Dr. Maurice Dawson Jr. is a cybersecurity scholar, educator, and practitioner whose work advances cyber defense, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure protection, and global security education. He serves as Associate Professor of Information Technology and Management and Director of the Center for Cyber Security and Forensics Education at Illinois Institute of Technology. A six-time Fulbright recipient, Dr. Dawson has contributed to international cybersecurity capacity building through Fulbright engagements in Botswana, Kosovo, Tunisia, and other global contexts. His research examines AI-enabled cybersecurity, cyber operations, digital crime, online extremism, and national security, with publications spanning cybersecurity education, homeland security, and emerging technology governance. He has collaborated with universities, governments, and professional organizations across multiple regions to strengthen cyber workforce development and institutional resilience. Drawing on prior military, industry, and academic experience, Dr. Dawson brings a practical and policy-informed perspective to cybersecurity education, research, and international engagement.