Students research network security
Students research network security
https://ung.edu/news/articles/2026/06/students-research-network-security.php
Publish Date: 2026-06-25 11:04:00
Source Domain: ung.edu
“Research was not really a part of my plans before this. My plan was to be a software engineer with a focus on security,” said Barnes, who is a First-Generation college student. “Now I really love the world of research and contributing to it. I want to not just learn new things, but also create my own ideas and put them out into the world. Having somebody guide you and show you the steps, it’s very helpful.”
Jiayong “Richard” Zheng, a Sugar Hill, Georgia, resident pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, previously earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in December 2024.
His research is using machine learning models to detect potentially fraudulent anomalies in insurance.
“Working with Dr. Ghafarian gives me a really good hands-on opportunity to practice machine learning,” said Zheng, who is also a First-Generation college student.
Xavier Alvarenga, a Flowery Branch, Georgia, resident who graduated in May 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a minor in cybersecurity, conducted a forensic investigation on Facebook Messenger and its data to detect vulnerabilities. His research with Ghafarian has helped him see how to explore important problems and prepare for a master’s program in cybersecurity.
“This is a great opportunity to open these doors,” Alvarenga said. “Working with Dr. Ghafarian has really helped me develop a professional sense of communication. It’s been a real pleasure.”
Kian Esmaeili, a May graduate from Woodstock, Georgia, with a degree in cybersecurity, examined machine learning models that could help test system updates to make sure they are secure before rolling them out to a whole company. He was inspired by the July 2024 CrowdStrike cyberattack. He said his research alongside Ghafarian has set the stage for graduate school at Georgia Tech, where he will study cybersecurity.
During the fall 2025 semester, Esmaeili and Ghafarian presented a paper titled “AI-driven update validation in…
