About the Center for Security Studies

S. K. Bhaskar

Vice Dean, Computer Information Systems and Technology, The Undergraduate School

240-684-2840
s.bhaskar@umgc.edu       

S. K. Bhaskar joined UMGC in 1998 after serving as senior programmer and analyst at SRA Technologies Inc. He holds an MS from the School of Automation, Indian Institute of Science, in Bangalore, India, and earned his PhD in computer science from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Balakrishnan Dasarathy

Professor and Program Chair, Information Assurance

balakrishnan.dasarathy@umgc.edu

Balakrishnan Dasarathy brings more than 30 years of experience in research and development and management in the fields of information assurance, cyber security, and related areas of computer science. He has worked in the telecommunications and finance industries and currently teaches courses in network and software security and cyberlaw. Dasarathy received his PhD in computer and information science from Ohio State University.

Bruce deGrazia

Professor, Cybersecurity Management and Policy

bruce.degrazia@umgc.edu

Bruce deGrazia is the Program Chair for Cybersecurity Management and Policy at UMGC. Before joining the university, deGrazia held positions at the US Environmental Protection Agency, Cummins Engine Company, and United Technologies Corporation. He served in the Navy as an officer in the Judge Advocate General's Corps and was Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Quality in the Clinton Administration. A graduate of DePaul University with a degree in History, deGrazia received a master's in archaeology from the University of London and then returned to DePaul for a degree in International Law. He holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology from UMGC.

Michelle Hansen

Collegiate Professor Cybersecurity and Computer Forensics

Michelle Hansen has focused the past 11 of her more than 16 years' experience in information technology on the discipline of cybersecurity. She has served as an associate dean, taught on-site and online courses, and worked extensively in instructional design, curriculum revision and development, and documentation to earn accreditation and the distinction as a Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA for both undergraduate and graduate level degree programs in cybersecurity.

She has conducted risk analyses, penetration and vulnerability testing as well as comprehensive security assessments for small- and medium-size companies, and provided recommendations for risk management and improved security practices and procedures.

Hansen's research on steganography—concealing a file, message, image or video within another file, message, image or video—led to the development of a "stego" tool that runs in real-time in parallel with an Internet browser to identify possible occurrences of hidden text.

Jennifer Hull

Administrative Coordinator, Center for Security Studies

Valorie Jackson King

Program Director and Professor, Cybersecurity Management and Policy

valorie.king@umgc.edu

Valorie J. King currently serves as the program chair for the cybersecurity management and policy program in the Undergraduate School. Her professional experience includes executive management consulting, IT strategy, and policy development for federal organizations, as well as systems and software engineering in the defense and intelligence industries.

King's areas of expertise include cybersecurity education and training; cybersecurity management, policy, and governance; risk management; and the Internet of Things (IoT), including the quantized self, embedded medical devices, and wearable computing. Her current professional focus is on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and manage tomorrow's cybersecurity programs, products, and services in businesses and governments within local, regional, national and international contexts. To accomplish this, King leads a world-class faculty of cyber scholar-practitioners who engage in the design, management, delivery, and assessment of curriculum.

King earned a Master of Science in information technology and a Chief Information Officer certificate from UMGC. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in organization and management (IT management specialization) in 2008 and a post-baccalaureate certificate in healthcare administration in 2010, both from Capella University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in computer sciences from University of Maryland, College Park. She is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and holds the CISSP, CISA, CISM, CRISC, PMP, and PSEM certifications.

Patrick J. O'Guinn, Sr.

Program Director, Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation

Patrick J. O'Guinn, Sr. is the program director of digital forensics and cyber investigation at UMGC. He taught for 23 years at Howard Community College, where he developed courses in criminal justice and computer forensics and was named Outstanding Professor of the Year. At Howard Community College, he created and directed the digital forensics program and retired as Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice and Digital Forensics.

O’Guinn emphasizes skill development and problem solving labs to prepare students for digital forensics and cyber investigation careers. His extensive background in digital forensics, litigation, and law enforcement complements the UMGC scholar-practitioner learning mission. He is a Maryland trial lawyer experienced in civil and criminal litigation, intellectual property matters, and negotiating effective Master Services Agreements for software engineers.

He earned a JD at University of California's Hastings College of the Law, an MPA from Golden Gate University, and a BS in administration of justice from San Jose State University.

O'Guinn is an inspirational book author, frequent keynote speaker, training consultant, and mentor.

His areas of expertise include digital forensics and cyber investigation training, SME course development, inspiring leadership performance in cybersecurity professionals, developing transformative thinking, and practical writing processes.

Loyce Pailen

Professor, Cybersecurity Management and Policy

loyce.pailen@faculty.umgc.edu

Loyce Pailen has extensive work experience in information technology and cyber security in both the public and private sectors. Pailen teaches courses in the areas of cyber security technology and cyber security management and policy. Among many volunteer efforts and affiliations, Pailen currently has a CISSP and is on the board of directors for the ISC2 National Capital Region Chapter. Pailen received her master's degree and doctorate from University of Maryland Global Campus. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

Irmak Renda-Tanali

Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Programs

240-684-2400 x2435
irmak.renda-tanali@umgc.edu

Irmak Renda-Tanali formerly worked as a senior research scientist at the Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management at The George Washington University, where she researched and published on topics related to national and international crises and emerging issues concerning disaster management and homeland security. Her research sponsors include the National Science Foundation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the American Red Cross. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a civil engineer as the head of her own engineering design, consulting, and construction company specializing in water infrastructure. Renda-Tanali was awarded the University System of Maryland Board of Regents' Faculty Award in Excellence in Public Service in 2012. She earned a DSc in engineering management and systems engineering from The George Washington University and an MS in engineering, an MBA, and a BS in civil engineering from Middle East Technical University.

James Robertson

Program Chair, Computer Science and Software Development and Security
Collegiate Professor

240-684-2840
james.robertson@umgc.edu

James Robertson joined University of Maryland Global Campus in 2001 after serving as a principal consultant at Oracle. He earned an MS in electro-optical engineering from the University of Dayton and an EdD in instructional technology from Towson University. He teaches courses in programming, databases, computer graphics, and image and signal processing at UMGC. He also presents papers and participates in technical discussions at conferences across the United States.

Tamie Santiago

Collegiate Associate Professor

Tamie Santiago spent more than 34 years in leadership positions with the Department of Defense, the White House and in the private sector, where she managed large, complex organizations and systems. She has a wide-ranging background in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, intelligence, information assurance, information technology management, strategic planning, research and analysis, fiscal management, and oversight. Santiago also is the founder and president of Destiny’s Promise, a 501©3 organization aimed at helping young women and girls develop into effective leaders.

She earned her bachelor's in computer Information Systems Science and master's in Executive Technology Management from UMGC, and holds Medals of Meritorious Civilian Service, Joint Meritorious Unit Service Awards and several Vice Presidential Commendations. Santiago is Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, TQL Certified, and Acquisition Level III, Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence Certified.

Mamadou Thiam

Lab Director, The Graduate School

mamadou.thiam@umgc.edu

Mamadou Thiam is the director of the UMGC Virtual Lab for The Graduate School. He is an IT professional with more than 15 years of technical and customer service experience. 

Mamadou earned his BS in electrical engineering in 2008 from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He joined the IT department at UMGC in 2009, where he moved up from an IT associate to a coordinator, a support analyst, and IT customer support manager. He held the manager position until joining The Graduate School in January 2015. 

While working for the IT department, Mamadou also served as a teaching assistant for many courses offered in the Cybersecurity program. He is currently working on his master's degree in Telecommunication Management at UMGC. His current interest includes virtualization, networking, information security, and digital forensics.

Jeff Tjiputra

Program Chair of Cloud Computing

240-684-2840
jeff.tjiputra@umgc.edu

Jeff Tjiputra earned his Master of Liberal Studies in Internetworking management from Fort Hays State University in Kansas and his DSc in systems engineering from The George Washington University. He serves on the advisory board for the GovSec Conference in Washington, D.C.

Jesse Varsalone

Collegiate Associate Professor
Coach and Captain of the UMGC Cyber Competition Team

jesse.varsalone@umgc.edu

Jesse Varsalone earned his Master's degree from the University of South Florida, and his bachelor's degree from George Mason University. In addition to teaching for UMGC, he has also taught at the Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA) and holds a number of certifications in the information technology field, including A+, Net+, iNet+, Server+, Linux+, CTT+, CISSP, MSCE, CCNA, and CCNA Security.