Stephen Tate

Dr. Stephen Tate is a Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). He joined UNCG in 2007 during its formative years as the department was established from a split of the former Department of Mathematical Sciences. Prior to UNCG, he spent 14 years at the University of North Texas (UNT), where he founded the Center for Information and Computer Security, recognized by the NSA and DHS as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. His academic background includes a Ph.D. from Duke University (1991) and a NASA-supported postdoctoral fellowship.

Dr. Tate’s research focuses on computer security, cryptography, and secure software systems. He has pioneered techniques in cryptographic protocol design, secure hardware integration (e.g., Trusted Platform Modules), and high-assurance software development. His work emphasizes creating systems with strong security guarantees and has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), industry partners, and Texas-based research programs.

His recent publications span areas like secure container repositories, vulnerability analysis in Linux distributions, and cryptographic key management. Notable contributions include advancing the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and developing frameworks for dynamic proofs of data possession using trusted hardware. His educational innovations include integrating tablet-based active learning in lectures.

Dr. Tate has held leadership roles, including Department Head at UNCG (2007-2019), and has contributed to interdisciplinary projects such as the UNT-led regional initiative to strengthen information assurance education. His research also extends to foundational topics in algorithms, including online algorithms, computational geometry, and data compression.