Distinguished Professor of Information Sciences and Technology
Penn State Berks
Reading, PA 19610-6009
Office: Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building 212
(610) 396-6310
Research Focus
Applied Mathematical Programming: Applications of operations research techniques such as linear, integer, dynamic programming, heuristics, and game theory to solve large-scale real-life problems with multiple objectives.
Computational Intelligence: Modeling and optimization of complex systems using computational intelligence techniques such as artificial neural networks, agent-based models, and distributed algorithms combined with techniques from probability and statistics.
Simulation Optimization: Integrating simulation models into optimization algorithms for system optimization and decision analysis.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Education: Creative problem-solving skills in STEM education; entrepreneurship education ecosystems; innovation mindset.
Virtual Computing in Education: Advancing student learning through effective laboratory and activity designs based on collaborative, inquiry-based learning through virtual computing. Designing online learning objects to simulate deep learning in students through hands-on activities.
Research Results
External Grants
- Accelnet Implementation: US-Africa Sustainable Food Systems through Water-Energy-Food Nexus Networking (SustainFood), 2022-2027, National Science Foundation (NSF), co-Investigator, ($2,000,000).
- Cultivating Innovative Thinking Skills in STEM Education (DUE-No:2120936), 2021-2024, National Science Foundation (NSF), co-Principal Investigator, ($286,185 ).
- Belmont Forum Collaborative Research: Theory of Change Observatory on Disaster Resilience (ICER-2039506), 2021-2024, National Science Foundation (NSF), ($300,000).
- Cross Pollination of STEM Courses to Sustain Entrepreneur tEams’ Disruptive-technology Solutions (STEM Seeds) (proposal #17926-18), VentureWell, Faculty Grant, co-Principal Investigator, $14,394, February 2019 – August 2022.
- Leveraging Virtual Computing For Recruiting The Next Generation of Cybersecurity Experts, 2017-2018, National Security Agency, Principal Investigator, ($59,006).
- Exploration of a Collaborative Virtual Computer Laboratory (CVCLAB) to Enhance Distance Learning in Information Security (DUE-No: 1044800), 2011-2013, National Science Foundation (NSF), Principal Investigator, ($154,151).
- A Modular Assessment Framework for Professional Skills Using a Model of Domain Learning Approach (DUE- No: 1141001), 2012-2014, National Science Foundation (NSF), co-Principal Investigator, ($199,566).
- A Virtual Incubator at Penn State Berks (VIB) to Foster Student Innovations, 2011-2014, National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA), Principal Investigator, ($17,342).
- Leveraging Information Security Education and Training through Web-based Distance Learning, 2009-2010, Wall Street West – Dept. of Labor WIRED Grant, Principal Investigator, ($55,777).
- Northeast Pennsylvania Partnership for Workforce Development in Information Assurance, 2008-2009, Wall Street West – Dept. of Labor WIRED Grant, Principal Investigator, ($41,266).
Institutional Grants and Endowments
- Estimating Missing Data in Remote Sensing Applications Using Deep Learning, Frank Franco Undergraduate Research Award, $1000, 2024.
- Investigating Factors Affecting Underrepresented Students’ Participation in Student Innovation Competitions, Exhibitions and Training Programs (ICETs), Social Science Research Institute, Penn State, $14,167, 2021-2023.
- Effective Use of Generative AI in Computing Classes for Promoting Critical Thinking, Frank Franco Undergraduate Research Award, $2000, 2023-2024.
- Data-Driven Mathematical Models for Menu Engineering, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,300, Penn State Berks, 2023.
- Dashboards for Communication Natural Disaster Risks, Frank Franco Undergraduate Research Award, $1000, 2022.
- Predicting Wireless Signal Penetration using Deep Learning, The Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, NSF Research Innovation with Scientists and Engineers (RISE) Seed Grant, in-kind, 2021.
- SQL Work-in-Progress (SQL-WIP): An Online Tool for Learning SQL Logic and Syntax, The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence Grant, $2200, 2020-2021.
- Improving the Effectiveness of Team Peer Evaluations using AI, The Institute for Computational and Data Sciences Seed Grant, $2,750, 2019-2020.
- Solving Multiobjective Dynamic Environmental/Economic Dispatch (DEED) Problem using Artificial Intelligence, Penn State-NTNU Collaboration Development Fund, $2,500, 2019-2020.
- Reset for Success Prototype, Faculty Research Development Grant, $1,500, Penn State Berks, 2019.
- A Clustering Algorithm Based on Measurement Models, Faculty Research Development Grant, $1,500, Penn State Berks, 2018.
- A Cyber-security Networking Laboratory for Smart Grid Readiness, Research and Scholarship Support Award, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2016-2017.
- Statistical and Machine Learning Techniques to Identify Abnormalities in Peer Evaluations, Faculty Research Development Grant, $900, Penn State Berks, 2016.
- Competitive Facility Location Problem on Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2015.
- Vehicle Routing Problem on Urban Transportation Networks with Varying Traffic Conditions, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2014.
- Exact Algorithms to Calculate Reliability in Sensor Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2013.
- Social network analysis metrics to maintain connectivity in ad hoc networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2012.
- Cyber Security Discovery Programs for K-12, The Howard O. and Jean Beaver Endowment for Community Service, $2,500, Penn State Berks, 2012-2014.
- A Set Covering Formulation to Survivable Network Design Problem with Relays, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2011.
- Distributed Algorithms for Dynamic Self-Optimization in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2010.
- A Relaxed Flexible Bay Approach to the Unequal-Area Facility Layout Problem, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2009.
- Northeast Pennsylvania Virtual Computing Lab (NPOL), Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,400, Penn State Berks, 2008.
- Local Optimization in Flat Search Spaces, Faculty Research Development Grant, $3,000, Penn State Berks, 2007.
- Using Kriging to Estimate Network Performance in Wireless Local Area Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2006.
- Optimal Design of Client-Server Networks Considering Reliability, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks, 2005.
- Collaborative Work and Virtual Teams Using Groupware Technology, a joint project with the University of Technology Delft, Delft, The Netherlands and Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey, Penn State International Programs Faculty Travel Grant: New Places, New Challenges, $2,000, 2004.
- Wireless Network Reliability in Ad-Hoc Networks, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,500, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College, 2004.
- Women in Information Science Programs, Undergraduate Research Grant, $500, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College, 2004.
- Reliability Modeling for Ad-hoc Networks, Undergraduate Research Grant, $500, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College, 2003.
- Developing Learning Objects for Computer Networking Courses, Penn State Basic Educational Technology Course Enhancement Grant, $1,000, 2004.
- Using Network Transformations to Improve Effectiveness of Network Simulation Techniques, Faculty Research Development Grant, $2,000, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College, 2003.