Cybersecurity Faculty

Biography

Christopher Foster is an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity and Networking at Montgomery College, and a Cybersecurity Specialist for the US Army.

Professor Foster has worked extensively in the Information Technology field for over 20 years with specialized expertise in satellite communications, and Information Technology training. He earned a Master’s degree in Information Security and Assurance from Western Governor’s University and a Bachelors in Information Systems from Strayer University. His current certifications include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), GIAC Python Coder (GPYC), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Certified Security Analyst (ECSA), Network+, Security+, Server+, and Cloud Essentials+.

Biography

Tesfaye Lemma is an associate professor of cybersecurity and networking at Montgomery College. He is an SME in application and database development, ERP, information assurance, business intelligence (BI) analysis and development.

Professor Lemma graduated from The Catholic University of America where he earned a master's in Computer Science/Information Assurance.  

Biography

Stephen McGowan is a Professor of Cybersecurity and Networking at Montgomery College.

Mr. McGowan has over 30 years of information technology and training experience in programming, network management, database administration, information assurance, risk management, operations management, fraud, and cybersecurity.

Mr. McGowan graduated from University of Maryland, Global Campus and has earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Masters of Science in Information Technology (Phi Kappa Phi), Masters of Business Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance.  He also obtained multiple certifications from Microsoft, CompTia, (ISC)², EC-Council, ISACA, Novell, project management, and multiple programming certifications.

Mr. McGowan has held multiple positions in education, information technology including security, fraud management, banking/financial, senior management, and information assurance.

Educational Background

Master of Business Administration (MBA), UMGC
Master of Science (MS) – IT/Information Assurance, UMGC
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Information Systems Management, UMGC
Associates Degree in Computer Management,PGCC

Biography

Ashish Shah is an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity and Networking at Montgomery College. He has been an Information Technology Professional for over 23 years, working in Systems Management, IT/Cybersecurity, Software Development, Enterprise Portal Deployment/Development, Web 2.0 technologies, Enterprise Reporting, Data warehouses and UI Design/Development.

Professor Shah has been teaching at Montgomery College for over 18 years for courses such as System Analysis and Design, Microcomputer Essentials, Network Security,  Information Security Capstone, C++ Programming, Web technologies, HTML, Java, Oracle, Computer and Database Concepts and Project Management.

He graduated from the Pune University in India where he earned Bachelor of Science Electronics and Telecommunications. He has a master’s in Information Systems and Technology from The Johns Hopkins University.

Educational Background

BS, Electronics and Telecommunications, Pune University, India
MS, Information Systems and Technology, The Johns Hopkins University

Biography

David Vargas is a professor of cybersecurity. He has worked extensively in cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors and often shares his expertise at security conferences and professional meetings nationwide. Mr. Vargas graduated magna cum laude from The George Washington University and has completed graduate work in Information Systems at The Johns Hopkins University. He also holds several cybersecurity certifications. Before moving to academia, Mr. Vargas was President of VATG, Inc. a cybersecurity and network integration company.

Biography

Silvia Vargas is a Professor of Cybersecurity and Networking at Montgomery College. She is the Cybersecurity Center Point of Contact (PoC) and Program Coordinator.

She has over 15 years of engineering experience in network security, server and network administration, identity management, system integration, biometrics, and patch / vulnerability management.

Professor Vargas graduated cum laude from The Catholic University of America and has earned a bachelor's in Management Information Systems, a master's in Computer Science/Information Assurance, and a master's in Engineering Management.

She has served in various roles including security and project management for federal and state agencies. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses at George Washington University and The Catholic University of America, as well as training at other institutions across the Washington metropolitan area and abroad.