Fadi Muheidat
Contact
Bio
Fadi Muheidat, Ph.D., Senior Member IEEE, is an Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering and Director of the Teaching Resource Center (TRC) at California State University, San Bernardino. Dr. Muheidat worked as Systems and Networking Engineer for 8 years. Beyond his leadership in the TRC, Dr. Muheidat’s research interests include artificial intelligence and natural language processing, eldercare technology, cybersecurity, blockchain, predictive analysis, Federated Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cyber-physical systems. He has published 40+ articles and book chapters in these areas. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia, USA. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
Education
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
Courses/Teaching
My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in student-centered active learning, with a particular emphasis on team-based learning (TBL). I believe this approach not only enables students to grasp course concepts more effectively but also helps them develop crucial professional skills such as problem-solving and interpersonal teamwork. My focus is on teaching students the foundational "how it works" knowledge, encouraging collaborative work, and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.
I strive to inspire enthusiasm in my students by presenting course material as an engaging narrative, showing how each new chapter builds upon the last. I approach each course with renewed excitement, as if teaching it for the first time. This enthusiasm is contagious and helps to motivate students. I believe in making students accountable and actively engaged in their learning process. To this end, I employ various techniques such as calling on students to solve problems on the board, involving the whole class in problem-solving, and offering bonus points for challenging questions.
My teaching style is designed to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating. I utilize a student-centered model where students work in teams, allowing them to engage with their peers without anxiety or embarrassment. This approach has proven effective in increasing student engagement and deepening understanding of course material.
In response to the sudden transition to distance learning in Spring 2020, I adapted my teaching methods to meet the unique challenges of online education. I attended numerous online training sessions offered by CSUSB ATI and other platforms to enhance my virtual teaching skills. My focus was on understanding and addressing student needs, creating a sense of community, and providing support. I implemented pre-semester check-in surveys, "meet your peers" activities, and regular check-ins on pandemic-related issues. To maintain student engagement, I taught synchronously, varied assessment methods, and increased my availability through multiple platforms including Zoom and Discord.
Courses Taught:
At California State University San Bernardino (Associate Professor, 2019-Present), I have taught a wide range of courses including Artificial Intelligence, Computer Network and Security, Embedded Systems, Operating Systems, Digital Logic Design, Advanced Computer Architecture, and Intelligent Wireless Sensor Networks, among others.
Previously, at the University of the Pacific (Assistant Professor, 2017-2019), I led courses in Digital Design, Circuits Theory, Embedded Systems, and Computer Systems and Networks.
At various institutions, I've taught graduate-level courses such as Systems Programming, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, and Cyber Security.
During my time at the University of Missouri (2010-2017), I served as a Teaching Fellow, Graduate Instructor, and Teaching Assistant for courses including VHDL and Programmable Logic Devices, Circuit Theory, and Computer Organization.
Throughout my teaching career, I have consistently applied my philosophy of active, collaborative learning, adapting it to each course's specific needs. My goal is always to not just impart knowledge, but to inspire students to become curious, critical thinkers who are well-prepared for their future careers in computer science and engineering. I am committed to continuous improvement as an educator, regularly seeking out professional development opportunities to enhance my teaching skills and methodologies.
Specialization
- Academic Appointments
- Director, Teaching Resource Center, California State University, San Bernardino, CA (Fall 203-)
- Associate Professor, California State University, San Bernardino, CA (Fall 2019-)
- Assistant Professor, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA (Fall 2017-Summer 2019)
- Teaching Fellow/Graduate Instructor, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (Fall 2011- Fall 2017)
- Professional Development and Service
- Professional Engineering in Training Certificate (EIT CA: 167423)
- CompTIA Security+ Certified, Dec 2021(Certificate No. COMP001021925977)
- Division of Student Affairs Faculty Advisory Board, CSUSB (Fall2020-)
- Member, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Science Programs, Scientific Review Committee (SRC), and Institutional Review Boards (IRB) (Spring 2021-)
- The Assessment Capability Learning Institute (ACLI), (AY 2021-2022)
- Faculty Fellow, Extended Reality for Learning (xREAL) Lab (Fall 2020-)
- Steering Committee Member and Mentor, Cal-Bridge CS, (Summer 2020-)
- AASCU Pilot Cohort - Institute for the Future, Spring 2021
- Effective College Instructions (ACUE) Certificate (AY 2019-2020)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Faculty Learning Community (AY 2020-2021)
- Grant Experience
- Creating Inclusive Pathways to Allied Health Professions (CIPAHP), Grant (2024-2029) (Key Personnel (i.e Co-PI), ~$2,710,000, PI : Caroline Vickers)
- Experiencing Physics and Inspiring Communities (EPIC) project, RENEW-HEP , Department of Energy (DOE) (Co-PI, $125,000, AY 2023-2024, PI: Sara Callori)
- Vital Technology Innovation Grant for E-Learning Academy, California State University, San Bernardino (PI; $57,500, 2021-2022); College to career readiness through shadowing internships
- Advisory Board Member, Grant Advisory Board, Lewis University, IL (Fall 2021-). Advice on the design and evaluation of engineering education data collection and analysis.
- Affordable Solutions Grant-CSUSB (PI; $700; AY 2020-2021)
- Summer Student Research Award, Office of Students Research (OSR-CSUSB) (PI; $5,500; AY 2019-2020)
- Synergistic Activities
- Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – IEEE
- Member of the American Society for Engineering Education- ASEE
- Associate Editor and peer reviewer for the IEEE Engineering in Medicine Biology Society (EMBS)
- Reviewer for major journals in the field of computer engineering and engineering education
Research and Teaching Interests
See my Publication :Google Scholar
My research interests are centered around emerging technologies and their applications, with a particular focus on improving quality of life, enhancing healthcare systems, and advancing computing capabilities. At the core of my research is the exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its various subfields, including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). I am especially intrigued by the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their wide-ranging applications across different domains. My work in AI encompasses not only the development of advanced algorithms and models but also the critical examination of ethical considerations and the pursuit of explainable AI systems.
A significant and exciting project I'm currently leading is the development of iCody, an educational guide robot. This project encapsulates many of my research interests and provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning for my students. iCody is designed to be a user-friendly robot capable of giving both live and virtual tours, showcasing the integration of various cutting-edge technologies. The robot incorporates Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities, allowing for more natural human-robot interactions. We're utilizing the NVIDIA SDK for advanced processing capabilities, and integrating various embedded hardware components. The project also involves implementing computer vision techniques using OpenCV, enabling iCody to navigate and interact with its environment more effectively. GPS integration and internet connectivity allow for location-aware services and real-time information updates. One of the most exciting aspects of iCody is its voice control feature, which, combined with visual language processing, allows for multi-modal interactions. This project not only serves as a practical application of AI, robotics, and embedded systems concepts but also provides students with invaluable experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world problem-solving. Through the development of iCody, students are gaining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technologies while contributing to the creation of an innovative educational tool.
In healthcare and eldercare, I leverage AI and sensor technologies for early illness recognition, smart home systems, and health monitoring. I'm exploring xReality to promote social belonging among the elderly, while developing secure IoT models for healthcare applications. My research also investigates the convergence of blockchain and AI for enhanced data security and decentralized AI paradigms. In robotics, I'm developing AI-powered educational guide robots that integrate computer vision, NLP, and LLMs for intuitive human-robot interactions.
Engineering education is a passion that permeates my research. I am constantly exploring innovative teaching pedagogies in computer science and engineering, with a particular focus on how AI, LLMs, and NLP can be leveraged to create more engaging and effective learning experiences. This includes the development of AI-enhanced educational technologies and the use of extended reality for immersive learning.
My research touches on the critical area of cybersecurity, where I investigate AI-driven security solutions for IoT and cyber-physical systems (wearables), as well as the application of NLP in threat detection and analysis. Throughout all these areas, I aim to foster interdisciplinary collaborations that can lead to innovative solutions and advancements in the field of computer science and engineering, always with an eye towards ethical implementation and societal benefit.