Greater Sheffield Area
I am a Lecturer in Computer Science with over 20 years of experience spanning academia, industry, and research and development. Prior to transitioning into academia, I was a founder and worked as a Software/Network Engineer, gaining strong practical expertise in software development, network design, deployment, and security. This industry background continues to inform my teaching and research. I currently hold several academic leadership roles, including Assessment Lead, Programme Leader, Independent Assessor, and Principal Investigator (PI), contributing to curriculum development, quality assurance, and strategic research initiatives. My research focuses on cybersecurity, particularly AI-driven security for 5G/6G networks and Internet of Things (IoT) security. I lead cutting-edge projects addressing emerging threats in next-generation communication systems, including secure handover protocols and intelligent threat detection mechanisms. I have successfully secured research funding from industry and public bodies, including BT, EU programmes, and institutional grants, and have established international collaborations with leading institutions such as Pennsylvania State University and Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as partnerships with UK SMEs to deliver impactful cybersecurity solutions. 🔹 Research & Achievements: ✅ PI on Secure communication over 5G/6G and AI-driven cybersecurity projects. ✅ Developed a 5G testbed & data generator, adopted internationally. ✅ Published in IEEE top-tier journals and confidences. ✅ Designed NCSC-aligned cybersecurity curriculum, closing a 25% attainment gap. 🔹 Teaching & Student Engagement: 🎓 HEA Fellow, passionate about student-centred learning. 📚 Designed and led modules in Cybersecurity, Python, and Network Security using real-world tools (Wireshark, Kali Linux, Power BI). 👨🏫 Personal tutor & supervisor for PG students in AI-driven security research. 🔹 Industry & Leadership: 🚀 Founder & Technical Lead – Built and scaled a technology company to 40+ professionals, delivering large-scale network and software solutions. 🌐 Designed and deployed network infrastructures for 300+ organisations, alongside development of enterprise systems (CMS, ERP, and custom platforms). 🌍 Hiring Manager & Recruitment Chair for research projects. 🤝 Member of BCS, IEEE, London Cyber, Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster, bridging academia & industry. 📢 Speaker & STEM Ambassador, promoting digital literacy & cybersecurity careers. 🚀 Always open to collaborations, research partnerships, and speaking opportunities. Let's connect!
• Leadership & Institutional Service: o PI on a Pump-Priming Research Grant +£50K (Cybersecurity & AI for 5G Networks). o Hiring Manager & Recruitment Chair for a granted research project, overseeing researcher recruitment. o Admissions & Clearing Team Member, supporting student selection and onboarding. o Module Redesign Contributor (Programming, Employability and transferable skills, 2025/26 academic year). o Considering SST Representative for the LGBTQIA+ Community Inclusion Committee (LCIC). • Teaching & Curriculum Development: o Module Leader for Python I & II, Web Development, Employability & Transferable Skills, Cybersecurity. o Implemented flipped learning, formative assessments, and industry tools (Power BI, Wireshark, Jupyter, Kali Linux). o Led assessment strategies for 200+ students, designing mock exams and coursework evaluation frameworks. • Supervision & Mentorship: o Personal Tutor, providing academic and pastoral support to foundation & PG students. o RISES Mentor, guiding staff through HEA Fellowship applications. o Supervising PG students in AI-driven cybersecurity and IoT security research.
Advance HE Fellowship Program Mentor
• Admissions & Research Leadership: o Admissions Team Member, supporting student recruitment & skills training. o Led NCSC-aligned Cybersecurity Curriculum Development, bridging academic and industry needs. o Developed industry training programs, consulting SMEs on GDPR-compliant network architectures. • Research & Industry Engagement: o Co-led a €250K Advancing Digital Project, creating GDPR-compliant curricula for SMEs. o PI on AI-driven 5G security research, securing £120K+ in cumulative funding. o Led collaborative initiatives with Ulster University and the University of Exeter, fostering cross-institutional partnerships. o Provided consulting services to organisations and SMEs, addressing challenges and developing bespoke solutions. o Contributed to project management, and teaching, funded by the European Social Fund.
• Built a flexible generator of realistic 5G measurement report data, including base station density and location, frequency and position of rogues, transmitter strength, vehicle speed, direction, etc. • Developed a software platform to mimic the signals from legitimate BS and a range of attack scenarios. • Proposed an IDS using an ANN approach in a 5G Mobile Network based on realistic synthetic datasets. • BTIIC 5G Security Testbed: The team built a 5G testbed based on open-source 5G core software (Free5GC); and identified realistic IoT use cases and potential attack scenarios.