Eman El-Sheikh

Dr. Eman El-Sheikh is a Professor and Associate Vice President at the University of West Florida (UWF), affiliated with the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, the Department of Computer Science, and the Center for Cybersecurity. She is a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity, with over 30 years of experience and more than $26 million in competitive research funding.

• Ph.D. in Computer Science and AI, Michigan State University (2002)
• M.Sc. in Computer Science, Michigan State University (1995)
• B.Sc. in Computer Science, American University in Cairo (1992)

Her research centers on the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in cybersecurity, with a strong emphasis on education, workforce development, and ethical AI. She leads the development of AI-Cyber curricula for national adoption and is a pioneer in experiential learning models such as the Cybersecurity for All® and CyberSkills2Work® programs.

The trends in her recent publications reflect a consistent focus on AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, secure AI systems, national workforce development, experiential education, and inclusive cyber training. Her work bridges technical innovation with policy, leadership, and pedagogy, demonstrating a holistic approach to strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Dr. El-Sheikh has received numerous prestigious honors, including:

• 2024 GISEC Global Educator of the Year
• 2024 and 2025 Cybersecurity Woman of the Year (World Finalist)
• UWF Million Dollar Research Hall of Fame ($25M and $1M levels)
• 2020 Women Leaders in Cybersecurity, Security Magazine
• Achievement Award for Advancing Cybersecurity Education (SAM 2016)
• NSF/NSA AI-Cyber Task Force Member (2024–2025)
• Founder, Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Florida Affiliate

She has led major grant-funded initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program and CyberSkills2Work®, securing over $26 million to advance cybersecurity education and training. She mentors students and emerging professionals, particularly through diversity and inclusion efforts. Dr. El-Sheikh also serves as Chief Strategic Alliance Officer and USA Ambassador for the Global Council for Responsible AI, influencing national and global AI policy and education standards.

She founded and leads the Artificial Intelligence Research Group at UWF and is actively involved in national task forces and advisory boards, including the Florida Cybersecurity Task Force and the WiCyS Florida Affiliate Advisory Board. Her leadership extends to shaping the future of AI and cybersecurity through collaborative research, innovation in higher education, and strategic partnerships.