Parallel Session: Cybersecurity and AI: Bridging the Gap
Eman El-Sheikh, Ph.D
Associate Vice President Center for Cybersecurity, University of West Florida
Diba Hadi, Ph.D.
Principal Director of the Cyber Academic Engagement Office within the Department
As the demand for skilled professionals in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow, bridging the education and workforce gap has become a national priority. This panel discussion will focus on how higher education institutions and the U.S. Department of Defense are addressing the urgent need for AI and cybersecurity expertise. Diba Hadi, Ph.D., principal director of the Cyber Academic Engagement Office within the Department of Defense (DoD), Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO), and Eman El-Sheikh, Ph.D., associate vice president and professor, Center for Cybersecurity, University of West Florida will share successful programs, best practices, and innovative strategies for building a robust pipeline of professionals equipped to meet today’s evolving security challenges and AI benefits and risks. Attendees will gain practical insights