The UT Martin Research Series moves off-campus for a special event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at the Martin Public Library.
Dr. Lily Pharris, assistant professor of computer science at the University of Tennessee at Martin, will report on current research concerning cybersecurity awareness among college students and the broader community.
“While exploring strategies to strengthen cybersecurity defenses on campus, we increase students’ understanding of the growing risks in our digital environment,” she said.
The study advocates for proactive cybersecurity education to prepare students for the challenges ahead during their college years and in their subsequent professional careers.
Pharris’ research utilizes a phishing simulation approach, which is useful to off-campus communities and the general public.
Pharris dedicates her time to advancing cybersecurity education and fostering student success. Her scholarly interests encompass a wide array of topics, including cybersecurity, emerging technologies, business analytics and human-computer interaction.
Through interdisciplinary exploration, Pharris delves into critical issues such as preventing social engineering attacks and strengthening cybersecurity measures in business environments, thereby offering valuable insights that bridge the realms of cybersecurity, education, business and technology.
Pharris holds a doctor of business administration in information systems from Liberty University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis and a bachelor of business administration in computer information systems from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Prior to joining the Department of Computer Science at UT Martin, she held the position of associate professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems at Northwestern State University in Louisiana.
As the co-chair of UT Martin’s Women in STEM initiative, Pharris actively champions equal opportunities and empowerment for students pursuing careers in technology. She strives to cultivate an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and equipped to excel.
The event is co-sponsored by the Martin Public Library, the Friends of the Martin Public Library, UT Martin’s Division of Academic Affairs and the Paul Meek Library. It is open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m., May 9, at the public library’s downtown location at 410 South Lindell St. in Martin.
For more information, contact Dr. Erik Nordberg, dean of the Paul Meek Library, at 731-881-7070.
