Center Leadership

Dr. Hossein Sarrafzadeh is a University Distinguished Professor and the Director of the Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Research, Education and Outreach (CREO) at NC A&T State University. He has worked in the areas of IoT, data mining and machine learning in cybersecurity, cybersecurity in Smart Cities and Smart Grid Security. He developed one of the world's first real-time facial expression and gesture recognition systems for emotion recognition. He has founded several cybersecurity research and operations centers in NZ, Australia and the US. He has a number of inventions and patented systems in computer vision, cybersecurity, and cloud security. He has published over 180 research articles and secured over $15M funding in the past 5 years.

Dr. Gina Bullock is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Systems Technology Department and Associate Director of Education and Outreach at North Carolina A&T State University where she has been a faculty member since 2014. She teaches both undergraduates and graduates courses in Computer Networking I, Computer Networking II, Advance Networking, Project Management, Advanced Security, Introduction to Programming, Introduction to Linux, Applied Java, Web Systems, Introduction to Mainframe Operations, Computer Networking Security and more.  From 2007-2013 she worked as Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at North Carolina A&T State University.  Gina currently serves as the Undergraduate Coordinator for the Information Technology in Computer Systems Technology and serves as the Advisors for Women in Science and Technology in the College of Science and Technology. Gina has established an Academy in Computer Systems Technology with Palo Alto, Oracle Academy, and Red Hat Academy.  Gina Instructor Certified in Pegasystems.    Gina completed her Ph.D. in Computational Science and Engineering in 2015 and a Master’s in Computer Science in 2003 at North Carolina A&T State University, and her undergraduate studies in Computer Science at Shaw University in 2002. 

Dr. Ahmad Patooghy, Senior Member, IEEE, received his Ph.D. degree in Computer Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in 2011. Since August 2021, he has been with the Department of Computer Systems Technology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, leading the Intelligent Cyber-Systems and Architectures Research Laboratory. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal papers and conference proceedings. He has been a reviewer and PC member for various IEEE, ACM, Elsevier, and Springer journals and conferences. He has also served as a panelist for the National Science Foundation for reviewing grant proposals. His research interests include the security and reliability of machine learning applications and accelerators, hardware security in IoT and cyber-physical systems, and hardware design for machine learning acceleration. Dr. Patooghy is a Senior Member of the IEEE, IEEE Computer Society, and a Member of the ACM.

Karreem Hogan is a seasoned, dynamic, and hands-on leader with nearly two decades of experience in the field of STEM Education. He has an impressive track record spanning over a decade in IT and Engineering Systems. Currently, Karreem holds the position of Teaching Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator at North Carolina A&T State University, within the Department of Computer Systems Technology. He is a proud alumnus of North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering, and a M.S. in Nanoengineering. His educational journey is a testament to his dedication to knowledge and his deep roots in the world of STEM. Karreem's professional journey is characterized by a commitment to shaping the future of education by focusing on STEM, program and curriculum development, course design, student recruitment and retention, as well as nurturing talent through comprehensive professional, personal, and leadership training initiatives. As a dedicated educator, Karreem brings the world of Electronics Technology and Information Technology to life. He facilitates learning in a range of Electronics and Information Technology courses, including meticulously crafted courses such as IoT Fundamentals and Security, Applied Hardware and Software, System Integration and Architecture, Human Computer Interaction Design, and Enterprise Application Development. His impact extends beyond the classroom, as he has also developed cutting-edge curricula tailored to diverse educational institutions, from secondary schools to higher education. Before his current role, Karreem honed his skills and knowledge at prominent industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Laboratories and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. These experiences enriched both his professional and academic careers, enhancing his capacity for innovation and problem-solving. Karreem's pursuit of knowledge doesn't end with the classroom or laboratory. He is deeply engaged in pioneering research, exploring subjects such as Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning & Risk Aversion, Engineering Education, and Learning and Engagement Modalities for STEM in the Metaverse. His work reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the ever-evolving landscape of STEM. In summary, Karreem Hogan is a visionary educator and an unwavering advocate for the advancement of STEM education and technology. His extensive experience and commitment to innovation make him a distinguished leader in the field, and his impact continues to shape the future of STEM education and research.

Greg Hampton For 25 years Greg Hampton has architected sustainable IT research solutions in Higher Education. A Computer Science Alumni from the great North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University has managed a wide range of systems, servers, and operating systems throughout his career. Greg is a dedicated cybersecurity champion, possessing certifications as both a Certified GIAC Penetration Tester and a Certified GIAC Forensic Analyst. In addition to hundreds of other cybersecurity related certificates, Greg has 10+ years volunteering with the Scouts and served on the STEM committee and helped run the STEM merit badge college at NCAT STEM early college.

Jason Green, With a strong background in Computer Science and a focus on cybersecurity research, particularly in election and drone security, Jason Green brings over 3 years of cybersecurity experience to the table. As a finalist in prestigious business plan competitions, he showcased a talent for innovation, especially in utilizing drone technology for security applications. His competitive spirit, honed through years of swimming, is complemented by a commitment to teamwork and problem-solving. Jason is dedicated to safeguarding digital environments and is well-equipped to act as Security Operations Center Manager.