We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Shahab Tayeb
Title: Associate Professor
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Academic Degree(s):

• B.S. in telecommunications engineering, with honors, National Polytechnic University of Armenia
• M.S. in radio engineering and communications, with honors, National Polytechnic University of Armenia
• Ph.D. in electrical engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

How long have you worked at Fresno State?
I joined the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in 2018.

Are you a Valley native?
While I’m not originally from the Central Valley, I’ve come to deeply appreciate its unique blend of agricultural innovation and cultural diversity. Since joining this campus, I’ve been impressed by the university's strong focus on applied research and its commitment to community engagement. I value the collaborative spirit here, which allows us to address regional challenges effectively.

Being part of the university has given me the opportunity to contribute to both the academic environment and the broader community, and I’m excited about the endless opportunities ahead.

Do you have a campus mentor or someone who has helped you in your career?
Yes, definitely. I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors here. Among my many mentors, Dr. Bryan Berrett, director of the Office of Innovation and Digital Excellence for Academic Success, has played significant roles in my career development. His guidance on navigating institutional structures and fostering student/faculty engagement have been invaluable.

His support has helped me build strong relationships within the campus, and I strive to pass on that mentorship to my faculty colleagues as well. Additionally, he has taught me the importance of collaboration and community outreach, which has influenced my approach to teaching, research and service.

Tell us about your department and what people may not know about it.
Our department is recognized for its strong focus on course rigor, applied research and community engagement. We have a dedicated faculty body that not only excels in teaching but also actively collaborates with local industries, providing students with valuable real-world experiences.

One aspect that many may not know is that a significant number of our graduates secure jobs in high-tech industries, including Google, Intel, Cisco, and IBM, among others, right after graduation. This success is a testament to the quality of our programs and the hands-on experiences we offer, which equip students with the skills needed to thrive in competitive job markets.

Personally, I truly value the collaborative atmosphere within our department. The supportive relationships among my faculty colleagues have created an enriching environment where everyone is encouraged to innovate and grow. It is rewarding to see our students thrive and make meaningful contributions to our community.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
My recent accomplishments span leading several externally-funded research projects aimed at developing robust cybersecurity protocols to protect connected vehicles from potential threats, ensuring the safety and privacy of our community.

The significance of this work lies in its direct impact on public safety and trust in emerging automotive technologies. As these technologies continue to expand, ensuring their security is crucial for preventing malicious attacks that could endanger lives and compromise personal data.

In collaboration with faculty colleagues from across the campus and dozens of student research assistants, our work has led to several high-caliber peer-reviewed publications.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
I am most passionate about enhancing cybersecurity, particularly in the context of such emerging technologies as the Internet of Things and the Internet of Vehicles. The increasing connectivity of devices presents both incredible opportunities and significant security challenges. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for cyber threats grows, making it essential to develop innovative security measures that can keep pace with these advancements.

This passion influences my research and teaching, as I strive to empower my students to think critically about these emerging challenges. I encourage them to explore creative solutions that not only protect systems but also foster trust in the technologies we depend on. Seeing my students engage with these issues and develop their own solutions has been incredibly rewarding.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?
One of the most memorable moments I have had was during the first convocation I attended here back in 2019, when I had the privilege of seeing my students graduate. As they walked across the stage, I felt an immense sense of pride and joy for each of them.

What made this moment particularly special was reflecting on their journeys — from the challenges they faced to the milestones they achieved. Seeing their determination pay off and witnessing their excitement as they received their diploma was truly inspiring.

This experience reinforced the impact we have as educators. It reminded me why I love teaching — being part of my students' growth and accomplishments is incredibly rewarding, and it motivates me to continue supporting future generations in their academic journeys.

What is a memorable moment you had in class?
One memorable moment in class was when I invited back a pair of alumni to share their experiences with our current students. They had graduated two years prior and were working in the industry.

As they presented, the room was filled with excitement and curiosity. Students asked questions about their career paths, challenges they faced, and how they applied what they learned at Fresno State in their jobs. It was inspiring to see the connection between past and present students, and the alumni shared valuable insights that resonated deeply with the current cohort.

What made this experience especially significant was watching the students’ reactions — seeing their eyes light up with possibilities for their own futures. This reinforced my belief in the importance of building a strong community and keeping alumni engaged. It reminded me that learning doesn’t end at graduation; it continues as we share knowledge and experiences across generations.

What is your teaching style?
My teaching style is primarily interactive and student-centered. I believe that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process, so I incorporate a variety of hands-on activities and real-world applications into my lessons.

For instance, in my cybersecurity courses, I often use case studies where students analyze recent security breaches and develop their own attack mitigation strategies. This not only helps them apply theoretical concepts but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Additionally, I promote group work and Think-Pair-Share, allowing students to share their insights and learn from one another. I’ve found that this approach fosters a sense of community in the classroom, making students feel more comfortable expressing their ideas and asking questions. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where students are motivated to explore and develop a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
My favorite quote is by Maya Angelou:

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."

This quote resonates with me because it emphasizes the power of agency and perspective.

In my teaching, I encourage students to take ownership of their learning experiences. I believe that challenges are opportunities for growth, and I want my students to approach difficulties with a mindset geared towards finding solutions.

This philosophy shapes my classroom environment, where I foster open discussions and problem-solving activities. I want my students to feel empowered to adapt and find ways to succeed, even in the face of obstacles.

What is the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had?
The most recent interesting job I’ve had was facilitating a workshop for faculty development focused on AI. My role involved preparing faculty from various disciplines to integrate AI concepts into their teaching effectively.

What made this experience unique was the condensed, one-day format. I designed the workshop to be highly interactive, incorporating hands-on activities and case studies from my own teaching that demonstrated AI applications relevant to their fields. Faculty participated in collaborative group discussions, where they brainstormed ways to adapt AI tools to enhance their teaching.

This experience reinforced my passion for faculty development and highlighted the importance of fostering a community of educators who can share knowledge and support each other in embracing new technologies. It also deepened my understanding of how AI can transform teaching and learning across various fields.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy working on large jigsaw puzzles. I find it both relaxing and challenging to piece together the images, and I love the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a particularly complex one.

What I enjoy most about this hobby is the patience and problem-solving it requires. It is a great way to unwind after a busy week, and I often find myself getting lost in the process for hours.

This hobby also helps me develop my focus and attention to detail, which translates well into my professional life, especially in teaching and research where precision is key.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
Something interesting about me that most people don’t know is that I started teaching when I was very young in the early 2000s. I began tutoring younger students in math and science, which sparked my passion for pedagogy early on.

Around the same time, I became fascinated with bug bounty hunting. Little did I know that his dual path has shaped my career in unique ways — teaching has helped me communicate complex concepts clearly, while my background in cybersecurity drives my commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the digital age.

This early start in both areas has given me a unique perspective on the importance of foundational skills and the evolving landscape of technology, which I strive to impart to my students today.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked?
I would like to share my commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity in engineering education. I believe that a diverse learning environment enriches the educational experience and drives innovation.

This is particularly important in technical fields like cybersecurity, where diverse perspectives can lead to more comprehensive solutions to complex problems. I actively seek to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in my classes, encouraging them to pursue careers in technology.

By mentoring students from various backgrounds and emphasizing the value of diverse voices in our field, I aim to help shape a future where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique insights. This commitment not only enhances my teaching but also prepares my students to work in a global, interconnected world.