Research Associate
Ashutosh Ghimire 
Ashutosh Ghimire is a research associate at the SMART Lab, a position he has held since Summer 2024, following his role as a Graduate Research Assistant starting in Fall 2022. He earned his Master of Science in Computer Science from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
Ashutosh’s research is centered on secure and privacy-aware AI, with a focus on hardware security using side-channel analysis, trustworthy machine learning, and AI-driven applications in fields like drug discovery and bioinformatics. He has presented his work at prestigious conferences such as IEEE ISVLSI 2024 and MWSCAS 2023, and his contributions are reflected in several journal publications.
With over four years of experience as a software engineer, including a team lead role, Ashutosh combines his industry knowledge with academic research, offering valuable insights into the practical applications of advanced AI technologies.
He can be reached at ashutosh.ghimire@wright.edu for further inquiries.
PhD student
Al Amin Hossain
Al Amin Hossain is a PhD candidate at Wright State University’s SMART Lab, researching “Tiny ML Side Channel Attacks Countermeasure and Security.” His work is dedicated to protecting machine learning models on small devices from side-channel attacks, enhancing their security and reliability. Al Amin is supported by multiple grants, including funding from the NSA for Fall 2023, and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for Spring and Summer 2023. Additionally, he received the prestigious Competitive Department of Defense (DoD) SMART PhD Fellowship in Summer 2024. He is expected to complete his PhD with funding through Fall 2024.
Mithun Kumar PK
Mithun Kumar Pk is a PhD Research Fellow at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA. He was an assistant professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the World University of Bangladesh. He was a faculty member at this university for 8 years and started his position on 10th November 2014. He has graduated in Computer Science and Engineering from Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University. He has about 10 years of research experience in various fields such as Digital Image Processing, Biomedical Image Processing, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Bioinformatics. Mr. PK has many international journals and conference publications all over the world. Now, he is a regular reviewer at 9 journals, Some renowned journals are the IET Image Processing (Thomson Reuters Enlisted Journal), IET The Journal of Engineering, The International Arab Journal of Information Technology Thomson Reuters Enlisted Journal, and the International Journal of Biomathematics (Thomson Reuters Enlisted Journal). His current research interests are Biomedical image processing, Machine learning, Deep Learning, Computational biology, hardware Security, Cyber Security, and Embedded Systems.
Khaled Saleh
Khaled Saleh is a PhD candidate at Wright State University’s SMART Lab, focusing on the topic of “Hardware/Software Obfuscation and De-obfuscation.” His research aims to enhance the security of integrated systems by developing advanced techniques for obscuring and subsequently revealing hardware and software functionalities. Khaled is expected to graduate in Spring 2025. His research is supported by a grant from the National Security Agency (NSA), which he received in Fall 2023.
Abdulrahman Albaiz
Abdulrahman Albaiz is a PhD student at Wright State University’s SMART Lab, working on research related to “Secure and Trustworthy Embedded AI.” His research focuses on ensuring the security and trustworthiness of AI systems embedded in various technologies. Abdulrahman is expected to graduate in Fall 2025. His research endeavors are supported by funding from the Saudi Arabian Government, enabling him to pursue his studies and contribute to advancements in embedded AI security.
Ghazal Ghazri
Ghazal Ghajari is a PhD student investigating “Security Countermeasure Against Adversarial Machine Learning Attacks,” funded by AFRL grants from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024, with an anticipated graduation in Fall 2026.
Sufian Al Majmaie
Sufian Al Majmaie is a PhD student exploring “Hardware-based Security Primitives For Device Authentication and Secret Key Generations,” also funded by AFRL grants from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024, with a graduation expected in Fall 2026.
Brian Hildebrand
Brian Hildebrand is a Ph.D. student at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in the School of Information Security and Applied Computing, working under Dr. Fathi Amsaad. He earned his Master’s degree in Computer Science from EMU in 2019. Brian’s research focuses on Quantum Communication and Security, particularly interested in applying quantum encryption to enhance the security of electronic voting (e-voting) platforms. He is currently working on his doctoral dissertation, which involves the development of a secure e-voting platform utilizing quantum encryption.
Brian has contributed to the academic community through his publications. One of his notable works is “Blind Signature Schemes for Secure and Trusted Electrical Voting and Cashing Systems in Security and Resilience of Cyber Physical Systems”. Additionally, he has authored a comprehensive review on blockchains for the Internet of Vehicles, exploring challenges and directions in this field. Brian also worked on a publication titled “Challenges and Directions and Recent Advances in Quantum Networks: Design, Reliability and Security and Trust”.
As an educator, Brian has taught several courses at EMU. He instructed the Human-Computer Interaction (IT319) course in both the winter of 2022 and 2023. In the fall of 2022, he taught the Web Publishing Technology (CMT 421) course. Furthermore, in the same semester, Brian taught the Managing Virtualization and Cloud Computing (IT 356) course.
To contact Brian Hildebrand, you can reach him at bhildeb1@emich.edu.
Master’s student
Mohammed Alkurdi
Mohammed Alkurdi is a driven individual pursuing a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity at Wright State University. With a strong background in the Financial Technology Field as a Manual Testing QA Engineer at a prominent bank in the Palestinian Territories for four years, Mohammed brings practical industry experience to his academic pursuits. His work as a QA Engineer involved ensuring the seamless operation of the Credit Card CMS and its interconnected systems, effectively communicating issues to third-party providers and colleagues. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mohammed’s proficiency extends to Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. As a Graduate Research Assistant under the guidance of Dr. Fathi Amsaad, Mohammed eagerly immerses himself in advanced studies and research, fueling his passion for making meaningful contributions to the field of cybersecurity.
To contact Mohammed Alkurdi, you can reach him at alkurdi.2@wright.edu.
Tashfi Nowroz
Tashfi Nowroz is pursuing his Master’s degree in Computer Engineering while serving as a Graduate Research Assistant(GRA) at Dr. Amsaad’s Lab. His research areas include Hardware Security and trust, Side Channel attack & defense, Embedded AI, and such. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Bangladesh, in August 2021.
He holds two years of professional experience as an ‘Embedded and Automation Engineer’ at Sincos Automation Technologies Limited. His responsibilities included Firmware Development for IIoT/Embedded Systems, Industrial CoBots, and Machine Vision Systems. He was also actively involved in PCB design, testing processes & electronics sourcing.
His interests and expertise lie in the areas of Embedded Systems & IoT, Firmware Development, Signal Processing, Industrial Automation, Robotics, Satellite Communication & 3D Printing.
For more information about his projects and contributions, visit his GitHub profile: https://github.com/TNeutron. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tnowroz/.
Karma Gurung
Karma Gurung is a Master’s student in Computer Science at Wright State University, conducting research in the SMART Lab
. His research focuses on robotics, specifically integrating SLAM technology with FPGA-based systems for real-time processing, sensor calibration, and energy-efficient design. With experience gained as a computer engineer in digital systems design, embedded platforms, and software development, he aims to apply these advanced techniques to address key challenges in robotics and autonomous systems.
Habeeb Tunde Sanni
Habeeb Tunde Sanni (underrepresented minority student) is a master’s student researching “ML for Industrial Engineering,” co-advised by professors from the Biomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Engineering departments, and funded by AFRL grants through Fall 2023 to Summer 2024. He expects to graduate in Summer or Fall 2024. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Material science and engineering from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Before pursuing my master’s, I worked as a logistics and operation engineer at Madrin Construction Limited, Nigeria. He also has experience working in the Aviation industry specializing in Aerodrome and airspace.
Mani Gurram
Mani Gurram is a master’s student whose research topic is “Detection of Golden Free Signature Hardware Trojan Modification Attacks using EM Side Channel Analysis,” also funded by AFRL from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024, and he expects to graduate in Fall 2024.
Mounika Thatikonda
Mounika Thatikonda (underrepresented minority student) is a master’s student investigating “Novel Deep Learning and Explainable AI for Mitigation of Deep Fool Attacks in Object Detection,” with AFRL grants funding her from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024, and plans to graduate in Fall 2024.
Anusha Verma
Anusha Verma (underrepresented minority student) is a master’s student focused on “Trustworthy Explainable AI for Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease,” supported by AFRL grants through Fall 2023 to Summer 2024. She anticipates graduating in Summer or Fall 2024.
Graduated Master Students with Thesis
Niraj Prasad Bhatta 
Niraj Prasad Bhatta joined the SMART Research Lab as a graduate research assistant in the spring of 2023. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Computer Science Engineering at Wright State University. His research interests revolve around machine learning for DDOS attacks and SRAM PUFs, focusing on hardware security. He is certified in various aspects of machine learning and security. With a track record of publications and a passion for technology, Mr. Bhatta aspires to make impactful contributions to the field of Hardware security.
To contact Niraj Prasad Bhatta, please reach out to him at bhatta.8@wright.edu
Harshdeep Singh 
Singh is pursuing his master’s degree at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He is actively involved in the SMART lab at the university, where he serves as a graduate research assistant under the guidance of Dr. Fathi Amsaad. Harshdeep’s primary research focus is on using machine learning to enhance hardware security, mainly through SRAM PUF authentication. Within his master’s program, Harshdeep specializes in Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning. He aspires to make a meaningful contribution to the field of Information Technology by developing solutions that can bolster the security of future Integrated Circuit (IC) authentication chips. Harshdeep has demonstrated his commitment to this goal by publishing five research papers in reputable academic publications. Looking ahead, he dreams of working with global tech giants like Google, where he hopes to leverage his expertise and passion for machine learning to make significant contributions to the software industry.
To contact Harshdeep Singh, please reach out to him at singh.276@wright.edu
K M Tawsik Jawad
K M Tawsik Jawad completed his thesis titled “AI-Driven Approach for Early Prognosis of Chronic Kidney Disease Using Explainable AI and Ensemble Learning” at Wright State University in July 2024.
Tabassum Simra
Tabassum Simra completed her thesis “A Novel Knowledge-based Federated Deep Learning Approach for Enhancing Security and Privacy Preservation in IoT Edge Computing Applications” in December 2023.
Bharath Reedy Konatham
Bharath Reedy Konatham graduated in July 2023 with his thesis “A Secure and Efficient IIoT Anomaly Detection Approach Using a Hybrid Deep Learning Technique.”
Niveshitha Niveshitha
Niveshitha Niveshitha defended her thesis “Efficient Cloud-based ML-Approach for Safe Smart Cities” in April 2023.
Vishnu Vardhan Baligodugula
Vishnu Vardhan Baligodugula is a highly motivated individual specializing in Computer Science and Engineering. He obtained his MS Thesis degree from Wright State University in 2023, focusing on Machine Learning, Parallel Programming, and Distributed Computing.
Throughout his academic journey, Vishnu has excelled in understanding complex algorithms and emerging technologies. His research in Machine Learning has led to innovative solutions and advancements in the field. His practical expertise lies in designing and implementing scalable systems using Parallel Programming and Distributed Computing. He is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and actively seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills With excellent communication and teamwork skills, Vishnu collaborates effectively with colleagues, sharing his expertise and mentoring aspiring computer scientists.
Driven by a passion to make a meaningful impact in the field of Computer Science and Engineering, Vishnu aims to contribute to the development and deployment of innovative solutions that leverage Machine Learning, Parallel Programming, and Distributed Computing to address real-world challenges. With his solid foundation and unwavering dedication, Vishnu is poised to drive technological advancements and shape the future of technology.
Undergraduates and Honor Students Projects and Supervision at WSU
Logan Isaac Pence is a 4+1 B.Sc. + MS Honor Student researching “Tiny Machine Learning Hardware Security,” supported by AFRL and NSA projects for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.
Ramsey Ly is an undergraduate student working on “Detection of Hardware Trojan,” funded by NSA for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.
Nicholas Michael is an undergraduate student also focused on “Detection of Hardware Trojan,” supported by NSA funding for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.
Jacob Buchanan is an undergraduate student researching “FPGA Hardware Trojan,” with NSA funding for Spring 2024.
Douglas J Townsell is an undergraduate student exploring “AI for Hardware Security,” expected to graduate in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024, funded by NSA.