Tamirat Abegaz
For Dr. Tamirat Abegaz, the teaching process comes down to action.
"I lead by doing. That makes me different," said Abegaz, associate professor of computer science and information systems at the University of North Georgia (ǧÃŬAV). "I want my students to see me doing something so they can follow what I'm doing and work with me."
Abegaz has stayed busy in carrying out that mantra since joining ǧÃŬAV's faculty in 2015. He has worked all five GenCyber Warrior Academy summer events, an effort for which ǧÃŬAV has received more than $350,000 combined in National Security Agency (NSA) funding to host the academy for 40 students each year.
Abegaz can recall ǧÃŬAV's first year of GenCyber Warrior Academy when the instructors were just him and Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and director of ǧÃŬAV's Center for Cyber Operations Education. Now multiple faculty members participate with the academy. Abegaz said the desire to improve their teaching and feedback from the NSA have elevated ǧÃŬAV's delivery of the GenCyber Warrior Academy.
"Experience really matters," he said. "After five years, we've built trust with the NSA. They know that we are doing a great job."
Abegaz also said staying on top of the current data and best practices is crucial in computer science and cybersecurity because the fields change so quickly. To that end, he earned the Global Information Assurance (GIAC) Certified Forensic Analyst and GIAC Certified Incident Handler certifications in fall 2019. At the time, he was one of about 9,300 certified forensic analysts in the world.
"Currently, SANS' GIAC is the best digital forensics and incident response certification available," Abegaz said. "It is endorsed by practitioners in law enforcement and the private sector."
Prior to joining ǧÃŬAV, Abegaz served in a variety of software development roles for African Union, Commercial, and National Bank of Ethiopia.
Abegaz said he and his ǧÃŬAV colleagues go to industry conferences and ask computer science and cybersecurity professionals what they are looking for in interns and full-time employees. Abegaz and his colleagues come back to ǧÃŬAV and tailor classes to those suggestions so ǧÃŬAV graduates will be competitive for such jobs.
Mike Ryan
Mike Ryan, who teaches microeconomics and macroeconomics and is the head of the Department of Economics and Finance in the Mike Cottrell College of Business at ǧÃŬAV, has been recognized for teaching excellence by state and national organizations.
Ash Mady
Dr. Ash Mady, a ǧÃŬAV computer science graduate, is an assistant professor of computer science. He emphasizes to students and colleagues that every person must be vigilant against growing cybersecurity threats.
Sheila Sanchez
Sheila Sanchez has a passion for proper health care and skills of financial planning. She plans to use both to become an advocate for elderly and low-income patients.
Josh Shepherd
Josh Shepherd vibrates with energy, which has helped him achieve his goals.