University of the Cumberlands graduate Dr. Nikhitha Yathiraju has won the 2023 International Best Researcher Award from the International Society for Scientific Network (ISSN). A major component in the judges’ decision to name Dr. Yathiraju the 2023 International Best Researcher was a research paper entitled “The Impact and Limitations of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity: A Literature Review,” which Dr. Yathiraju co-authored with fellow Cumberlands alumni Dr. Bibhu Dash, Dr. Meraj Farheen Ansari, and Pawankumar Sharma.

"I feel incredible receiving the prestigious ISSN 2023 International Best Researcher Award for the field of Information technology, AI in Cloud ERP Technologies, and Cybersecurity,” said Dr. Yathiraju. “This recognition fuels my passion to continue pushing boundaries, innovating, and delivering unparalleled excellence in the industry. "

Dr. Yathiraju completed her PhD in IT at Cumberlands in 2022 and currently works as a lead automation engineer for Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Earlier in 2023, she was featured in the International Business Times and LatestLY for her work implementing technology in global industries over the years. She has participated as an industry expert and judge for the international Globee® Awards and has published numerous scholarly research papers covering the topics of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, big data, the Metaverse, fintech, Internet of Things, data mining, and more. She was also recently one of the key members of a patent filing, the focus of which is to reduce the workload placed on Human Resources professionals. To read Dr. Yathiraju’s work, visit www.researchgate.net/profile/Nikhitha-Yathiraju.

The ISSN awards are some of the biggest international research awards. Per the ISSN Awards website, award nominees are elected by their peers, and awards are decided by esteemed professionals who offer “independent, objective advice to the world on matters related to science and technology.” The ISSN’s mission is to “recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, medicine” and more.

Several graduates from Cumberlands’ IT graduate programs have made headlines recently as they have earned international awards, completed paid blockchain research internships, and more. Read their stories at www.ucumberlands.edu/news.

University of the Cumberlands’ online and graduate programs now come with textbooks and other academic services included in one simple, affordable tuition package through the university’s new One Price Promise. In short, everything that students need to succeed – both on-campus and online – are provided in one all-inclusive tuition package with absolutely no hidden fees or additional cost. To learn more, visit www.ucumberlands.edu.