Cybersecurity Faculty - Office of Professional Programs

Richard F. Forno, Ph.D. | Program Director
Senior Lecturer & Graduate Program Director, Cybersecurity
Assistant Director, UMBC Center for Cybersecurity
Ph.D., Curtin University of Technology
M.A., Salve Regina University
Graduate Certificate (National Security & Strategic Studies) US Naval War College
B.A., American University

Richard Forno, Graduate Program Director of the Cybersecurity Program at UMBC, has 20+ years of experience in government, military, and private sector, including helping to build the first formal cybersecurity program for the U.S. House of Representatives, serving as the first Chief Security Officer for at Network Solutions (operator of the InterNIC), and co-founding the Maryland Cyber Challenge. Dr. Forno was also one of the early thought leaders on the subject of “information warfare” and he remains a longtime commentator on the influence of Internet technology upon society.

In addition to teaching cybersecurity at UMBC, Dr. Forno has lectured on information security, information warfare, and infrastructure protection at American University, and the National Defense University in Washington D.C. He is an affiliate of the Stanford Center for Internet and Society (CIS) and from 2005-12 was a Visiting Scientist at the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, serving as an instructor for the CERT Coordination Center.

His interdisciplinary research and professional interests include information age conflict, cybersecurity operations, risk communication, and the social shaping of technology — specifically, issues related to resiliency and autonomy in networked societies. In addition to many articles and commentaries over the years, he is the co-author of O’Reilly’s Incident Response (2001). Dr. Forno holds a Ph.D. in Internet Studies from Curtin University of Technology in Australia.

George “Dennis” Bartko | Adjunct Instructor

M.S., Johns Hopkins University
B.S., Drexel University

Mr. George “Dennis” Bartko is the principal and founder of Innovative Leadership Partners LLC, providing independent senior leadership consulting on cybersecurity and transformational leadership. He retired from the National Security Agency after 36 years of service, including nearly 17 as a member of the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service. Mr. Bartko most recently served as US Cyber Command’s Director, Capabilities Development Group (CDG) and Chief Information Officer, responsible for planning, synchronizing and executing joint capability development required for the Command to accomplish its mission. Mr. Bartko also served as the first Special Assistant to the Director of the National Security Agency for Cyber and Chief of the NSA Cyber Task Force, leading NSA’s engagement in the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative and representing the Agency on the National Security Staff’s Cyber Interagency Policy Committee as well as multiple departmental, interagency and international forums including the National Cyber Study Group.

Mr. Bartko received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University and a Master of Science in Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. His awards at NSA include two Presidential Rank Meritorious Executive Awards, NSA’s Exceptional & Meritorious Civilian Service Awards, a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Director’s Distinguished Service Medal, and the Director’s Productivity Improvement Award. He is also the recipient of the Cyber, Space & Intelligence Association’s Leadership Award for outstanding service to the Intelligence Community and US National Security.

Robert W. Clark, J.D | Adjunct Instructor

L.L.M., The Judge Advocate General’s School, United States Army
J.D., Michigan State University College of Law
B.G.S., University of Michigan

Robert Clark is currently the Cyber Operations Legal Advisor with the U.S. Army Cyber Command at Fort Belvoir, VA. Through this position, Mr. Clark advises Commander and staff on all legal matters relating to full spectrum cyberspace operations and information operations. Prior to this position, he worked in the Department of Homeland Security in the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications and the National Protection and Programs Division, and with the Department of the Navy as the Chief Information Officer.

Mr. Clark received his J.D. at the Michigan State University College of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the U.S. Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. He has received many Military Awards and has presented at conferences and summits across the nation.

Daniela Coman, CISSP, CEH, CSSLP | Adjunct Instructor

M.S., Information Technology & Telecommunication Management, Capitol Technology University (Capitol College)
B.S., Computer Science & Mathematics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University

Daniela Coman has more than 20 years of experience leading projects and providing technical expertise in designing and implementing software security solutions for network communication and confidential information protection for large, enterprise-level software products.

Ms. Coman has a passion for enhancing software programming and cybersecurity skills of the students in academic settings and is a Secure Software Development Lifecycle evangelist.

Frank Downs | Adjunct Instructor

Fixing cybersecurity one step at a time. Through interactions with national and international cybersecurity experts, Frank addresses the need for greater cybersecurity understanding and more cybersecurity professionals every day. He has helped craft national and international policy by directly leveraging his extensive expertise and varied skill set. Through training and certification development, he has created the most key resource for cybersecurity operations — skilled professionals.

A recognized thought leader, speaker, writer, inventor, Frank has been published in multiple mediums, online, newsprint, magazines, and books. Valued for his ability to take complex, technical issues and break them down for everyone to understand, Frank enjoys sharing the positive impacts technology can bring to the organization and individual.

Michael R. Fluharty, Jr. | Adjunct Instructor

M.P.S., Cybersecurity, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
B.S., Information Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

Mike Fluharty is the Vice President of Security Engineering & Architecture and Cyber Operations at Defense Point Security (DPS). He won the 2012 SANS National Cybersecurity Innovation Award for “Using Continuous Automated Monitoring To Radically Reduce the Risk of Cyber Attacks Against Confidential Citizen Health Data”. Mr. Fluharty’s specialty is understanding enterprise-wide security measures, including risk assessment during the development, design, and implementation phases.

Mr. Fluharty has experience implementing and managing large security programs and operation centers. He combines advanced network, security, and operating systems knowledge to provide security for mission critical assets in multiple agencies and commercial entities.

Keshia Green | Adjunct Instructor

M.S., Information Assurance, Capitol College
B.S., Network Engineering, Johnson & Wales University

Keshia Green is the Information Security Officer for DLA Piper LLP (US). She supports the global law firms North America information security program. She has ten years of experience working in various industries including health, finance, and government. Ms. Green has expertise in implementing and managing large information security programs. Having served in different IT and security roles throughout her career, she can support and provide holistic insight into security program development and operational management. Ms. Green has a focus and passion for building strong information security programs through a people-centric approach.

Dan Guernsey, Ph.D. | Adjunct Instructor

Ph.D, Computer Science, University of Tulsa
M.S., Computer Science, University of Tulsa
B.S., Computer Science, University of Tulsa
CNSS 4011, 4012, 4013

Dr. Dan Guernsey has worked at the Department of Defense as a Computer Scientist and Architectures Researcher since 2011. During his studies at Tulsa, Dr. Guernsey has contracted with the DoD Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and local law firms. He performed reverse engineering and authored software analysis tools for product evaluation and digital forensics. His work has helped solve criminal cases and has helped resolve civil disputes involving software copyrights.

Michael Hennick, CISSP, CASP, CEH, CHFI, PMP | Adjunct Instructor

M.P.S., Cybersecurity, UMBC
B.S., Information Systems Management, UMBC

Michael Hennick is currently CISO and Senior Network Security Architect for Solipsys Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Raytheon Company, where he is responsible for overseeing cyber operations for the company, including secure network architecture and design, incident response and forensics, vulnerability management, and proactive threat assessment & penetration testing.

With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, Michael has held roles and gained first hand experience in positions ranging from software development, technical support, system, database, and network administration, network design and architecture, penetration testing, and incident response. In addition to teaching cybersecurity at UMBC, he also teaches network security classes for Howard Community College (HCC) and consults with small businesses to assist in their cybersecurity needs.

He maintains numerous industry certifications including CISSP, CASP, CEH, CHFI, as well as multiple GIAC certifications, and vendor specific certifications. He is also a member of the Baltimore chapters of FBI’s Infragard, NCMS, and the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)

Albert Kinney | Adjunct Instructor

M.S., Electrical Engineering, Naval Postgraduate School
B.S., United States Naval Academy

Al Kinney, who has been with UMBC as an adjunct instructor since 2009, is the Director of Cybersecurity Capabilities U.S. Public Sector at HP Enterprise Services (HPES). In this capacity, Mr. Kinney is responsible for development, marketing, and delivery of Identity Management, Software Assurance, and Cyber Situational Awareness services across federal, state & local, and selected international markets. He also serves as a key Subject Matter Expert responsible for industry awareness, client interaction, and oversight of HPES business, marketing, and investment strategies supporting broader development of HP’s cybersecurity services and capabilities. Mr. Kinney has held a number of leadership and management positions including executive functions in government, military, and commercial enterprise organizations.

Mr. Kinney holds a Command & Staff Diploma from the Naval War College along with a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. He remains active in the academic community as a member of the University of Maryland Baltimore County Cybersecurity Advisory Board and as an adjunct professor within the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering.

You can view Mr. Kinney’s public LinkedIn profile here.

Kenice Middleton | Adjunct Instructor

M.S., Information Technology, University of Maryland University College
B.S., Computer Information Systems, Strayer University

Ms. Kenice Middleton is a Senior Executive with the Department of Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and leads its risk management organization in ensuring vulnerabilities are managed effectively for the successful execution of tax and filing season each year. With more than 16 years of cybersecurity experience, Ms. Middleton has been leading multi-million-dollar cyber initiatives for both the federal and private sectors and has been most successful in the areas of security authorization, risk management, and governance. She has been instrumental in growing federal cyber practices at Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte & Touche, LLP and is also an Associate Professor at UMUC.

Ms. Middleton recently received the IRS Commissioner’s Award, the highest award within the IRS, for leadership in the acceleration of IRS web application cybersecurity enhancements for the benefit of millions of taxpayers. Ms. Middleton is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Ron Nemes | Adjunct Instructor

M.P.S., Cybersecurity, UMBC
M.S., Software Engineering and Organizational Management, Monmouth University
B.S., Computer Science and Information Systems, Stockton University

Ron’s career spans over 13 years, supporting various customers and environments. Currently, with KBRwyle Mr. Nemes develops solutions for some of the DoD’s pressing cybersecurity challenges and provides risk management support to a variety of DoD customers. In a similar capacity as COMPASS’s Chief Information Security Officer and Cyber Security Practice Leader Mr. Nemes provided expertise and guidance for commercial businesses of all sizes, assessing cyber risk and engineering resilient solutions. A seasoned cyber security professional, Mr. Nemes is an expert in bridging business and technical needs. Mr. Nemes has worked with the Department of Defense leading cybersecurity teams in the tactical environment, provided Risk Management Expertise to several Federal Agencies, and supported the DoD’s Defense Media Activity from a global risk management perspective.

Mr. Nemes earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science and Information Systems, Minor in Mathematics from Richard University of New Jersey and a Master of Science in Software Engineering and Organizational Management from Monmouth University. He also holds a Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity from the UMBC. Nemes is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and an EC-Council Certified Security Analyst and Licensed Penetration Tester.

Charles K. Nicholas, Ph.D. | Professor, Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

Ph.D., Ohio State
M.S., Ohio State
B.S., University of Michigan – Flint

Dr. Nicholas’s research interests include document engineering, information retrieval, malware analysis, and computing in the humanities. Dr. Nicholas is also Faculty Advisor to the UMBC CyberDawgs.

Cathleen Owen, J.D. | Adjunct Instructor

J.D., University of Maryland Baltimore Law School
B.A., Chinese, The Ohio State University
Graduate Certificate (Information & Telecommunications Systems), Johns Hopkins University

Cathleen Owen, who has over 25 years of experience in the National Security Agency, was recently named the Deputy Associate General Counsel for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. As the lead cyber attorney for NSA, Ms. Owen ensures cyber operational activities are in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements by providing authoritative legal advice and training to a client set of thousands. Additionally, she collaborates with other national agencies to shape the legal processes and review of technology and cyber operations. Prior to this position, she held the Office of General Counsel, Intelligence Operations Attorney, and Program Director.

Ms. Owen received her B.A. in Chinese from The Ohio State University and her J.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore Law School. She is a member of the Maryland State Bar. She has co-authored training for cyber threat operators on relevant law and procedures, provided that training to hundreds of cyber threat operations operators before assisting in converting the training to an on-line course. Additionally, she has also developed unique training for intelligence operators on relevant law and procedures and provides such trainings to hundreds of intelligence operators.

Diana Parr | Adjunct Instructor

M.A., Strategic Security Studies, Concentrations: International Security Studies; Homeland Security Strategy and Leadership, National Defense University
B.S., Information Systems Management, UMBC

Diana Parr is a Cybersecurity Technical Leader for the National Security Agency (NSA). She supports the NSA Information Assurance mission as a cybersecurity advocate to senior leadership within NSA, as well as diplomatic and intelligence agencies. She has worked on projects involving computer network attacks against government and diplomatic systems, cloud computing vulnerabilities, nuclear command and control protection, and other information assurance issues. She also served in technical management roles involving data center management, help desk operations, and software development, both while working for NSA’s Technology Directorate and in a previous assignment with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

Ms. Parr is the recipient of two national intelligence awards for service and leadership in the intelligence community. Prior to joining the federal government, she worked in private industry for 20 years, including four years working for software companies in Silicon Valley.

Ben Shariati, Ph.D.| Lecturer & Assistant Program Director

Ph.D. Candidate, Information Assurance/Cybersecurity, George Washington University
Graduate Certificate in Information Security, George Washington University
M.S., Engineering Management, George Washington University
CNSS 4011 Certified

Ben Shariati is a technology and business executive with over 20 years of experience, specializing in international organizations. Currently, Mr. Shariati is the Director of INFOSEC at SEATEC, Inc. in Gaithersburg, MD. In this role, he provides executive leadership and is responsible for all aspects of strategic IT planning, implementation and support worldwide as an integral component of business plan. Prior to this position, Mr. Shariati was the Manager of End-User Technology at Barents KPMG in Washington, D.C. and a Systems Specialist at NCSI in Rockville, MD.

Mr. Shariati received his M.S. in Engineering Management and is a Ph.D. candidate in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity at George Washington University. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at George Washington University.

Christina L. Smyre-Deloatch, Ph.D., CISSP | Adjunct Instructor

Ph.D., George Washington University
M.S., North Caroline A&T State University
B.S., North Carolina State University

Terry L. Thompson, Ph.D. | Adjunct Instructor

Ph.D., Russian Studies, Georgetown University
M.A., Wayne State University
B.A., Wayne State University

Dr. Terry Thompson has been a member of UMBC’s adjunct faculty since 2002. He has developed and taught courses in cybersecurity, national security, and contemporary Russian politics at the graduate and undergraduate levels. He has over 40 years of professional experience in security and intelligence including 30 years with the U.S. Government, most of which was at the National Security Agency. He served for 12 years at Booz Allen Hamilton, retiring as a Vice President in 2014. During his Booz Allen career, Dr. Thompson led or participated in cybersecurity engagements with clients in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom and with the U.S. Government. He helped Middle Eastern clients establish and evolve national cybersecurity programs, and contributed to their national strategies, resilience programs, and cyber human capital development. In his initial Booz Allen assignment in 2003, Terry was part of the Government-Contractor team that designed the organizational structure and defined the initial roles and mission for the National Cybersecurity Division at the Department of Homeland Security.

Dr. Thompson completed his B.A and M.A at Wayne State University and his Ph.D. in Russian Studies from Georgetown University. He has presented at cybersecurity conferences in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates and published in Network Middle East. Dr. Thompson is a member of the Advisory Board for the Interdisciplinary Studies in Security and Privacy at New York University, Abu Dhabi.

Tina C. Williams, J.D., CISSP, PMP | Adjunct Instructor

J.D., University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
M.S., Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
B.S., Computer Science, UMBC

TCecure’s Founder and President, Tina C. Williams – Esq., CISSP, PMP, is a long-time participant in, and advocate of, the security and intelligence industry. Ms. Williams has worked for multiple Federal contract companies, including Lockheed Martin, Unisys, Dependable Global Solutions Inc. (DGS), and now TCecure. Throughout her career, Ms. Williams has provided project management; security architecture, engineering, testing, training, and assessments; risk management; and other related services to clients.

Ms. Williams is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and a Project Management Professional (PMP). She was a Meyerhoff Scholar and a University Scholar at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), receiving a B.S. in Computer Science, and also holds a M.S. in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. During her tenure as a part-time law student, and full-time employee of Unisys and DGS, Ms. Williams also worked as a legal extern supporting the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and as a research assistant for the Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security (MD CHHS).

Ms. Williams is a member of the Maryland Bar, and a member of the NICE365 Industry Advisory Board.

Thomas M. Urquhart Jr. | Adjunct Instructor

M.S., Information Assurance, Capitol Technology University
B.S., Psychology, The Johns Hopkins University

Mr. Urquhart has been in the Information Technology field for over twenty years as both a defense contractor and a government employee. Mr. Urquhart began his career in 1998 as a Help Desk Specialist for BGE Home Products and Services. He is now a lead instructor and course manager at the National Cryptologic School for the Department of Defense, Ft. Meade, MD. He has also been an adjunct professor at Capitol Technology University. He is also a fiction author with books on Amazon.com and in the Baltimore County Public Library. He is currently working on a spy trilogy which will soon be published.

Mr. Urquhart’s other interests include jazz music, playing the guitar, bass guitar and drums, and of course, working on and with computers.

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