Introduction to AI for Cybersecurity

Dr. Lanier Watkins

Johns Hopkins University Instructor

Lanier Watkins holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science (May 2010) from Georgia State University where he was advised by Dr. Raheem Beyah, three M.S. degrees in the areas of Biotechnology (Johns Hopkins University-2017), Computer Science and Physics (Both from Clark Atlanta University-1999 & 1997), and a B.S. degree in Physics (Clark Atlanta University-1997). In May 2011, he joined the Asymmetric Operations Sector of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) as a Senior Professional Staff II and, in 2022, was appointed to APL’s Principal Professional Staff in the Critical Infrastructure Protection Group. In October of 2013, he was extended a dual appointment as a Lawrence R. Hafstad Fellow and an Associate Research Scientist with the JHU Information Security Institute (JHU/ISI).

In 2023, he was appointed Associate Research Professor and Assistant Technical Director of JHU/ISI.  In October 2015, he became a Lecturer for the JHU Engineering for Professional (EP) Master’s Program, and in February 2019, he was appointed Chair of the EP Computer Science and Cyber Security Master’s Programs. He teaches 4 courses and has published over 60 conference papers, journals, and book chapters. He also hold several patents and provisional patents.

Further, he has advised more than 50 cyber security Master’s research students, and several Doctoral students. Prior to joining APL, Lanier worked for over 10 years in industry. He first worked at the Ford Motor Company and then later at AT&T where he held roles such as systems engineer, network engineer, product development manager, and product manager. He is also a member of the ACM and a senior member of the IEEE.