About Me

I am a Professor in the department of Computer Science and Engineering at UC Riverside. I am also the CEO and co-founder of Deepbits Technology, a cybersecurity startup. More details about me can be found in my CV.

My research interests lie in computer security. In particular, I am interested in binary analysis (analyzing binary executables without access to the source code) to solve computer and software security problems, including but not limited to malware detection and analysis, vulnerability discovery, program hardening, and digital forensics.

Making an appointment?

If you would like to make an appointment with me, please check my Calendar.

Read this before you write me an email:

• Unsolicited inquiries of TA/grader/reader positions are not welcome.
• If you are already enrolled in our undergraduate or Masters program and like to conduct research with me, feel free to contact me. Most positions are unpaid. Selected domestic undergraduate students may get paid through federal grants (like NSF REU).
• If you are applying for our Masters program, please contact me only after you are admitted. I do not answer questions regarding your qualifications. Most master students are self-funded.
• I am always looking for motivated PhD students to work with. I encourage you to check out my recent publications and write me an individualized email. All PhD students have full financial aid.

Awards

• 2025 ISSTA Distinguished Paper Award
• 2024 DSN Distinguished Best Paper Award
• 2022 Cybersecurity Best Machine Learning and Security Paper Award
• 2022 Amazon Research Award
• 2020-2023 AI 2000 Most Influential Scholar Award Honorable Mention in Security and Privacy
• 2019 Google Security and Privacy Research Award
• 2019 RAID Best Paper Award
• 2018 AI-10 Most Influential Scholar Award in Security
• 2016 DARPA Cyber Grand Challenge CFE, ranked #2 in attack
• 2015 DARPA Cyber Grand Challenge CQE, ranked #1 in defense
• 2011 NSF Career Award