Emanuela Marasco

Emanuela Marasco is an Assistant Professor at George Mason University within the College of Engineering and Computing, affiliated with the Information Sciences and Technology (IST) Department, Center for Secure Information Systems (CSIS), and Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA). She leads the CySBeR Lab and holds a tenure-track position.

• PhD: Computer and Automation Engineering, University of Naples Federico II (Italy), 2010
• BSc/MSc: Computer Engineering, University of Naples Federico II (Italy), 2006

Her research focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) with applications in Computer Vision, Hyperspectral Imaging, Biometrics, and Cybersecurity. Key themes include:

• Designing AI algorithms for identity verification using pattern recognition and deep learning.
• Developing multi-factor authentication systems, including a patented biometric-based MFA technology.
• Advancing hyperspectral imaging for biochemical analysis in security contexts.

Her recent publications explore fingerprint anti-spoofing, demographic bias mitigation, and AI integration in virtual reality and military decision-making. She has received the Mason Innovation Award (2023, 2025) and IDIA P3 Faculty Fellowship (2023).

• NSF-funded projects: "Sweaty Digits" ($200,000, 2023-2025) and "Hyperspectral Sweat Metabolite Detection" (2020).

She has previously held postdoctoral positions at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and West Virginia University, contributing to pattern recognition and biometric interoperability research.