Dr. Ochieng Nelson Odunga - Graduate Scribe for research support

Dr. Ochieng Nelson Odunga

Expertise: Information Technology

Key Skills

Expertise in Information Technology: Holding a PhD in Information Technology, with a focus on the behavioral detection of computer worms using machine learning, Dr. Ochieng has deep knowledge in this field. He also has a master's degree in Information Technology with a specialization in Systems Security & Audit and a first-class Honors degree in Bachelor of Business Information Technology.
Cybersecurity Analytics: He has a strong research focus on cybersecurity analytics, emphasizing a proactive approach that involves data collection, aggregation, and analysis to detect, analyze, and mitigate cyber threats. His interest lies in integrating artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning, to understand various threat models in cybersecurity.
Machine Learning and Computer Vision Expertise: As a member of the Machine Learning and Computer Vision Research Group, Dr. Ochieng has substantial knowledge and skills in these cutting-edge areas of technology.
Research in Malware Detection and Virus Spread Modeling: He has conducted significant research in modeling computer virus spread and malware detection, contributing to a deeper understanding of these threats.
Academic Teaching and Training: Dr. Ochieng is experienced in teaching a wide range of courses in Computer Science and Information Technology at Strathmore University. He has also been an Oracle Java Programming Trainer of Trainers for several years, showcasing his ability to impart knowledge and skills effectively.
Publications and Research Contributions: He has authored several notable publications in the field, including studies on optimizing computer worm detection and the generalization performance comparison of machine learners for detecting computer worms using behavioral features.
Leadership in Research Groups: As the lead of the Cyber Security Research group at Strathmore University, Dr. Ochieng demonstrates leadership and coordination skills in a critical area of IT research.

Profile

Qualifications

I hold a PhD in Information Technology. My PhD thesis, titled ‘Behavioural detection of computer worms using machine learning’. I have a master’s degree, Information Technology (Systems Security & Audit Option) and a First-Class Honours degree, Bachelor of Business Information Technology.

I am a past DAAD Scholar and a past post-doctoral research fellow at African Centre for Technology Studies attached at IBM Kenya.

I am the lead of the Cyber Security Research group and a member of the Machine Learning and Computer Vision Research Group in Strathmore University, Kenya.

I teach a wide range of courses in Computer Science and Information Technology at Strathmore University and has been an Oracle Java Programming Trainer of Trainers for several years.

Research Statement

My area of research is cybersecurity analytics. Security analytics is a proactive approach to cybersecurity that uses data collection, aggregation, and analysis capabilities to perform vital security functions that detect, analyse, and mitigate cyberthreats. I intend to explore integration of artificial intelligence, more specifically machine learning, in understanding various threat models in cybersecurity. I have already done some work in modelling computer virus spread and malware detection. I intend to continue with this path and explore more threats, vulnerabilities, risk profiles and controls.