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Tech鈥檚 Siraj honored for diversity
Ambareen Siraj has been always been an advocate for diversity and inclusion. Now,
the 麻豆果冻传媒 computer science professor is being rewarded for her efforts.
Siraj, who is the founding director of Tech鈥檚 Cybersecurity, Education, Research and Outreach Center (CEROC), has been named the recipient of the 2020 Claire L. Felbinger Award for Diversity and Inclusion by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
鈥淚 have been working on diversity and inclusion for a long time in computing and especially cybersecurity,鈥� said Siraj. 鈥淢ost people don鈥檛 do things to get awards. They do things because they feel the need to do things and that鈥檚 the same for me. But, getting awards because society or the community has noticed, and getting recognized by your peers, always feels good.鈥�
Since joining Tech鈥檚 College of Engineering in 2006, Siraj has taught various undergraduate and graduate security classes, specializing in cyber-physical systems security, network security, security education and workforce development. She has received three external grants totaling $7.6 million since 2012 and been recognized for her work, most recently in 2018, earning the CISSE Exceptional Leadership in Education Award.
ABET鈥檚 Claire L. Felbinger Award for Diversity and Inclusion recognized U.S.-based educational units, individuals, associations and firms for extraordinary success in achieving or facilitating diversity and inclusiveness in the technological segments of our society. Siraj is being honored by ABET for her leadership in establishing the and the , which have increased the participation of women in cybersecurity significantly.
鈥淭hrough the WiCyS organization, one of our missions was to ensure inclusion and diversity in the cybersecurity workforce,鈥� said Siraj. 鈥淓veryone should be equally represented. There should be no under-representation.鈥�
Siraj has represented Tech well. Earlier this year, Siraj spent two days speaking at the Global Cybersecurity Forum in Saudi Arabia before testifying to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology, House Committee on Science, Space and Technology in Washington, D.C. She is also a member of the Tennessee Cybersecurity Advisory Council Workforce Development working group.
鈥淚t鈥檚 undeniable that my university has supported me,鈥� said Siraj. 鈥淲ithout Tennessee Tech鈥檚 support, I would not have been able to do any of the things I have done over the years. I鈥檓 blessed to be part of a university that didn鈥檛 create a roadblock for me to be able to do all of these things.鈥�
Siraj will be honored at the 2020 ABET Awards Celebration, which will be held as a virtual event on Saturday, Oct. 31. For more information, go to
