Scholarship

  • Scholarship

The Cyber Educator’s Research & Reach

From peer-reviewed publications to international presentations and hands-on workshops, this section highlights the research, insights, and real-world impact I’ve made in advancing cybersecurity knowledge and practice.

Publications & Conferences Proceedings

Publications & Conferences Proceedings

  • Yang, J., & Bell, N. (2024). Benefits in adopting blockchain technology in fashion products. Bridging the Divide Conference. https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17603. Available here. 🔍
  • Bell, N., & Liu, X. M. (2023). Level of Cybersecurity Readiness of Small and Medium Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) During COVID-19. Journal of Strategic Innovation and Sustainability, Vol. 18 No. 2 (2023). https://doi.org/10.33423/jsis.v18i2. Available here. 🔍
  • Bell, N., & Mbaziira, A. (2023). Exploring a Diplomatic System of Cooperation in the Cyber Space through a Proposed Cyber Diplomacy Cooperation Framework. Proceedings of the International Conference on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime (IC3), Proceedings Vol. 10 (2–23). https://doi.org/10.19107/CYBERCON.2023.01. Available here. 🔍
  • Bell, N., & Mbaziira, A. (2023). Cyber Diplomacy Cooperation Framework: Establishing a Diplomatic System of Cooperation in the Cyber Space. The 13th Annual Dupont Summit on Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy. Available here. 🔍
  • Bell, N., Liu, X., & Murphy, D. (2022). Departmental Academic Resilience: Using the Incident Response Methodology Taken from Cybersecurity. 2022 SEINFORMS 58th Annual Meeting Proceedings. Available here. 🔍
  • Ferreras-Perez, J., & Bell, N. (2022). Implementation of Password Managers (PMs) in SMEs and NPOs: An Adapted IT Acceptance Model Framework. 2022 SEINFORMS 58th Annual Meeting Proceedings. Available here. 🔍
  • Ermicioi, N., Liu, X., & Murphy, D. (2022). A Framework to Implement Academic Digital Badges when Reskilling the IT Workforce. Information Systems Education Journal, 20(1), pp. 36–46. http://ISEDJ.org/2022-1/. ISSN: 1545-679X. Available here. 🔍
    • Editor’s Note: This paper was selected for inclusion in the journal as an EDSIGCON 2021 Distinguished Paper. The acceptance rate is typically 7% for this category of paper based on blind reviews from six or more peers including three or more former best papers authors who did not submit a paper in 2021.
  • Ermicioi, N., & Liu, M. X. (2022). Cybersecurity in Nonprofits: Factors Affecting Security Readiness During Covid-19. SAIS 2022 Proceedings. 18. https://aisel.aisnet.org/sais2022/18. Available here. 🔍
  • Ermicioi, N., & Liu, M. X. (2022). Level of Cybersecurity Readiness of Small and Medium Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) During COVID-19. SEDSI 2022 Proceedings. https://www.sedsi.org/_files/ugd/f590f6_99396e2a33014a608b840f0c7678df41.pdf. Available here. 🔍
  • Ermicioi, N., Liu, X., & Murphy, D. (2021). Digital Badges as an Agile Pathway: Implementing Graduate-Level, Micro-Credential Programs to Reskill the IT Workforce. 2021 Proceedings of the EDSIG Conference, Washington DC. ISSN 2473-4901, v7 n5507. Available here. 🔍
  • Ermicioi, N., & Liu, X. M. (2021). An Interdisciplinary Study of Cybersecurity Investment in the Nonprofit Sector. American Journal of Management, 21(5). https://doi.org/10.33423/ajm.v21i5.4728. Available here. 🔍

Academic Presentations, Posters and Tutorials/ Workshops

Academic Presentations, Posters and Tutorials/ Workshops

  • 2023 Virginia Cybersecurity Education Conference (Presentation, co-presenter) | Educating future cyber heroes. | July 22-23, 2023. Available here. 🔍
  • 2023 Mid-Atlantic Cybersecurity Capabilities and Careers Symposia (MA-3CS) (Dialog, co-presenter) | How Do College Students Develop the Needed “Skills” for the Cybersecurity Workplace. | Apr. 1, 2023.
  • The 13th Annual Dupont Summit on Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (Academic Presentation, co-presenter) | Cyber Diplomacy Cooperation Framework: Establishing a Diplomatic System of Cooperation in the Cyber Space. | Feb. 17, 2023. Available here. 🔍
  • 2022 38th Annual CCSC Eastern Conference (Faculty Poster Abstract) | Developing Basic Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Solutions Using BeagleBone AI: An AI Hardware Learning Tool for Undergraduate Students | Oct. 21-22, 2022. Available here. 🔍
  • 2022 38th Annual CCSC Eastern Conference (Faculty Tutorial Abstract) | Using Single-Board Miniature Computers (SBCs) to Create Basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) projects | Oct. 21-21, 2022. Available here. 🔍
  • SEINFORMS 58th Annual Meeting (Academic Presentation) | Departmental Academic Resilience: Using the Incident Response Methodology Taken from Cybersecurity | Oct. 6-7, 2022. Available here. 🔍
  • 2022 Southern Association for Information Systems Annual Conference 2022 (Academic Presentation) | Cybersecurity In Nonprofits: Factors Affecting Security Readiness During Covid-19 | March. 24-25, 2022. Available here. 🔍
  • 2022 The 51st Annual Meeting of the Southeast Decision Sciences Institute 2022 (Academic Presentation) | Level of Cybersecurity Readiness of Small and Medium Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) During COVID-19 Oral Presentation | Feb. 16-18, 2022. Available here. 🔍
  • 2021 EDSIG Conference, Washington DC (Academic Presentation) | Digital Badges as an Agile Pathway: Implementing Graduate-Level, Micro-Credential Programs to Reskill the IT Workforce | Nov. 3-6, 2021. Available here. 🔍
  • 2021 37th Annual CCSC Eastern Conference (Academic Presentation – Conference Tutorial) | Using a Raspberry Pi to Teach Python Coding to Students of All Ages | Oct. 22-23, 2021. Available here. 🔍
  • 2021 37th Annual CCSC Eastern Conference (Faculty Poster Abstract) | Analyzing the Optimal Level of Investment in Cybersecurity for Nonprofit Organizations (NPO) by Combining Gordon-Loeb and FAIR Models | Oct. 22-23, 2021. Available here. 🔍
  • 2021 37th Annual CCSC Eastern Conference (Faculty – Student Paper Abstract) | How Can Romania Leverage Education to Become a Regional Cybersecurity Leader? | Oct. 22-23, 2021. Available here. 🔍
  • 2021 ACM CAPWIC (Academic Presentation – Research Shorts) | Cybersecurity Applied to Nonprofits | Mar. 26-28, 2021. Available here. 🔍
  • 2019 Marymount University Student Research Conference (Academic Presentation) | Cybersecurity Applied to Nonprofits – The Optimal Cybersecurity Investment | Apr. 24, 2019 | Arlington, VA. Available here. 🔍
  • 2019 ACM CAPWIC | Cybersecurity Applied to Nonprofits – The Optimal Cybersecurity Investment (Conference Poster) | Mar. 22-23, 2019 | Harrisonburg, VA. Available here. 🔍

Academic Awards

Academic Awards

  • EDSIGCON 2021 Distinguished Paper Award
    • Ermicioi, N., Liu, X., Murphy, D., (2022). A Framework to Implement Academic Digital Badges when Reskilling the IT Workforce. Information Systems Education Journal 20(1) pp 36-46. http://ISEDJ.org/2022-1/ ISSN : ISSN: 1545-679X. Available here. 🔍
    • The acceptance rate is typically 7% for this category of paper based on blind reviews from six or more peers including three or more former best papers authors who did not submit a paper in 2021.
  • SEINFORMS 2022 Best Track Paper, Special Track on Research and Teaching Related to Post-Pandemic Issues
    • 2022 SEINFORMS 58th Annual Meeting (Academic Presentation) | Departmental Academic Resilience: Using the Incident Response Methodology Taken from Cybersecurity | Oct. 6-7, 2022. Available here. 🔍

Industry & Discipline Presentations

Industry & Discipline Presentations

  • ‘Cyber Diplomacy in Moldova’ hosted by Young Diplomats Association of Moldova, Republic of Moldova (Invited Keynote Speaker) | Sept. 15, 2023.
  • ‘Cybersecurity in Education: Challenges and Perspectives’ hosted by IESPM, Republic of Moldova (Invited Keynote Speaker) | Sept. 14, 2023.
  • ‘Women of the National Cyber League’ webinar BrightTalk hosted by Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) (Invited Speaker) | Women of the National Cyber League: Engage, Celebrate & Uplift! | March 9th, 2023. Available here. 🔍
  • Global Cybersecurity Summit hosted by Aurel Vlaicu University, Romania (Invited Speaker) | Cybersecurity Workforce Development | Oct. 22, 2022. Available here. 🔍
  • 2022 CyberCon Romania 2022 (Invited Speaker) | Cybersecurity Education and Career Development | May 18-20, 2022. Available here. 🔍
  • 2022 IIoT World Manufacturing Day 2022 (Invited Moderator) | Securing the Connected Factory of Tomorrow | May 12, 2022. Available here. 🔍
  • 2022 Women in Data Science Romania 2021 (Invited Speaker) | Academic Panel | March 7, 2022. Available here. 🔍

Media

Media

  • Taylor, N. (Author). (2026, Apr. 1). Economic Hardship Leads the Way for Cybercrime. AFCEA International’s SIGNAL Magazine.
    Available here. 🔍
  • Taylor, N. (Author). (2026, Apr. 1). Moldova’s Mighty Mission to a Cyber Resilient State. AFCEA International’s SIGNAL Magazine.
    Available here. 🔍
  • Bell, N. (Author). (2025, Nov. 17). RO: Modelul SMART pentru Dezvoltarea Forței de Muncă în Era AI./EN: The SMART Model for Workforce Development in the AI Era.
    Available here. 🔍
  • National Cyber League (NCL). (2023, Apr.). THE DECRYPTED POST – National Cyber League (NCL) April 2023 Newsletter.
    Available here. 🔍
  • Taylor, N. (Author). (2022, Oct. 11). Cyber Operators’ Dreaded Question: “What Do You Do?”. AFCEA International’s SIGNAL Magazine.
    Available here. 🔍
  • Ceauca, R. (Host). (2021, Feb. 19). Cyber Warfare and Disinformation. Intel4Patriam. (Audio podcast episode) Podcast Strategic #20.

White Papers

White Papers

  • Ermicioi, Natalia & Pop, Daria. (2022). How Can Romania Leverage Education to Become a Regional Cybersecurity Leader? Available here. 🔍

Grants

Grants

  • (Co-PI) Accepted grant of $125,000.00 from NSA to organize 2024 GenCyber Summer Camps for high school students.
  • (Co-PI) Grant of $125,000.00 from NSA to organize 2023 GenCyber Summer Camps for high school students.
    • Awarded $1,000 from Marymount University MU Summer Research Fellowship Project 2019: Understanding the Differences between Nonprofit and For-Profit Organizations’ Optimal Investment in Cybersecurity. Available here. 🔍
  • Ermicioi, Natalia 2018-2019 MU Summer Research Fellowship Project: Understanding the Differences between Nonprofit and For-Profit Organizations’ Optimal Investment in Cybersecurity. Available here. 🔍

Awards and Recognitions

Awards and Recognitions

  • Nominee for Marymount University BILT Outstanding Research Faculty Award (April 2023). The BILT Outstanding Research Faculty Award recognizes a BILT faculty member for scholarly endeavors or artistic accomplishments published, performed or presented in the past 5 years.
  • Nominated for the MU Robert A. Draghi Outstanding Faculty Award (May 2022). The Robert A. Draghi Outstanding Faculty Award is awarded to a full-time faculty who has contributed to strengthen the overall University Community, supports the MU Mission and “Students Come First” philosophy, and demonstrates outstanding teaching excellence.
  • Nominated for the MU Good Colleague Faculty Award (May 2022). The MU Good Colleague Faculty Award Recognizes a BILT faculty member for their contributions to their peers in service of programs, scholarship, teaching, etc.
  • Marymount Alumni Saint Spotlight (December 2021)
  • Nominated the SAINT OF THE MONTH (March 2020) by International Student Services at Marymount University 🔍
  • 2014 The International Student of the Year Award (Winner – Central and Eastern Europe region) – The most important national award dedicated to International students, under the patronage of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova – Excelenta Academica pentru Moldova. 🔍

Service to Academic and Professional Organizations

Service to Academic and Professional Organizations

  • Served as Mentor: 2023 WiCyS – Women in Cybersecurity Mentorship Program | Mar. – Dec., 2023.
  • Served as Student Poster Judge 2023 WiCyS – Women in Cybersecurity Conference | Mar. 16-18, 2023.
  • Served as Faculty & Student Poster Chair and Judge; and Conference Committee for 2022 38th Annual CCSC (The Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges) Eastern Conference | Oct. 21-22, 2022.
  • Served as Track and Session Chair for 2022 SEINFORMS 58th Annual Meeting | Oct. 6-7, 2022.
  • Served as International Advisory Board Member for the International Conference on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime. Editorial Team. Available here. 🔍 | 2022.
  • Served as Conference Co-Chair for 2021 37th Annual CCSC (The Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges) Eastern Conference | Oct. 22-23, 2021. Conference Welcome Letter available here. 🔍 | 2021.
  • Served as Co-Organizer of the 2021 Global Entrepreneurship Week at Marymount University | 2021.
  • Served as Facilitator/Instructor for GEN AI Project, coordinated by MITRE. 🔍 | 2021.
  • Served as Organizer and Instructor for the 2021 MU Cyber AI Summer Camp | Jun. 21 – 25, 2021 | Marymount University, Arlington, VA
  • Served as Facilitator and Instructor for Fulbright Program – Cybersecurity in Universities: A Global Exchange Program 🔍 | Jun. 21 – 25, 2021 | Marymount University, Arlington, VA
  • Served as Facilitator and Instructor for Elder Tech Care Program – Falls Church Senior Center | April & Jun. 24 – Jul. 8, 2021 | Marymount University, Arlington, VA
  • Served as Co-Chair for the Scholarship Committee of CAPWIC 🔍 2020 (ACM Capital Region Celebration of Women in Computing) | Mar. 27 – 28, 2020 | Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA | 2020.
  • Served as Assistant Coach for the competing Marymount University team at the annual Cyber Fusion Challenge 🔍, co-hosted by Virginia Military Institute, Senator Mark R. Warner, and the Virginia Cyber Range | Feb. 21 – 22, 2020 | Lexington, VA