Paul Cerkez

Paul Cerkez is a Lecturer at Coastal Carolina University's Computing Sciences department. Previously, he served as an Adjunct Professor at Florida Institute of Technology and held roles as a software developer and manager for DCS Corporation. A retired U.S. Marine (1975–1997), his career includes over 28 years in software development, specializing in logistics systems and avionics. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems (Artificial Intelligence concentration) from Nova Southeastern University in 2012. His research focuses on AI-driven solutions for hidden message detection in images and hybrid neural networks.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Electronics Management, Southern Illinois University
• Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (AI concentration), Florida Institute of Technology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Information Systems (AI concentration), Nova Southeastern University

Research Interests: Paul explores steganography detection, neural network applications, and military logistics software. His hybrid neural network (HNN) research aims to enhance readability of environmentally compromised documents beyond traditional CNN limitations.

Recent Work: His publications address AI in military logistics and steganographic image analysis, reflecting his blend of academic and industry expertise. He has contributed to projects like the CH-53K helicopter diagnostics system and a classified database analysis tool.

Awards:

• AAAI Innovative Application of AI Award (2010, 2012)
• Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society Member (since 2007)

Teaching & Mentorship: As a committee member at Nova Southeastern University, he guided multiple Ph.D. dissertations. His teaching philosophy emphasizes accountability through rapid feedback, constructive criticism, and student ownership of work.