Michael Tsikerdekis

Michael Tsikerdekis is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, where he maintains an active research program at the intersection of computer science and social systems. He is also an IEEE Senior Member and a 2024-2025 U.S. Fulbright Scholar. His work focuses on cybersecurity, particularly in detecting and preventing online deception and related social engineering attacks. Dr. Tsikerdekis is the academic lead for PISCES (Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System) and is actively involved in cybersecurity education initiatives.

Dr. Tsikerdekis received his educational training through the following institutions:

• Ph.D. in Informatics (Computer Science) from Masaryk University, Czech Republic (2013)
• BSc/Mgr. in Forestry and Natural Environment from Aristotle University, Greece (2008)

Dr. Tsikerdekis's research interests center around cybersecurity, social computing, online deception, and machine learning. His work explores the intersection of computer science and social systems, with a particular focus on detecting and preventing online deception and related social engineering attacks. He has developed methodologies for identity deception detection in social media using behavioral analysis and network data. His research spans multiple domains including misinformation detection, network security, and the psychological effects of online hoaxes. Dr. Tsikerdekis also investigates how automated feedback systems impact learning outcomes in educational technology contexts.

His publications reveal a strong focus on practical cybersecurity applications, with particular emphasis on identity deception detection, network anomaly detection, and misinformation analysis. Over the past decade, his research has evolved from theoretical models of online behavior to applied security solutions using machine learning and deep learning techniques. His work bridges the gap between academic research and real-world cybersecurity challenges, with applications in social media security, IoT protection, and network defense systems.

Dr. Tsikerdekis has received several notable recognitions for his work:

• IEEE Senior Member
• 2024-2025 U.S. Fulbright Scholar

Dr. Tsikerdekis is actively involved in mentoring and advising students, particularly those interested in cybersecurity and social computing research. He encourages undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research projects through independent study and graduate studies. His grant funding includes significant projects such as:

• Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System - Northwest (PISCES-NW) with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (2024)
• Enhancing Cybersecurity Education and Infrastructure for Small Public Entities in Greece (2024 Fulbright Grant)
• Mini-Grant Award from Western Washington University (2023)
• Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System - Northwest (PISCES-NW) with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (2020)

Dr. Tsikerdekis leads the PISCES (Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System) initiative, which focuses on providing cybersecurity education and infrastructure support for small public entities. Through this program, he works with students and community partners to develop practical cybersecurity solutions. He is also actively involved in book authorship, having written "Overnight Hercules for Network Security: Become a Security Analyst" and "Grokking Relational Database Design," both aimed at making complex technical topics accessible to learners.