Faculty Fellows Program Spotlight: Dr. Hamed Taherdoost Transforms Cybersecurity Training
At Westcliff University, the LITE Center’s Faculty Fellows Program offers faculty members a unique platform to publish academic research by collaborating with peers, presenting at conferences, and utilizing resources like college administration reviews and the Writing Center — all while receiving a stipend to support their scholarly efforts. Dr. Hamed Taherdoost, an adjunct professor and dissertation chair at Westcliff, is one of the program’s standout participants. Through his involvement, Dr. Taherdoost developed the iCAT (Interactive Cybersecurity Awareness Training) model, an innovative approach to cybersecurity education that engages and empowers learners.
Benefits of the Faculty Fellows Program
Dr. Taherdoost describes his experience with the Faculty Fellows Program as life-changing. “Participating in the Faculty Fellows Program was transformative. It provided a platform to focus on my research,” he shares. With more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and several books in the IT field, Dr. Taherdoost is a seasoned expert whose research, including the iCAT model, has garnered a global audience.
The Faculty Fellows Program has played a key role in supporting his work and expanding its reach. This prestigious program offers selected faculty members the resources, mentorship, and financial support to embark on impactful research projects.
The iCAT Model: Redefining Cybersecurity Training
The iCAT model is designed to revolutionize cybersecurity training by making it more comprehensive, appealing, and user-friendly. “I developed iCAT to make cybersecurity awareness engaging and effective,” Dr. Taherdoost explains. Unlike traditional cybersecurity training, often criticized for outdated content and disengaging formats, iCAT incorporates interactive elements like games, bite-sized lessons, and visual tools. This approach empowers users to identify and prevent cyber threats in an effective and enjoyable way.
“Think of iCAT as a dynamic and adaptive cybersecurity coach,” says Dr. Taherdoost, highlighting the model’s flexibility. Designed to address gaps in traditional training frameworks, iCAT offers real-time feedback, gamification, and micro-learning to create an immersive learning experience.
A Flexible, Industry-Wide Solution
iCAT isn’t just a tool for cybersecurity professionals — it’s a versatile model that can be implemented across industries. “The iCAT model is designed for flexible implementation across various industries, from onboarding to ongoing skill development,” remarks Dr. Taherdoost. Its adaptive nature allows organizations to use it for new employee onboarding, ongoing training, and skill advancement. By turning learning into an interactive experience, iCAT motivates learners through progress tracking, rewards, and increasing difficulty levels, ensuring they stay engaged while mastering cybersecurity concepts.
Looking Ahead: The Future of iCAT
Dr. Taherdoost’s vision for the iCAT model doesn’t stop here. He plans to integrate artificial intelligence into the system to offer personalized learning experiences and expand its scope into other areas like data privacy and digital literacy. “Future research in this area will focus on integrating artificial intelligence into the iCAT model for personalized learning and expanding its scope to other domains like data privacy and digital literacy,” he shares. These developments will keep iCAT at the forefront of cybersecurity training, adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Personal Life: The Foundation of His Success
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Taherdoost values his time with his family. He is supported by his wife, Dr. Mitra Madanchian, an assistant professor in business management and leadership, who has been his steadfast partner throughout his journey. Together, they are raising two young children, whose joy and energy bring balance to their lives.
In his free time, Dr. Taherdoost enjoys soccer and chess, which help him unwind and recharge. His passion for these activities fuels his love for strategy and teamwork, qualities that also inform his professional endeavors.
Gratitude for Westcliff’s Support
Dr. Taherdoost is thankful for the ongoing support he has received from Westcliff and the Faculty Fellows Program. “I would like to thank Westcliff University and its library for providing support and updated resources,” he expresses. “I also want to express my gratitude to the chair and the dean of the faculty for their unwavering support throughout the past year.”