All SFBU Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) faculty members possess the following qualities: advanced degrees earned in engineering and science disciplines, high-tech work experience, and enthusiasm in teaching and helping the students. Engineering is not a homogeneous discipline; it requires many special talents. Some faculty members in the school are goal-oriented designers, concerned with teaching students how to solve problems - how to synthesize relevant information and ideas and apply them in a creative, feasible design. Other engineering faculty members function more typically as methodoriented scientists, using the techniques of their disciplines in their teaching and research to investigate various natural and artificial phenomena.
Mohammed S. Akhoirshida, PhD, SAPM
Professor and Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dr. Akhoirshida is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of expertise in computer networks, software engineering, and wireless communication systems. His career spans significant roles in both industry and academia, including positions at leading companies such as Ford, Apple, Qualcomm, and Broadcom. He is also the Founder and CEO of an IT consulting firm and currently serves as a Professor of Practice and Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department at San Francisco Bay University (SFBU).
Dr. Akhoirshida holds a PhD in Engineering Science and has been awarded a patent for a cooperative PaaK vehicle ad-hoc network utilizing Bluetooth low-energy wireless technology. He also has a Stanford Advanced Project Management (SAPM) certification from Stanford University. His scholarly contributions include numerous publications in prestigious conferences and journals. Recognized for his exceptional performance, Dr. Akhoirshida has received several awards from Ford Motor Company and Qualcomm Inc.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Akhoirshida is passionate about social work and human rights, actively engaging in efforts to support and uplift others. Outside of his professional and philanthropic endeavors, he enjoys playing chess and swimming, reflecting his commitment to both mental and physical well-being.
Courses:
- Algorithms & Structured Programming
- Java and Internet Applications
- Java Programming Lab
- Mobile Applications on iPhone Platform
- Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT)
- Discrete Logic
Prof. Ahmed Banafa
Director of Continuing Education & Special Programs
Prof. Ahmed Banafa is a distinguished expert in IoT, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and AI with a strong background in research, operations, and management. He has been recognized for his outstanding contributions, receiving the Certificate of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco, the Haskell Award for Distinguished Teaching from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the Author & Artist Award from San Jose State University. LinkedIn named him the No.1 tech voice to follow in 2018, acknowledging his predictive insights and influence. His groundbreaking research has been featured in renowned publications like Time, Nature, Forbes, IEEE, and the MIT Technology Review. He has been interviewed by major media outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, Bloomberg, BBC, NPR, NHK, and FOX. Being a member of the MIT Technology Review Global Panel further highlights his prominence in the tech community.
Prof. Banafa is an accomplished author known for impactful books. His work "Secure and Smart Internet of Things (IoT) using Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI)" earned him the San Jose State University Author and Artist Award and recognition as one of the Best Technology Books of All Time and Best AI Models Books of All Time. His book on "Blockchain Technology and Applications" also received acclaim and is integrated into curricula at prestigious institutions like Stanford University. Additionally, he has contributed significantly to Quantum Computing through his third book, and he is preparing to release his fourth book on Artificial Intelligence in 2024. Prof. Banafa's educational journey includes Cybersecurity studies at Harvard University and Digital Transformation studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he is holding a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence.
Courses:
- Senior Capstone Project - I
- Computer Science Capstone Course
- Probability and Statistics
- Electrical Engineering Capstone Course
Meet our Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty
Engineering Faculty Directory
Nizar Albassam
Nizar N. Al Bassam is an IEEE Senior Member recognized with international awards, including an Honorable Mention from IEEE ComSoc-USA, and multiple research grants. He is currently serving as an adjunct faculty member at San Francisco Bay University and American River College, where he teaches courses related to electronics and computer science.
Vidhyacharan Bhaskar
Vidhyacharan has a diverse background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics. His expertise includes wireless communications, signal processing, coding theory, data science, machine learning, AI, queuing theory, and advanced mathematics. Proficient in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Java, and assembly languages like MIPS and x86, he has made significant contributions to these fields. His research interests focus on 5G and 6G wireless communications. Vidhyacharan has worked as a wireless instructor at Qualcomm, teaching engineers at the company.
Yasin Ceran
Courses:
Machine Learning
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Mathematics and Statistics for Data Science
Practical Applications of Algorithms
Ken Cheung
Mr. Cheung is an experienced software developer with strong project management expertise, currently working at a leading high-tech semiconductor company. The company specializes in advanced testing systems for semiconductor manufacturers. Mr. Cheung's technical skills include object-oriented analysis and design, client-server applications, and system integration. He is also passionate about the latest internet technologies and the development of artificial intelligence applications.
Dominic Dabish
Dominic Dabish is a software engineer, educator, and entrepreneur focused on building real-world tech and is passionate about teaching computer science to the next generation of builders. He is an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science at San Francisco Bay University, serving in the Department of Engineering and Computer Science. He earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science from Oakland University, where he also served as a Graduate Fellow.
Andrei Grigoriev
Andrei is a Data Science and Machine Learning professor at San Francisco Bay University with 8+ years designing and teaching advanced computer‑science curricula. His industry‑backed courses blend Python, Pandas, and modern ML techniques with solid software‑engineering foundations in C/C++, Java, and Python. Andrei also brings hands‑on experience in robotics, network security, and computer architecture, giving students real‑world context for complex concepts.
Chester He
Chester holds a Doctorate in Computer Engineering and brings over 25 years of industry experience in computer networks and network security, spanning both startup environments and public companies. Known for his strong analytical and problem-solving skills, he also has more than 20 years of teaching experience in computer networking, network security, and network testing.
Jack Ho
Mr. Jack Ho is a seasoned software development professional with over 20 years of experience in networking security, network device management, electronic design automation, and cybersecurity. He has held various roles, including leadership positions managing international teams of over 20 people. Mr. Ho has consulted with companies like Apple and Microsoft, advising on design methodologies, hardware/software co-simulation, and tool usage. Currently, he works at a cybersecurity startup, helping companies identify vulnerabilities in their systems. Mr.