Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh Kumar is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Bucknell University, where he conducts research on behavioral biometrics and teaches foundational computer science courses. His work focuses on how data recorded by smart devices can be used to design systems that solve human-centered security problems through analyzing user interactions like typing, swiping, and walking patterns.

Dr. Kumar earned his Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science and Engineering from Syracuse University in July 2021, following an M.S. in Mathematics from Louisiana Tech University (2014) and an M.S. in Computer Applications from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (2009), where he ranked #1 in his class. His educational journey began with a B.S. in Computer Applications from Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication in India (2005), also with top honors.

His research examines the trustworthiness of biometric systems, emphasizing performance in real-world applications, security, and fairness. Kumar investigates whether behavioral biometric systems show demographic bias and whether they can withstand sophisticated attacks while securing private information. His recent work includes analyzing typing patterns to detect fake social media profiles and studying how wearable technology can monitor vital signs and track conditions like Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Kumar's scholarly work spans behavioral biometrics, computer security, and human-computer interaction, with publications focusing on gait authentication, smartphone user authentication, keystroke dynamics, and algorithm evaluation. His GitHub repositories demonstrate active research in dictionary attacks on IMU-based gait authentication, sensor data collection, and string matching algorithms.

• Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Syracuse University (2021)
• M.S. in Mathematics, Louisiana Tech University (2014)
• M.S. in Computer Applications, Jawaharlal Nehru University (2009)
• B.S. in Computer Applications, Makhanlal Chaturvedi University (2005)

As an educator, Kumar teaches Introduction to Computer Science, Data Structures, and Computer Architecture, with interests in developing courses in applied data science, computer security, and biometrics. He believes in creating collaborative learning environments that accommodate students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, drawing from his own journey from a village in India with limited resources. His teaching philosophy centers on Dr. Ambedkar's belief that 'cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.'