Shak Hossain, PhD
Professor and Interim Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dr. Shak Hossain is a computer science faculty member with over 25 years of industry experience in Silicon Valley, bringing extensive applied expertise to computing education and research. His professional background includes leadership and technical roles in early-stage technology startups in the United States and Bangladesh, with specialization in intelligent information systems, document and data management platforms, cross-platform software development, cloud computing, web application security, and scalable distributed infrastructures.
His academic training includes studies in engineering at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and a dual major in Computer Science and Physics from the University of Southern California. His early research in experimental physics examined quantum interference phenomena on alkali metal surfaces and resulted in publications in peer-reviewed journals, including Physical Review, Physical Review Letters, and the European Physical Journal.
Dr. Hossain earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science with a research focus on entity resolution, master data management, and large-scale data analysis using mathematical and algorithmic modeling. His current research interests include data-intensive systems, data governance, and the application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technologies to policy management and enterprise-scale computing systems.
Prof. Ahmed Banafa, PhD
Director of Continuing Education & Special Programs
Prof. Ahmed Banafa is a distinguished expert in IoT, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and AI with a strong background in research, operations, and management. He has been recognized for his outstanding contributions, receiving the Certificate of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco, the Haskell Award for Distinguished Teaching from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the Author & Artist Award from San Jose State University. LinkedIn named him the No.1 tech voice to follow in 2018, acknowledging his predictive insights and influence. His groundbreaking research has been featured in renowned publications like Time, Nature, Forbes, IEEE, and the MIT Technology Review. He has been interviewed by major media outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Bloomberg, BBC, NPR, NHK, and FOX. Being a member of the MIT Technology Review Global Panel further highlights his prominence in the tech community.
Prof. Banafa is an accomplished author known for impactful books. His work "Secure and Smart Internet of Things (IoT) using Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI)" earned him the San Jose State University Author and Artist Award and recognition as one of the Best Technology Books of All Time and Best AI Models Books of All Time. His book on "Blockchain Technology and Applications" also received acclaim and is integrated into curricula at prestigious institutions like Stanford University. Additionally, he has contributed significantly to Quantum Computing through his third book, and his fourth book on Artificial Intelligence in 2025. Prof. Banafa's educational journey includes Cybersecurity studies at Harvard University and Digital Transformation studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he is holding a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence.
Meet our Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty
Engineering Faculty Directory
Samane Abdi, PhD
Dr. Samane Abdi is a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science specializing in cybersecurity, networks, and applied data analytics. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Cybersecurity, Threat Intelligence, Cloud Security, Network Fundamentals, Database Systems, and Applied Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing project-based, hands-on learning aligned with ABET student outcomes in problem solving, system design, and professional practice.
Nizar Albassam, PhD
Dr. Nizar Al Bassam is an IEEE Senior Member with internationally recognized contributions to communications engineering, including an Honorable Mention from IEEE ComSoc-USA and multiple externally funded research grants. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at San Francisco Bay University and American River College, where he teaches courses in computer science and electronics relevant to computing and computer engineering curricula.
Ahmed Banafa, PhD
Prof. Ahmed Banafa is a distinguished expert in IoT, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and AI with a strong background in research, operations, and management. He has been recognized for his outstanding contributions, receiving the Certificate of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco, the Haskell Award for Distinguished Teaching from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the Author & Artist Award from San Jose State University. LinkedIn named him the No.1 tech voice to follow in 2018, acknowledging his predictive insights and influence.
Evelyn Binoya
Evelyn Binoya is a dedicated Student Support Specialist in Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning at San Francisco Bay University, where she works closely with undergraduate students to strengthen their analytical and problem-solving skills. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics and a B.A. in Art History from Stanford University, where she combined rigorous quantitative training with a passion for interdisciplinary inquiry.
Yasin Ceran, PhD
Dr. Yasin Ceran a data scientist and computer science researcher with over eight years of experience in machine learning, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. His research focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of computational models, including predictive algorithms, statistical learning methods, and data mining techniques, to solve complex, data-intensive problems. His work primarily utilizes Python and related programming frameworks for scalable data analysis and algorithm development.
Ken Cheung, DCE
Dr. Cheung is an experienced software developer with strong project management expertise, currently working at a leading high-tech semiconductor company. The company specializes in advanced testing systems for semiconductor manufacturers. Mr. Cheung's technical skills include object-oriented analysis and design, client-server applications, and system integration. He is also passionate about the latest internet technologies and the development of artificial intelligence applications.
Degree & Academic Institution:
Pragati Dharmale
Prof. Pragati Dharmale is a Computer Science faculty member and researcher with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, EEG signal analysis, database systems, and software development. My teaching responsibilities include the design and delivery of hands-on, upper- and lower-division computer science courses in Python, Java, web development, database systems, systems analysis, and applied artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on project-based learning and real-world problem solving.
Andrei Grigoriev
Mr. Andrei Grigoriev is a Data Science and Machine Learning faculty member at San Francisco Bay University with over eight years of experience designing and teaching upper-division computer science curricula. His instructional focus includes data science, machine learning, and software development, integrating Python-based analytics tools (including Pandas) with core computer science foundations in C/C++, Java, and Python.