Dr. Shalini Kesar

Dr. Kesar is a professor in cybersecurity and Director of MS-Cybersecurity with Information Assurance (CSIA) at Southern Utah University (SUU). As an educator, she has been in front of the classroom for over 30 years across the globe. Her research expertise is in cybersecurity, including risk management and compliance. She is an active researcher and collaborates with industries that focus on managing cyber risks. Her passion, personal as well as professional experience has led her to spearhead outreach projects that focus on inspiring young women in tech to consider cybersecurity as an education and career option. She is the program lead of Southern Utah NCWIT Aspiration. 

Dr. Kesar’s work, research and teaching has led her to be a recipient of one of the “Top 50 Women Leaders in Utah for 2024” ; “2023 Utah Women in Higher Education Mentorship” award, and “2023 SUU Distinguished Faculty for Global Engagement. In 2021, She was also named one of the 30 Women to Watch by Utah Business for 2021-recipients of the award include women who are passionate and dedicated to bringing diversity and inclusion to the business and technology world. Celebrating women who are on their way to amazing things, the list includes presidents, CEOs, CFOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and educators in Utah.