Maggie Shipman of Southwest Research Institute

Biography:

Ms. Maggie Shipman is an Assistant Program Manager-R&D in the Intelligent Systems Division at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Auburn University. In addition to providing technical support for defensive cybersecurity projects, Ms. Shipman leads the Cyber Physical Systems Security (CPSS) program area. The CPSS program area addresses security concerns for Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) such as transportation, critical infrastructure, wireless communication, vehicles (connected, automated, electric), industrial control systems, and logistics. Ms. Shipman focuses on securing the Electrification Ecosystem and actively participates in industry initiatives. Ms. Shipman leads the Cybersecurity Task Force for CharIN, promoting cybersecure interoperability via ISO 15118 standards. Ms. Shipman also manages client-funded efforts to identify and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities related to Plug and Charge (PnC) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) physical cybersecurity. Ms. Shipman specializes in securing CPS using Zero Trust principles and has lead research deploying a Zero Trust Architecture on an Automotive Network. Additionally, Ms. Shipman is a member and session organizer for the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), a member and mentor of the Women's Security Alliance (WomSA), a member of Texas Health Resources' Kupferle Health Board, and Fundraising Chair for Baylor Scott and White All Saints Medical Center.

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Dr. Sharmin Aktar of St. Mary's University

Biography:

Dr. Sharmin Aktar is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Her research expertise spans machine learning, cybersecurity, and network security, with a particular focus on network intrusion detection, anomaly detection, and domain adaptation techniques in cybersecurity. She has developed deep learning–based intrusion detection models and published in leading venues such as the IEEE Systems Conference and Computers & Security journal.

Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Aktar worked as a Software Engineer in the telecommunications sector, where she developed network applications and real-time communication systems. She is an active member of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) and has received numerous accolades, including the UNO Summer Doctoral Scholarship and multiple WiCyS Conference Scholarships.

She earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of New Orleans (UNO), where she also completed an M.Sc. in Computer Science and a Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning and AI. She holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Dr. Aktar enjoys hiking and traveling.

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Dr. Rita Mitra of University of Texas at San Antonio

Biography:

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Diana Orozco of BreakPoint Labs

Biography:

Dr. Diana Orozco is a passionate cybersecurity advocate and leader supporting critical national security initiatives while creating pathways for emerging talent. She leads all aspects of Business Development operations for BreakPoint Labs, a cybersecurity services firm, located in the National Capital Region. With a mission to bridge the gap between technical excellence and mission impact, she champions innovative, forward-thinking strategies that elevate cyber and resilience across the defense and private sectors.

Before joining BreakPoint Labs, Dr. Orozco oversaw cybersecurity programs and spearheaded business development operations for a participant in the SBA-certified 8(a) program. Previously, she served as the Director of a nonprofit, where she managed the IT, Finance, and Human Resources departments for a multi-campus organization.

Dr. Orozco earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word, an MBA, and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. She also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. 

Dr. Orozco’s professional and volunteer work focuses on building effective cybersecurity ecosystems through collaboration, education, community outreach, and the integration of emerging technologies. She actively volunteers and consults for various nonprofit organizations, sharing her expertise in education, funding, cybersecurity, growth, and leadership strategies. She serves on multiple boards and committees, including: AFCEA International, Alamo AFCEA Chapter, CyberTexas Foundation, Harlandale ISD, St. Philip’s College, Palo Alto College, Latinitas, Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu. 

Dr. Orozco’s leadership at the CyberTexas Foundation includes having served as the lead researcher for the Cybersecurity Education Model. The model was developed for the Alamo STEM Ecosystem and IDRA, which was named one of the four STEM hubs by the Defense STEM Education Consortium in 2023. The STEM Hub connects DoD STEM workforce and careers throughout the nation.

Known for her commitment and drive towards a more secure cyberspace, Dr. Orozco strives to shape the future of cybersecurity—one learner, one mission, and one breakthrough at a time.

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