for Parsons Corporation and holds a master’s degree in Information Technology Management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He also teaches at Woodbridge Campus.
William McLaughlin
CISSP, MA, AGSC, AP, CMSgt (
Campus POC
wmclaughlin@nvcc.edu
Associate Professor William McLaughlin (Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, Retired) teaches information assurance courses, including cybersecurity, at the Woodbridge Campus, and was named faculty of the year in 2013. He holds four college/university degrees and completed the coursework and comprehensive examination in support of his Ph.D. requirements. Professor McLaughlin’s main research interests include the integration of cybersecurity, cyberforensics, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems security.
Richard (Rick) W. Miller
Rick is an adjunct assistant professor working mainly at the Annandale campus since joining NOVA in 2000. He holds a master’s in Computer Science from California State University Long Beach. A former naval officer, Rick has worked in a variety of IT and Cybersecurity related positions as a contractor for defense and intelligence clients. He currently works in the Labs division at IronNet Cybersecurity where he researches and develops online click-fraud detection and countermeasure applications using Amazon Web Services and related technologies. Rick has authored numerous textbooks on programming languages including C++, Java, C#, and ASP.NET. Certifications include: ITIL, Certified Java Programmer, Certified Java Developer, AWS Cloud Practitioner. Teaches ITP 270 – Programming for Cybersecurity and ITN 276 – Computer Forensics I.
Dr. Necmi Mutlu
Dr. Mutlu is an associate professor at the Annandale Campus. He has more than 10 years of experience in IT; including physical layer chip design for Alcatel/
Brian Ngac
PMP, CISM, CISSP, CRISC, CCSP
bngac@nvcc.edu
Brian is an assistant professor at NOVA and has over four years of experience in Application Security, Process Improvement, Project/Program Management, and Training. He received both his B.S. and M.S. in Applied IT with a cyber focus from George Mason University, and he plans to pursue his doctorate there. He is currently a manager within
Miguel Pabon
Miguel Pabon is an Information Technology professional with extensive experience including Cyber Security, Risk Management, Threat Modelling, Security Strategy, Incident Response, Forensic/Malware/Intrusion Analysis, Penetration Testing, Network Architecture, Cloud Computing Security, and Systems & Software Engineering. Mr. Pabon earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez, a Master’s degree in Engineering Management & Systems Engineering from George Washington University, and is a graduate of the MIT Management & Leadership Executive Program. Mr. Pabon has also earned multiple industry certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM), Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA), and GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN). Mr. Pabon is currently a Cyber Security Engineering Manager at a large US defense contractor.
Walter Pehrsson
Professor Pehrsson is a full-time Assistant Professor at NOVA. He holds a B.S. in Information Technology from Briarcliff College and an M.S. in Network Security from Capitol Technology University.
Hisham Razaq
CCNP, MCSE & ITIL
hrazaq@nvcc.edu
Razaq has more than 20 years of experience in IT; including hands-on Networking, Cybersecurity,
Kevin Reed
Professor Reed is an Associate Professor of Information Technology at NOVA. He teaches a variety of IT and security-specific programming special topics courses such as Gray Hat Hacking, and Developing Security Tools and Threat Analysis using Python. He has a master's in Information Technology from John Hopkins University. Professor Reed's research has included RFID and intelligent agents in security. He also served as a faculty mentor/coach for the CCDC and other cyber competitions.
Jamal Said
CISSP, CEH, CCNP, MCSE, ITIL
jsaid@nvcc.edu
Professor Said has more than 18 years of experience in IT and Cybersecurity. He spent 11 years of that time working as a Network Engineer, and the past seven years in cybersecurity within federal government training and working full-time as a U.S. federal government employee in a three-letter federal agency leading an end-to-end threat and risk modeling program. He has an M.S. in Telecommunications and a graduate certificate in network topologies and application from George Mason University. Professor Said teaches several cybersecurity courses at the Alexandria Campus. He is also a member of ISSA-NOVA.
Fernando "Alex" Seminario
CEH
Campus POC
fseminario@nvcc.edu
Professor Seminario teaches IT and security courses at the Annandale Campus. He has over 12 years of experience in IT. He has worked on securing federal grants for physical security projects and has managed various projects involving building security, electronic door access, biometrics, intrusion detection,
Shatsha Smith
Security+
sfsmith@nvcc.edu
Smith is an adjunct instructor of IT/Cybersecurity at the Woodbridge Campus and NOVA Online. She is an Army Veteran with over 10 years of experience in Information Technology, and Information Security with a primary focus in Information Assurance, Problem Management, Incident Response, Risk Management Framework (RMF), Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), and Security Policy. Smith has an M.S. in Information Technology/Information Assurance and is DoD IAT Level II and IAM Level I certified. She has provided
Darren Thomas
CISSP, CEH, CCNA, ITIL, Security+
dthomas@nvcc.edu
Professor Thomas has worked in the field of information technology and cybersecurity for over 15 years as an engineer, researcher, practitioner,
Joseph Walker
CISSP, ITIL
jtwalker@nvcc.edu
Professor Walker is the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Security/Cybersecurity Authorization Working Group (DSAWG) Chair. As DSAWG Chair he is responsible for the first accreditation or accreditation review level for the transport, network management, and network segments for the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) of the Department of Defense Information Networks (DoDIN). He previously served as the U.S. Navy’s Director of Cybersecurity, and Enterprise Architect (Policy). He graduated with an M.S. in Information Systems (Network Security/Data Mining) from George Mason University, and with an M.S. In Telecommunications Systems Management (Internet Encryption Technologies), with Distinction, from National University. Additionally, he graduated from National Defense University with post-graduate work and certification as a Federal Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, NSTISSI 4011 Information Assurance/Security Specialist, and Federal IT Program Manager. He also holds a Master's Certificate in Federal Acquisition Contracting from the George Washington School of Law/Business ESI program. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Leadership from Capitol Technology University.
Dr. Kenneth Williams
CISSP, ITILv3
kwilliams@nvcc.edu
Dr. Williams is an adjunct professor at NOVA, teaching ITN 261 and ITN 263.