Faculty & Staff
Faculty
Dr. Michael B. Flinn, Chair
Degrees:
D.Sc., Information Systems and Communications, Robert Morris University
M.S., Computer Science, Frostburg State University
B.S., Computer Science, Frostburg State University
B.S., English, Frostburg State University
Dr. Flinn has been teaching at FSU for over 20 years. His teaching interests include Privacy in the Information Age, Computer Security, Software Engineering, Crowd Sourcing, Student Retention in the Computer Science Discipline, Network Implementation, Usability, Data Mining of Social Media, Impact of Social Media on Society, Living in an On-Demand Culture. He can be found teaching courses at the Graduate level such as Software Engineering and Full Stack Development. At the Undergraduate level, he teaches Network Implementation, Full Stack Development, and Discipline of Computer Science.
His primary research interests include understanding how to advance student knowledge of Computing Science theories, concepts, and applications, discovering how students synthesize the “system thinker” with their course of study, and promoting computer science and computing in general as must-have skills in the modern, computer-driven world.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
“Unlocking the excitement of computing for people and helping them discover the impact computing has on humanity.”
Dr. Xunyu Pan
Degrees:
Ph.D., Computer Science, State University of New York at Albany
M.S., Artificial Intelligence, University of Georgia
Dr. Pan has been teaching at FSU for 9 years. His teaching interests include Multimedia Security and Communications, and he can be found teaching courses such as Fundamentals of Computer Networks, The Internet and Multimedia Communications, Secure Computing, Cloud Computing and Security, Applied Cryptography, Operating Systems, and Java Programming.
His primary research interests include Multimedia Security and Communications, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Computer Vision, Medical imaging, Machine learning, Computer Networking and Security.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
“Help students to be engaged in multimedia and security research projects of a variety of topics. These accomplishments have confirmed FSU’s commitment to experiential learning experiences for our undergraduate education and promoted the reputation of FSU’s role as a leader of scientific research in Western Maryland.”
Dr. Liangliang Xiao
Degrees:
Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas
Ph.D., Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Dr. Xiao has been teaching at FSU for 8 years. His teaching interests include Security and Privacy, Network Security, Cryptography, Theory of Computation, Data Structure, Algorithms. He can be found teaching courses such as COSC 101 The Discipline of Computer Science, COSC 241 Computer Science II, SCIA 210 Introduction to Cyber Law, SCIA 335 Network Security, COSC 435 Network Implementation and Testing, COSC 485 Introduction to the Theory of Computation, and COSC 610 Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms.
His research interests include Cloud security, Secure and high-performance storage systems, Cryptography in cloud applications, and Privacy preserving data mining.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
“Convey knowledge to students through differentiated instructions.
Engage and motivate students in multiple ways.
I'm happy to see students' academic and personal growth.
Being supportive and valuing student feedback to give them a better learning experience.”
Dr. Wenjuan (Wendy) Xu
Degrees:
Ph.D., Information Technology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Dr. Xu has been teaching at FSU since 2010. Her teaching interests include information security and information technology, and she can be found teaching courses such as Forensics, Network, Network Security, Ethical Hacking, and Operating Systems. Her primary research interest is information security.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
“FSU has a great environment with a lot of outdoor activities. People here are very helpful and supportive. The students are smart and kind. I also love the size of our class.”
Dr. Xinliang (David) Zheng
Degrees:
Ph.D., Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Carolina
M.E., Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Carolina
Dr. Zheng has been teaching at FSU since Fall 2007. His teaching interests include Computer Programming, Algorithms and Data Structure, Computer Networks, Network Security, Web Programming, and Data Science. He can be found teaching courses such as COSC 600, COSC 602, COSC 635, COSC 636. His research interests include Computer Networks and Network Security; Web Programming and Security; Cloud Computing Security; and Cryptography.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
“Small class teaching so more interactions with my students.”
Dr. Zhijiang Chen
Degrees:
D.Sc., Information Technology, Towson University
M.S., Computer Science, Towson University
B.S., Applied Science with Major studies in Information Technology, Royal Melbourne Institute(Australia)
Dr. Chen has been teaching at FSU for 2 years. His teaching interests include Cyber Security, AI/Machine Learning/Deep Learning, and Gaming related courses. He can be found teaching courses such as COSC100, SCIA120, SCIA360, SCIA485, ITEC345, ITEC442. His research interests include Cyber Security.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"Great environment, friendly colleagues."
Dr. Chung-Chi (Edwin) Huang
Degrees:
Ph.D., Institute of Information Systems and Applications, National Tsing Hua University
M.S., Computer Science, National Tsing Hua University
Dr. Huang has been teaching at FSU since 2016. His teaching interests include database management systems, data mining, security in computing, and the capstone course. He can be found teaching COSC 620, COSC 645, COSC 646, and SCIA 340. His primary research interests are Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
“I can interact with my students by discussing real-world applications and exploring hands-on research projects or lab assignments with them.”
Dr. Nooh (Noah) Bany Muhammad
Degrees:
Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Southern Mississippi
M.S., Computer Science, University of Southern Mississippi
B.S., Computer Science and Information Systems, Jordan University of Science and Technology
Dr. Muhammad began teaching at FSU this past year. His teaching interests include Database Systems, Operating Systems, Information Systems, and Computer Secutiry. He can be found teaching courses such as COSC 100, 440, 460, and 640. His research interests include Secutiry in Information Systems, Database Systems, Wireless Networks, and Cybersecurity.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"Mentoring students and collaborating with them through academic research projects."
Dr. Ying (Joy) Zheng
Degrees:
D.Sc., Information Technology, Towson University
M.S., Applied Information Technology, Towson University
Dr. Zheng has been teaching at FSU for over 5 years. Her teaching interests include developing better techniques and methods to improve learning experiences for the students. She can be found teaching courses such as Digital Logic, Java I, and Java II. Her research interests include HCI (human computer interaction) and ML (machine learning).
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"Friendly environment, plenty of support from the department and school, opportunities for trainings."
Dr. Yuechen (Peter) Chen
Degrees:
Ph.D., Computer Engineering, The George Washington University
M.S., Electrical Engineering, The George Washington University
B.S., Electrical Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology
Dr. Chen has joined FSU in 2023 Fall. He can be found teaching courses such as COSC 100, 130, 450, and ITEC 312. His primary research interests include Parallel Computing Systems, Computer Architecture, Interconnection Networks, Network-on-Chip (NoC), Machine Learning Algorithms, Applications, and Accelerators.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
“Scaffolding students to realize their full potential and discover their vocation through undergraduate education.”
Rebecca Flinn
Degrees:
M.S., Frostburg State University
B.S., Frostburg State University
Rebecca Flinn has been teaching at FSU for 3 years. Her teaching interests include teaching algorithmic development, Boolean logic, web development, and computer ethics. She can be found teaching courses such as COSC 101, COSC 100, COSC 102, ITEC 315, SCIA 120, ORIE 101. Her research interests include Game Development, virtual reality, augmented reality, and IoT.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"Interacting with the students and seeing them evolve from Freshmen to upperclassmen."
Steve Kennedy
Degrees:
M.S., Computer Science, Frostburg State University
B.S., Philosophy, Millersville University
Steve Kennedy can be found teaching courses such as Programming courses, Data Structures, Operating Systems, and Cyberethics. His research interests include Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Software Engineering, and Databases.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"I enjoy meeting students, seeing how they grow into professionals and watching them succeed."
Mian Qian
Degrees:
M.S. Frostburg State University
Mian Qian has been at FSU for over 6 years, including 4 years of study and over 2 years of teaching. Her teaching interests include Security, network, and ethics. She can be found teaching courses such as SCIA120, COSC100, COSC331, ITEC462, IDIS 150, COSC130, and COSC 305. Her primary research interests include IoT, security and big data.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"Work with the younger generation to discuss current issues and ethics issues raised by the latest technology."
Emeriti Faculty
Michael F. Root
Degrees:
M.S., Information Systems, University of Maryland
B.S., Microcomputer Applications, Potomac College
Michael Root has been at FSU for 11 Years as an Adjunct Professor and 3 Years as a Lecturer. His teaching interests include Foundation Computer Science Courses, Systems Development Life Cycle, Project Management, and Systems Analysis and Design Concepts. He can be found teaching courses such as COSC 100, COSC 110, COSC 220, COSC 300, ITEC 480 and SCIA 120. His research interests include IT Business Continuity and Cyber Security.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"The Campus Environment and Student Population size."
Dr. Mohsen Chitsaz
Degrees:
Ph.D., University of North Dakota
M.S., North Dakota State University
M.S., Moorhead State Univerisity
Dr. Chitsaz taught FSU for 33 years. His teaching interests included Software Engineering, and he frequently taught courses such as COSC 640, COSC 641, COSC 440, ITEC 345, and ITEC 445.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"Interation with students."
Dr. George B. Rinard
Degrees:
Ph.D., Computer Science, West Virginia University
M.S., Mathematics, West Virginia University
M.S., Computer Science, West Virginia University
B.S., University of Utah
Dr. Rinard taught at FSU for 31 years. His teaching interests included Software Engineering, and he frequently taught courses such as COSC 325, 625, 102, 444, 450, and 460.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"Interaction with students."
Staff
Stefanie R. Boggs
Administrative Assistant II
Office: Gira Center 274-A
Phone: 301-687-4364
Email: sboggs@frostburg.edu
Degrees:
B.S., Frostburg State University
Stefanie Boggs started working in the University and Student Billing Office in November of 2003 and then transitioned to the Computer Science and Information Technologies Department in July 2016. She is an alum of FSU and graduated in December 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a focus on Television Production. She lives in Frostburg with my husband, Steven, and 2 daughters.
Favorite part of working at FSU?
"I look forward to coming to work every day, and working with a wonderful group of faculty and students!"
Adjunct Faculty
Christopher Root
Degrees:
M.S., Applied Information Technology, Towson University
B.A., Psychology, West Virginia University
Christopher Root has been teaching at FSU for 4 years. His teaching interests include Information Privacy, Systems Analysis and Design, Information Technology and Business Strategy; Cybersecurity, Information Systems Vulnerability and Risk Analysis; Computer Ethics and Introductory Computer Science. He can be found teaching courses such as COSC 100: Introduction to Computer Science, and COSC 220: Software Applications for Business. His research interests include Cybersecurity, Biometrics, AI in Medicine and Healthcare, Data Privacy, Health IT and Business Analytics.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
I am always honored to interact with the students as well as watch them evolve, shift and change in their expression throughout the duration of a course. I enjoy the variety of experiences that students bring with them to the campus community, the broad curriculum that FSU teaches and FSU’s favorable Student to Faculty ratio which offers more personalization.
Justin Keel
Justin Keel has been teaching at FSU for 6 years. His teaching interests include IT topics for non-IT/Computer Science majors and using IT tools such as Microsoft Office for data analysis. He can be found teaching courses such as COSC 220 - Software Applications for business and NURS 407 - Health Finance (Nursing Department). His research interests include Analytics, Educational Technology, and Online Learning.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"My favorite part of teaching at FSU is the ability to interact with students about how technology and software applications can help them be more efficient in their future career aspirations. FSU courses are small enough to have real interactions and conversations between faculty members and students.""
Dammy Gbenro (Oluwadamilola Arinde)
Degrees:
M.S., Frostburg State University
B.S., Bowen University
Dammy Gbenro has been teaching at FSU for 7 years. Her teaching interests include programming classes. She can be found teaching Introduction to Programming, Introduction to Computer Science, Human Computer Interaction, E-commerce, Project Management, Knowledge base Systems, and Computer Information Systems. Her research interests include Data Science, Machine Learning, and User experience.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"The faculty members and the students."
Karen Paullet
Karen Paullet has been teaching at FSU for 7 years. She can be found teaching Cyberlaw at FSU. Her research interests include Cyber Forensics, Mobile Forensics, and Cybersecurity.
Rita Thomas
Degrees:
Ed.D., Educational Leadership
M.Ed., Frostburg State University
B.S., Information Technology Management, Frostburg State University
A.A.S., Computer Science, Frostburg State University
Dr. Thomas has been teaching at FSU since 2006. Her teaching interests include software applications and graphic design. She can be found teaching Software Applications for Business (COSC 220). Her research interests include online Learning and student engagement.
Favorite part of teaching at FSU?
"Working with the students and seeing how much they learn/accomplish. I enjoy celebrating the accomplishments of our students."