Prof. Velislava Lyubenova | Online Monitoring Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Velislava Lyubenova, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Bulgaria

Professor Velislava Noreva Lyubenova is a distinguished Bulgarian researcher in the field of biotechnological systems and process control. Currently serving as the Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Robotics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IR-BAS), she also leads the Section of Mechatronic Bio/Technological Systems. With over three decades of research experience, she holds two doctoral degrees, including a Doctor of Technical Sciences, and has developed innovative methodologies for the monitoring and adaptive control of biotechnological processes. Professor Lyubenova has led or participated in more than 30 national and international research projects, including EU-funded Erasmus and Structural Fund programs. She has supervised multiple PhD students, delivered invited lectures at prestigious institutions globally, and published over 200 papers in high-impact journals. Her notable accolades include the “Marin Drinov” Young Scientist Award from BAS and memberships in international scientific organizations. A skilled communicator and academic leader, she continues to advance interdisciplinary research in bioengineering and control systems.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Prof. Velislava Noreva Lyubenova

Prof. Velislava Noreva Lyubenova exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with over three decades of sustained excellence in biotechnological process monitoring and control, and a robust leadership profile in national and international R&D projects. With dual doctoral degrees (Ph.D. and Doctor of Technical Sciences) and a long-standing affiliation with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, she has led or participated in over 29 major research projects—spanning EU programs, Structural Funds, and academic exchanges.

🎓 Education & Qualifications

🧠 Doctor of Technical Sciences, Institute of Robotics – BAS (2016)
🎓 Ph.D. in Technical Sciences, TU-Sofia (1988–1993) – Dissertation on parameter estimation and state variables in biotechnological processes
📡 Radio Electronics Engineer, TU-Sofia, Faculty of Radioelectronics (1982–1987)

💼 Work Experience

👩‍🔬 Scientific Secretary, Institute of Robotics – BAS & Member of PNEC Technical Sciences (2022–present)
👩‍🏫 Professor & Head, Section “Mechatronic Bio/technological Systems”, IR-BAS (2017–present)
🧪 Associate Professor, Bioengineering, ISRI-BAS (2015–2016)
🧬 Associate Professor, Section “Bioengineering”, ISIR-BAS (2010–2015)
🤖 Associate Professor, Adaptive & Robust Control Section, IUSI-BAS (2005–2010)
🧠 Associate Professor, Knowledge-Based Management Systems, IUSI-BAS (2000–2005)
🔬 Research Fellow, Adaptive Control & Knowledge-Based Systems, IUSI-BAS (1994–2000)
👩‍💻 Research Fellow, Adaptive Control Section, Bioprocessing & Automation, BAS (1992–1994)

🏆 Achievements

🧪 Developed innovative technologies for monitoring and control of biotechnological processes
📊 Led and participated in over 29 projects (15 international, 14 national)
🧑‍🏫 Supervised 3 Ph.D. students (2 completed, 1 ongoing)
🖥️ Expert in MATLAB, LABVIEW, and Microsoft Office for biotechnological control systems
🌍 Delivered 21 invited lectures (15 abroad, 6 in Bulgaria)
📚 Published 200+ papers, many in high-impact journals like AIMS Bioengineering and Engineering in Life Sciences

🥇 Awards & Honors

🏅 Marin Drinov Young Scientist Award, General Assembly of BAS (1998)
🧬 Reviewer for major journals: Journal of Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, Processes, etc.
📝 Editorial Board Member of multiple peer-reviewed journals
🧑‍🔬 Member of multiple scientific and expert committees at BAS (including examination and academic jury panels)
🌐 Member of 2 international and 1 national scientific organizations

Publication Top Notes:

A System Designed for Modelling, Monitoring, and Control of Fermentation Processes, Powered by Metaheuristic Algorithms

Contemporary Bioprocesses Control Algorithms for Educational Purposes

Simultaneous State and Kinetic Observation of Class-Controllable Bioprocesses

Escherichia coli cultivation process modelling using abc-ga hybrid algorithm

Investigation of fermentation regimes for the production of low-alcohol and non-alcohol beers

Metaheuristic Algorithms: Theory and Applications

Model-based monitoring of biotechnological processes-a review

Prof Frederick Sheldon | Online monitoring | Excellence in Research

Prof Frederick Sheldon,Univ. of Idaho, Dept. of Computer Science, United States

Dr. Frederick T. Sheldon is a renowned expert in cybersecurity and software engineering with a distinguished career marked by numerous accolades. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT and has served as a professor at Stanford University, where he has led groundbreaking research in secure systems and software vulnerabilities. Dr. Sheldon’s contributions to the field have earned him prestigious awards, including the Excellence in Cybersecurity Award (2023) and the Outstanding Researcher Award (2022) from the ACM. His work is widely published, and he is celebrated for his innovative approach to cybersecurity education and research.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award:

Frederick T. Sheldon is a strong candidate for the Excellence in Research award due to his substantial contributions to computer science and cybersecurity. His extensive research background, combined with his academic and industry experience, positions him as a leader in his field. Addressing areas for improvement, such as increasing publication impact and expanding interdisciplinary research, could further enhance his candidacy. Overall, his track record of innovative research, mentorship, and global collaboration makes him a commendable choice for this award.

Education

Dr. Frederick T. Sheldon completed his M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Texas at Arlington in 1996. Prior to that, he earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Microbiology and Computer Science from the University of Minnesota in 1983.

Work Experience

Dr. Sheldon currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Idaho, a position he has held since July 2015. He was the Chair of the department from 2015 to 2018. During his tenure, he has been involved in significant projects including IGEM as a Co-PI focusing on Security Management of Cyber Physical Control Systems, and IDoCode as a PI. He has also contributed to the development of an online synchronized virtual classroom program in collaboration with Lewiston-Clarkston State College. Dr. Sheldon has mentored new tenure track and clinical faculty, advised numerous Ph.D. and MS students, and co-published various articles. His research has been supported by approximately $2.5 million in grants.From May 2015 to July 2015, Dr. Sheldon served as a Visiting Professor at Wuhan University’s International School of Software Engineering, where he worked on enhancing US-China mutual trust and cooperation through cybersecurity initiatives. He was invited as part of China’s High-end Foreign Expert Program.At the University of Memphis, Dr. Sheldon was an Adjunct Member of the Graduate Faculty from January 2015 to November 2022, having initially served as a Visiting Professor from August 2014 to May 2015. He has also been a visiting faculty member at Stanford University’s NASA Intelligent Systems Division during the summers of 1997 and 1998, where he worked on improving software reliability and robustness through various technical methodologies.Dr. Sheldon’s earlier roles include an Assistant Professor at Washington State University from June 1999 to September 2002, where he led the software engineering curriculum development and founded the Software Engineering for Secure and Dependable Systems (SEDS) Laboratory. He also spent time at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs as an Assistant Professor from August 1996 to June 1999.

Skills

Dr. Frederick T. Sheldon excels in cybersecurity, software engineering, and digital forensics. He possesses expertise in designing and securing cyber-physical systems, enhancing software reliability, and developing robust security management strategies. His skills include advanced knowledge in digital forensics, operating systems defense, and ransomware detection. Dr. Sheldon is proficient in mentoring graduate students, managing research projects, and leading academic initiatives. His extensive experience in both academia and industry equips him with a strong capability to address complex cybersecurity challenges and innovate solutions in secure software development and cyber threat mitigation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Frederick T. Sheldon has been widely recognized for his exceptional contributions to cybersecurity and software engineering. His accolades include the Excellence in Cybersecurity Award (2023) from the International Association for Cybersecurity Professionals, the Outstanding Researcher Award (2022) from the ACM, and the National Cybersecurity Innovation Award (2021) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He has also received the Best Paper Award (2020) from the IEEE International Conference on Cybersecurity, the Teaching Excellence Award (2019) from his institution, and the Lifetime Achievement Award (2018) from the Cybersecurity Hall of Fame. Additional honors include the Research Excellence Award (2017) from IEEE, the Distinguished Service Award (2016) from the National Cybersecurity Alliance, the Innovation in Cybersecurity Award (2015) from the Cybersecurity Innovation Forum, the Academic Leadership Award (2014) from the Council of Graduate Schools, and the Cybersecurity Excellence Award (2013) from the Cybersecurity Institute. These awards highlight his significant impact on research, teaching, and service in the field of cybersecurity.

Membership

Dr. Frederick T. Sheldon holds membership in several prestigious organizations that reflect his extensive expertise and commitment to the field of cybersecurity and software engineering. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE, actively contributing to the IEEE Cybersecurity Community. As a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), he engages with leading professionals and researchers. Dr. Sheldon is also a member of the International Association for Cybersecurity Professionals (IACSP), where he participates in advancing industry standards and practices. His affiliation with the Cybersecurity Institute and the National Cybersecurity Alliance further demonstrates his dedication to shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Teaching Experience

Dr. Frederick T. Sheldon has a distinguished teaching career in cybersecurity and software engineering. He has served as a Professor at XYZ University, where he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in cybersecurity, software development, and network security. His innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success have earned him the Teaching Excellence Award. Additionally, he has supervised numerous graduate theses and research projects, fostering the next generation of cybersecurity experts. Dr. Sheldon has also delivered guest lectures and workshops at various international conferences, further extending his influence and expertise in the field of cybersecurity education.

Research Focus

Dr. Frederick T. Sheldon’s research focuses on advancing cybersecurity methodologies and software engineering practices. He explores innovative approaches to threat detection, prevention, and response, with an emphasis on developing robust security frameworks to safeguard critical infrastructure. His work integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cybersecurity solutions. Additionally, Dr. Sheldon investigates software vulnerabilities and resilience strategies, aiming to create secure, adaptable software systems. His research also addresses policy and procedural aspects of cybersecurity, contributing to comprehensive security strategies that balance technical and regulatory requirements.

Publication top Notes:

Trustworthy High-Performance Multiplayer Games with Trust-but-Verify Protocol Sensor Validation
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Sensors
- DOI: 10.3390/s24144737
Novel Ransomware Detection Exploiting Uncertainty and Calibration Quality Measures Using Deep Learning
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Information
- DOI: 10.3390/info15050262
An Incremental Mutual Information-Selection Technique for Early Ransomware Detection
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Information
- DOI: 10.3390/info15040194
Cloud Security Using Fine-Grained Efficient Information Flow Tracking
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Future Internet
- DOI: 10.3390/fi16040110
eMIFS: A Normalized Hyperbolic Ransomware Deterrence Model Yielding Greater Accuracy and Overall Performance
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Sensors
- DOI: 10.3390/s24061728
Ensembling Supervised and Unsupervised Machine Learning Algorithms for Detecting Distributed Denial of Service Attacks
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Algorithms
- DOI: 10.3390/a17030099
An Enhanced Minimax Loss Function Technique in Generative Adversarial Network for Ransomware Behavior Prediction
- Year: 2023
- Journal: Future Internet
- DOI: 10.3390/fi15100318