Professors Vir V. Phoha and Jay K. Lee have been honored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world’s largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology.
Vir Phoha, left, and Jay Lee
Phoha, an expert in cybersecurity, received the 2017 IEEE Region One Technological Innovation in Academics Award for his contributions to authentication using behavioral biometrics.
Phoha pioneered the field of spoof-resistant active authentication. His algorithms and prototypes are the foundation for the security of many financial and military systems. Prior to his work, the field of behavioral biometrics was mostly theoretical. His inventions have resulted in widespread commercial use of active authentication. Phoha’s work also provides protection for many classified information systems.
Lee, an electrical engineering expert, earned the 2017 IEEE Region One Outstanding Support for the Mission of the IEEE, Member and Geographic Activities, Region and Section Award for his outstanding service to the IEEE ϲ Student Branch and the ϲ section.
Lee has been an integral member of IEEE ϲ for more than 30 years, holding multiple positions within the organization, including section chair, Region One student activities chair and the ϲ IEEE student branch advisor. He has mentored a generation of engineering students and promoted the benefits and values of IEEE membership.
