Dr. Upadhyaya is a dedicated academic professional with extensive experience in computer science education and research, with around 20 years of experience as a faculty member and Head of the Department in CS & IT. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in course development, student activities, and program coordination. She played a crucial role as a mentor and advisor for CS/IT graduate students as well.
Dr. Upadhyaya holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, where she focused on Quality of Service metrics for user experience in cloud computing applications and services in higher education. Her research has been published in various esteemed journals and conferences, highlighting her contributions to UX in cloud computing. Dr. Upadhyaya also holds certifications in Cybersecurity, Project Management, and Microsoft Solutions Development.
In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Upadhyaya worked on the U.S. Department of Justice Grant for the Computer Forensics and Digital Evidence Student Opportunity Development Program in 2023. She collaborated with a team of research scholars to develop curricula for introductory and advanced cybersecurity courses. This work involved partnership with industry experts and focused on implementing innovative security measures to significantly improve the protection of sensitive data in
online environments. Her efforts in this area underscore her commitment to advancing cybersecurity in higher education and she is committed to working on the IT & cybersecurity workforce development in the future.
Fr. Kevin DePrinzio, O.S.A., vice president for mission and ministry at Villanova University and a member of Merrimack College’s Board of Trustees, gave this year’s lecture.
