After initially coming to Pensacola for the beaches, a local professor has gone on to make waves of his own in the cybersecurity field, receiving national and international recognition for his research and contributions.
Dr. Eman El Sheikh is the director of the University of West Florida Cybersecurity Center and an active professor who has spent more than 20 years in the cybersecurity field.
“I've loved every moment of my 24 years here. They say time flies when you're having fun,” she said. “It was a great experience supporting students, developing programs, and leading the future of education.”
El-Sheikh was awarded the 2024 GISEC Global Educator of the Year award at GISEC Global's 2024 Cyber Excellence Awards held in Dubai last week, attended by over 20,000 attendees. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the field of cybersecurity education.
By prioritizing the success and well-being of those around him, Elsheikh has become recognized as one of the world's most influential cybersecurity educators.
“I've always had a passion for helping others. Since I've been here, I've never offered to do something to help our community and been told no (from UWF). I don't think it ever happened.”
El-Sheikh said her passion for helping others was instilled in her by her parents, who encouraged empathy and drive in her and reminded her that she could do anything if she set her mind to it. El-Sheikh now shares the same lessons with her students, which she applies in both her professional and personal life.
“I've met amazing students who lack confidence and doubt themselves. Women and underrepresented minorities are often rock stars from what I've seen, but that little bit… I might not have been able to get through it without his encouragement,” El-Sheikh said. “It made me even more motivated to help others because it helps them understand the power they have within themselves.”
El-Sheikh has an academic background focused on artificial intelligence and computer science mechanics related to cybersecurity, and holds a bachelor's degree from the American University in Cairo and a Ph.D. He earned his PhD at Michigan State University ten years later in 2002.
When the allure of Pensacola Beach and its climate drew El-Sheikh to UWF, she was tasked with developing a strategy for how the university could penetrate cybersecurity.
To accomplish this mission, Mr. Elsheikh led the creation of the Center for Cybersecurity, developed academic programs, and initiated research in cybersecurity that will benefit both existing and future cyber professionals.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve really fallen in love with the university and the community,” Elsheikh said. “UWF has been great in that it not only allows me to pursue my dreams, but it also helps me pursue my dreams.”
Whether you need verbal support, guidance or expert advice in the field of cybersecurity, UWF's award-winning Center for Cybersecurity can help thanks to the procedures established by El-Sheikh. There are also aptitude tests and free lessons available to help potential employees determine which cyberwork roles they're suited for.
El-Sheikh and the Cyber Security Center are also leading a national program called CyberSkills2Work. The program works with 10 other universities to provide free training and professional development to potential cyber professionals.
UWF Football Stadium scheduled to arrive:UWF announces plans for new football stadium on campus, includes $9 million donation to start project
One of the program's goals is to train 5,000 women, underrepresented minorities, first responders, transitioning veterans, and others for free. El-Sheikh said the program is funded through federal agencies such as the National Security Agency.
The Cyber Security Center has extensive resources available to those new to the field. This is the product of El-Sheikh's desire to create an innovative and helpful environment for students at the same time.
“We have had great success at the center…but the biggest joy or tear-jerker for me is receiving emails from students saying they learned something or got a job,” El-Sheikh said. Told. “That's what means the most to me. Helping others succeed on their journey.”
El-Sheikh is also a member of the Florida Cybersecurity Task Force, founder of the Florida Women in Cybersecurity affiliate group, and a peer-reviewed author of more than 75 published papers.
“I always encourage people to think about their successes and learning experiences. There's no such thing as failure, it's about learning and listening from every opportunity,” she said. “The more we can focus on what the actual problem is, the more we can create successful solutions to it.”
She gave some advice to the students and said: “Find your passion and try everything, even the things your parents tell you to do, because you won't know until you try.” Believe in yourself, be bold, and be open-minded. , remember that you have this. ”
