Selcuk Uluagac, an esteemed Associate Professor at Florida International University (FIU) and holder of the Eminent Scholar Chair, has been honored with the prestigious Joseph M. Biedenbach Outstanding Engineering Educator Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Region 3. This award acknowledges Uluagac’s substantial contributions to the education of electrotechnology students across the Southeastern U.S. and Jamaica, reflecting his commitment to elevating technical knowledge in both academic and professional spheres.
As a member of the world’s largest technical professional organization with over 486,000 members, Uluagac expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition, stating, “Receiving the IEEE award is a profound honor, particularly because nurturing the next generation of leaders in this field holds deep significance for me.” He emphasized the pride he feels in the impactful work being done at FIU, both in laboratories and classrooms, and cited the transformative achievements of his students as a source of inspiration.
Uluagac is also the director of the Cyber-Physical Systems Security Lab within FIU’s College of Engineering & Computing, where he leads a talented team comprised of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral researchers. His lab focuses on developing innovative tools to enhance the security and privacy of smart devices, an area of critical importance in today’s technology-driven world.
Throughout his career, Uluagac has mentored over 80 students at various academic levels, resulting in 22 receiving notable awards under his guidance. His alumni are now employed by leading organizations, including Google, Amazon Smart Home, HBO, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In addition to his mentorship role, Uluagac has initiated several workforce development programs and educational initiatives focused on cybersecurity, contributing to the training of hundreds of students and professionals. His role as director of CIERTA (Cybersecurity, Information, and Emerging Technology Research and Education Advancement) further emphasizes his commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research and innovation in cybersecurity at FIU.
Uluagac’s research is recognized for its practical applications in cybersecurity and privacy, significantly enhancing the foundations of smart technologies. His contributions have garnered support from various prestigious institutions, including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and major tech companies like Google and Cisco since he joined FIU in 2014.
Interim Dean of the College of Engineering & Computing, Ines R. Triay, praised Uluagac’s achievements, stating, “This prestigious honor speaks to Dr. Uluagac’s remarkable ability to bridge cutting-edge research with transformative education.” His leadership in advancing cybersecurity initiatives at FIU places the university at the forefront of an essential field linked to national security and economic prosperity.
In addition to the latest award, Uluagac has previously received several accolades, including the FIU President’s Council Real Triumphs Award and recognition from the Faculty Senate for research excellence. He is set to accept the IEEE award at the Region 3 Awards Dinner in Huntsville, Alabama, in March, marking another significant milestone in his illustrious career. Uluagac’s continuous contributions underscore the vital role of education in shaping the future of technology and cybersecurity.