Members

Mark Holcomb

Graduate Level: PhD

Joined From: Fall 2022

Mark Holcomb is a Computer Science PhD student with expertise in encryption and secure databases. His research includes end-to-end encrypted messaging protocols and multi-dimensional encrypted database queries. He's actively involved in projects on fake news analysis and encrypted database query schemes, and is interested in applying formal methods to cryptography. Mark aims to pursue a career in academia or industry research post-PhD.

Asma Jodeiri Akbarfam

Graduate Level: PhD

Joined From: Fall 2022

Asma Jodeiri Akbarfam holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tabriz and a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Cyber and Computer Science at Augusta University. Her research interests include blockchain, security, access control, and edge computing.

Ladan Kian

Graduate Level: PhD

Joined From: Fall 2022

Ladan Kian is a Graduate Research Assistant student at the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University, with a focus on Cryptography, Encryption, and Cloud Data Security. With a foundational education in Mathematics from Sharif University of Technology and a Master’s degree in Algebra from Tarbiat Modares University, her academic journey has evolved to include Applied Cryptography, Searchable Encryption, and Information and Coding Theory, with a keen interest in Machine Learning and Data Science.

She is actively engaged in research projects that focus on secure multi-dimensional data encryption on cloud platforms, secure multi-party computation, and homomorphic encryption.

Beyond her research, she leads as the President of the Computer & Cyber Graduate Students Organization (CCGSO), exemplifying her dedication to academic and professional leadership.

Mahdieh Heidaripour

Graduate Level: PhD

Joined From: Spring 2023

Mahdieh Heidaripour holds a Bachelor’s and master's degree in software engineering from the Iran University of Science and Technology and the Amirkabir University of Technology respectively. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University. Her research interests include web security, database security, and searchable encryption. 

Justin Henry

Graduate Level: PhD

Joined From: Spring 2023

Justin Henry is a Computer and Cyber Sciences PhD student with experience in blockchain technologies, edge computing, and full-stack software development. His research interests include edge computing, blockchain, and resource-constrained environments. His current research efforts focus on improving the security of austere edge computing environments, improving IDS technologies, and permissioned blockchain consensus. Justin’s overarching goal is to serve as a bridge between academia and industry. He is passionate about translating cutting-edge research concepts into practical solutions that address real-world challenges.