Racer Report: April 21-25
By 糖心logo入口 Public Relations | Apr 22, 2025
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� The latest 糖心logo入口 Racer Report includes student, faculty, staff and alumni accomplishments, announcements, upcoming campus events and more for the week of April 21-25.
**
糖心logo入口 faculty Drs. Abdul Yarali, Hassan Mistareehi and Jason Owen, along with graduate student Moni Dronavalli, of Krishna, India, and seniors Jonathan Kelley, of Barlow, Kentucky, and Lucas Taylor, of Lewisburg, Kentucky, have achieved a significant academic milestone by submitting three research presentations and publications at the prestigious 2025 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) sixth annual World Artificial Intelligence Internet of Things (AIIoT) Congress to be held in Seattle, Washington from May 28-30.
Additionally, one of the papers titled Big Data Security has been accepted for publication in the International Journal of Computer Science and Networks.
The first paper, 鈥淎rtificial Intelligence: Benefits and Flaws,鈥� accepted for presentation in AIIoT 2025, results from Yarali鈥檚 research work with cybersecurity and network management (CNM) undergraduate students Kelley and Taylor. It investigates various types of AI technologies, exploring their advantages and risks. It addresses AI鈥檚 growing integration into business and daily life, discussing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, legal considerations and economic impacts. The paper seeks to promote informed decision making around the responsible use of AI.
Yarali said one of the most enlightening aspects of the team鈥檚 research was uncovering the dual nature of artificial intelligence in society.
鈥淲hile AI offers significant benefits, such as increased efficiency and innovation, it also presents challenges, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities and ethical dilemmas,鈥� said Yarali. 鈥淒elving into these complexities highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to AI development and implementation, ensuring that its advantages are harnessed responsibly while mitigating potential risks.鈥�
Yarali also commended Kelley and Taylor for their contributions to high level research as undergraduates.
鈥淭heir involvement in the paper was pivotal and part of one of the classes they took with me,鈥� said Yarali. 鈥淭hey conducted thorough literature reviews, analyzed current AI applications and examined the associated risks, particularly in cybersecurity and legal contexts. Their fresh perspectives and dedication enriched the research, demonstrating the valuable contributions undergraduates can make to scholarly work.鈥�
The second paper, 鈥淎I鈥檚 Hidden Influence: The Silence Manipulation of Youth,鈥� is a collaborative research effort by computer science and information systems graduate student Dronavalli, Yarali of CNM and Mistareehi of the computer information systems department. This study explores how AI-driven algorithms鈥攑articularly in social media鈥攕ubtly shape youth behavior, potentially contributing to addiction, anxiety and exposure to harmful content. It also highlights the ethical concerns posed by deepfake technologies, AI-generated misinformation and intrusive data collection practices.
鈥淢oni Dronavalli is a passionate and dedicated scholar with a strong commitment to advancing science and technology,鈥� said Yarali. 鈥淗er recent research on the subtle influences of AI on youth behavior exemplifies her interdisciplinary approach and deep analytical skills. Moni is now preparing to pursue her Ph.D., with the University of Louisville as a potential destination. Her enthusiasm for research, coupled with her unwavering dedication, positions her to make significant contributions to the field of AI ethics and its societal implications.鈥�
The third paper, 鈥淏ig Data Security: Challenges, Risks and Best Practices for Organizations,鈥� a collaborative work between Mistareehi, Yarali and Owen, has been accepted for publication in the International Journal of Computer Science and Networks. It comprehensively analyzes the cybersecurity challenges associated with managing large-scale data. It discusses threats such as data breaches and insider risk and outlines best practices, including encryption, access controls and continuous monitoring, to help organizations strengthen their security posture.
The recognition by the IEEE conference and an international journal underscores the impact and quality of research emerging from 糖心logo入口 State in AI, cybersecurity and digital ethics.
**
糖心logo入口 Associate Professor of Accounting Dr. Najib Sahyoun was recently featured in a WalletHub article about credit card fraud and how to minimize the threat.
Read the article here:
**
The Middle Tennessee Council of Scouting America recently honored 糖心logo入口 State student Hayden Heberer, of Palmyra, Tennessee, along with two lifelong friends, Logan Webb and Cody Carmon鈥攖hree exemplary Scouts from Troop 522鈥攆or achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Boy Scouts of America.
Graduates of Tennessee鈥檚 Montgomery Central High School, these lifelong friends began their Scouting journey together as Cub Scouts. Since then, they鈥檝e grown side by side, navigating every badge, challenge and outdoor adventure together. Their shared journey culminated in a heartfelt Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony held at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, where their dedication, perseverance and enduring friendship were celebrated by family, fellow Scouts and community members.
鈥淗aving friends by your side through it all is priceless,鈥� was a sentiment echoed throughout the evening, especially by Troop Leader Steven Heberer, who also happens to be Hayden鈥檚 father.
The Eagle Scout rank is achieved by fewer than 10% of Scouts nationwide and requires the completion of at least 21 merit badges, demonstration of leadership within the troop and the successful planning and execution of a significant community service project.
Beyond meeting these rigorous requirements, Heberer and his friends have demonstrated the character, discipline and commitment that lie at the heart of Scouting鈥檚 mission: to prepare young people to lead lives of integrity, service and impact.
鈥淲e are incredibly proud of these young men,鈥� said Jack Wilkerson, Clarksville Scouting representative. 鈥淭heir accomplishments are the result of years of hard work and a deep commitment to service. They are true role models for our community and an inspiration to future Scouts.鈥�
**
SSC Grounds staff planted a tree in Woods Park on April 22 in honor of Earth Day. The crew also gave away tree seedlings. The event was hosted by the 糖心logo入口 Earth & Environmental Sciences Club.
**
Professor of Psychology Dr. Dan Wann was featured in a recent article in the Washington Post, centered around NFL mock drafts and fans鈥� excitement over draft picks and possibilities for their favorite teams.
Wann, who specializes in the psychology of sports fandom and sports psychology, has been in the field for more than three decades and has taught at 糖心logo入口 State since 1991.
Read the full article at .