Dr. Noha Hazzazi
Senior Research Scientist · AI · Cybersecurity · Networks

Research at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and networked systems.

I am a Senior Research Scientist (2026–present), with prior appointments as Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Howard University (2018–2025) and Assistant Professor at King Abdulaziz University (2017–2018).

Download CV (PDF) Selected Publications
  • Focus: Trustworthy AI · Security models · Network & IoT security · Applied ML
  • Recent work: Deep learning for medical imaging; security models for autonomous/connected systems
  • Open to: Collaborations · Invited talks · Reviewing
Google Scholar ORCID LinkedIn
Portrait of Dr. Noha Hazzazi
RoleSenior Research Scientist
Email nhazzazi@ieee.org
FocusAI · Cybersecurity · Networks
Current: Research and technology leadership across AI-driven security and applied ML initiatives.

About

I am a research scientist and educator with experience spanning academia, applied research, and technology leadership. My work includes AI and security research, sponsored projects, and curriculum development in computer science.

Education

  • Ph.D., Information Technology — George Mason University (2017)
  • M.S., Telecommunications — George Mason University (2010)
  • BComm, Information Technology Management — Ryerson University (2008)

Academic Appointments

  • Senior Research Scientist — (2026–present)
  • Howard University (Washington, DC) — Assistant Professor of Computer Science (2018–2025)
  • King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah, KSA) — Assistant Professor (2017–2018)

Research & Expertise

My research spans trustworthy AI, security and risk assessment models, and applied machine learning in networked and healthcare-adjacent contexts.

AI for Healthcare & Imaging

Deep learning methods for disease detection and white blood cell classification; analytics on health-related signals and diagnosis workflows.

Cybersecurity & Risk Models

Security models for autonomous/connected systems, hybrid risk assessment approaches, and secure system design considerations.

Networks, IoT, and Secure Communications

Secure networking and certifiable cryptographic solutions for constrained environments and mission contexts.

Selected Publications

Google Scholar ORCID
  1. Optimizing disease detection: Deep learning methods for white blood cell classification
    Ali, K., Hazzazi, N., Saqib, S., Khan, W.A., & Raza, U.A. — under review (2025)
  2. Analyzing Impact of Digital Media and Social Networks on Autism Prevalence and Advancing AI-Powered Diagnosis
    Hazzazi, N., Saqib, H., Saqib, S., Ahmad, W. — IEEE HITE (2025)
  3. Differentiable Forests: The Random Journey Continues
    Ngangmeni, J., Hazzazi, N., Rawat, D. — Springer Nature (2024)
    Springer
  4. Autonomous Vehicle Security Model
    Hazzazi, N., Daimi, K., Issa, H. — Springer / ICWN (2021)
    Springer
  5. Extending a Hybrid Security Risk Assessment Model with CWSS
    Banks, R., Jones, J., Hazzazi, N., Garcia, P., Zimmermann, R. — ITNG (2021)
    Springer
  6. Distributed Operating System Security and Protection: A Short Survey
    Abdelmoumin, G., Hazzazi, N. — Springer / ITNG (2020)
    Springer

Contracts, Fellowships, Grants & Sponsored Research

  • HOWU-NR PIT-UN Student Research and Symposium — PI; $161,091 (Jan 2023–Apr 2024)
  • PIT Student Network — PI; $179,999 (Jan 2022–May 2023)
  • Howard University - BROWNBOWTIE — Co-PI; NSA; $430,000 (May 2022–Apr 2023)
  • Reducing Stress While Navigating Virtual Learning — Co-PI; $50,000 (2022–2023)
  • Mesh Network NSA Certifiable Cryptographic Solution — PI/Co-PI; $75,000 (Sep 2021–Aug 2022)
  • PITUN Case Study Platform — PI; $175,000 (Nov 2019–May 2021)

Research activity

  • DOE Machine Learning Quantum Magnetism Renewal (2024–present, ongoing)
  • Mesh Network NSA Certifiable Cryptographic Solution (completed)
  • NSF TRAIT AI Institute (completed)
  • NSF SaTC Frontier (completed)

Teaching & Mentorship

Courses taught (selected)

  • Exploring Computer Science (CSCI 120)
  • Computer Science I–III (C++): CSCI 135, 354
  • Computer Networks: CSCI 449
  • Network and Web Programming: CSCI 452/553
  • Computability & Complexity: CSCI 572
  • Special Topics — Software Reliability: CSCI 688 (new course development)

Professional & University Service

Professional service

  • Reviewer: IADIS IS 2026 (Jan 2026)
  • Reviewer: Journal of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (Aug 2025)
  • Faculty Advisor: PIT-UN Tech for Change (2021–present)
  • Faculty Advisor: Upsilon Pi Epsilon (2020–present)
  • Session Chair: WorldComp (2019)

Industry & consulting

  • Technology operations leadership and IT strategy in an insurance/insurtech environment (2025–present)
  • Executive oversight and cross-functional leadership (2022–2025)
  • Laboratory information systems / blood safety program adoption; AI-driven solutions (2017–2018)
  • IT Management Intern; Six Sigma Green Belt (2013)

Contact

If you’d like to collaborate, invite a talk, or discuss reviewing opportunities:

Email: nhazzazi@ieee.org

Note: publishing an email address may increase spam. If you want, I can switch this to a “contact via LinkedIn” only format.