Erald Troja

Erald Troja is a Tenured Associate Professor in the Mathematics, Computer Science and Science Division at St. John's University's Collins College of Professional Studies. He serves as the acting Program Director for the Cyber Security Systems program and the Director of the National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE). He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from The Graduate Center, CUNY, and previously served as an Assistant Professor at IONA College. With over 20 years of industry experience, he worked as a Sr. Systems Engineer at Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications.

His research focuses on cybersecurity, privacy-preserving computations, location privacy, applied cryptography, and mobile computing. Recent work includes gamification of cybersecurity education using the metaverse, AI integration in cybersecurity curricula, and mitigating threats in autonomous systems. He has published in top-tier venues like IEEE Access, Ad Hoc Networks, and IEEE VTC.

Teaching interests include network security, wireless security, and cryptography. He has developed innovative pedagogical methods like escape room-style learning and virtual reality-based training. His contributions to cybersecurity education and research have positioned him as a leader in advancing practical cybersecurity solutions and educational frameworks.