Courses
- Data Structures
- Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime
Education
- Ph.D., University of New Orleans
- M.Sc., University of New Orleans
- B.Sc., Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Research Interests
- Cyber Security
- Network Security
- Machine Learning
- Intrusion Detection
Biography
Sharmin Aktar is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX. Aktar earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of New Orleans (UNO), specializing in machine learning, cyber security and network security. She also holds an M.Sc. in Computer Science and a Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning and AI from UNO, along with a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
Her research focuses on network intrusion detection, anomaly detection in IoT networks and domain adaptation in cyber security. She has developed deep learning-based intrusion detection models and has published in leading cyber security venues, including the IEEE Systems Conference and Computers and Security.
Before academia, Aktar worked as a Software Engineer in the telecom sector, developing network applications and real-time communication systems. She is an active member of Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) and has received multiple research awards, including the UNO Summer Doctoral Scholarship and Women in Cyber Security Conference Scholarships. At St. Mary’s University, Aktar is passionate about teaching and mentoring students in machine learning, artificial intelligence and cyber security.
Recent Publications
Aktar, S., Nur, AY. Robust Anomaly Detection in IoT Networks Using Deep SVDD and Contractive Autoencoder. IEEE International Systems Conference. 2024.
Aktar, S., Nur, AY. Advancing Network Anomaly Detection: An Ensemble Approach Combining Optimized Contractive Autoencoders and K-Means Clustering. IEEE International Conference. 2024.
Aktar, S., Nur, AY. Towards DoS Attack Detection Using Deep Learning Approach. Journal of Computers and Security. June 2023.
Nissan, M., Wagner, J., Aktar, S. Database Memory Forensics: A Machine Learning Approach to Reverse-Engineer Query Activity. DFRWS Europe Conference, Louisiana Board of Regents Grant, 2023.
Aktar, S., Nur, AY. Hash-Based AS Traceback Against DoS Attack. International Conference on Advanced Communication Technologies and Networking. 2021.
Academic Excellence
Top Ten Award at BUET and Bangladesh Government Scholarships for outstanding academic achievements.
Awards and Honors
Inaugural Summer Doctoral Scholarship, 2024
- Prestigious award from the University of New Orleans’ Computer Science Department for exceptional doctoral research.
UNO Cyber Center (UNOCC) Travel Grant, 2024
- Supported presentation on advanced machine learning in cyber security at ICMI24 Conference.
NeurIPS Outreach Program, 2023
- Recognized as an emerging leader in machine learning and AI.
Fully Funded Ph.D. Scholarship, 2023
- Awarded by the University of New Orleans for significant research potential in cyber security and machine learning.
Women in Cyber Security Conference Scholarships, 2022 — 2023
- Acknowledged for contributions to cyber security and promoting gender diversity.
UNO SGA Travel Grant, 2022
- Funded participation at the WiCyS Conference 2022, highlighting engagement with top cyber security professionals.
CRA-WP Grad Cohort for Women, 2021
- Invitation to a prestigious event supporting women in computing and technological leadership.