November 18, 2025DMC Partners with South Brunswick High School on AI in Computer Science Education

The DMC Center is collaborating with South Brunswick High School on a research project exploring how generative AI tools can support – rather than replace – student learning in introductory computer science courses.

As AI tools like ChatGPT become increasingly common in education, there’s an open question: how do we help students use these tools effectively without short-circuiting the learning process? This partnership between DMC Director Scott Frees and SBHS Computer Science teacher (and Ramapo adjunct Computer Science professor) Steven Schiff aims to find out.

The study involves high school students across eight sections of “Computer Science in the 21st Century,” testing three different approaches to AI access: no AI, limited AI (where students use it only for understanding), and a custom-build AI assistant – built at the Ramapo DMC Center – designed to explain concepts without writing code for students. By rotating these conditions across different programming topics, the research team hopes to understand which approaches help students learn foundational concepts most effectively.

This collaboration represents the kind of practical research needed as educators adapt to rapidly evolving technology. Rather than banning AI or giving students unlimited access, the project explores middle ground—helping students develop both programming skills and the judgment to use AI tools responsibly. The findings will provide guidance for computer science educators navigating similar questions about AI integration in their own classrooms.

Learn more about the project at codewithgrace.com.

Categories: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science

September 22, 2025DMC Student Publishes Cybersecurity Research at IEEE International Conference

Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) student Chris Hainzl and his faculty advisor Dr. Sourav Dutta have published their research at the 12th IEEE International Conference on Cyber Security and Cloud Computing (IEEE CSCloud 2025). Their paper, titled “Dynamic Feature Clustering for Anomaly Detection in Streaming Cybersecurity Data,” addresses one of the most pressing challenges in modern cybersecurity: detecting anomalous behavior in real time from continuous data streams such as firewall logs, intrusion detection systems, and network monitors.

The research introduces Adaptive Feature Clustering for Streaming Data (AFCSD), a novel clustering approach that incrementally updates feature groupings by tracking covariance matrix drift. This dynamic method allows feature clusters to adapt as data distributions shift, enhancing both the accuracy and computational efficiency of anomaly detection in non-stationary environments.

The publication of this work at a premier IEEE conference underscores the significant contributions Ramapo students and faculty are making in advancing scalable, real-time solutions to critical cybersecurity challenges.

Congratulations to Chris and Dr. Dutta on this outstanding achievement!

Categories: Cybersecurity

September 11, 2025Save the date: Pivoting C.S. Degree into a Career into Forensics and Cyber Security

Join us for the second DMC Lecture Series of Fall 2025 – and the second by a Ramapo CS Alum!

Pivoting a C.S. Degree into a Career in Forensics and Cyber Security

November 12th, 5:30pm
ASB 524

A degree in Computer Science provides the foundation for solving real-world problems in cybersecurity and digital forensics. In this presentation, I will share how core programming and problem-solving skills translated into developing custom forensic scripts, building in-house automation tools, and streamlining complex data processes. I will also highlight how computer science fundamentals extend into my everyday work dealing with developers to senior leadership.

Craig Brady is a Senior Director of Cybersecurity with over 17 years of experience leading high-performing teams across incident response, threat intelligence, engineering, and vulnerability management. Craig specializes in building scalable security operations programs, developing insider threat frameworks, and guiding organizations through complex mergers, compliance requirements, and emerging threat landscapes. Beyond his technical expertise, Craig is recognized as a collaborative leader and mentor, focused on professional growth, team development, and fostering a culture of accountability. Outside of cybersecurity, he enjoys 3D printing, smart home projects, and traveling.

Register Now

Categories: Cybersecurity, Lecture Series, MSCS, MSDS