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Dr. Nikunja Swain
Dr. Nikunja Swain

Computer Science & MathematicsProfessor of Computer Science and Chair of the Department of Computer Science and MathematicsEngineering and Computer Science Complex 803-347-6719

Nikunja Swain

Dr. N.K. Swain is a Professor of Computer Science and also holds the position of Chair for the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics at South Carolina State University. Additionally, he serves as the Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity and is responsible for overseeing the Employer Degree Apprenticeship Program in Secure Software Development.

Education

  • B.Sc. Electrical Engineering, 1977. Regional Engineering College, Rourkela, India  
  • M.Sc. Electrical Engineering, 1979. Regional Engineering College, Rourkela, India  
  • M.S.  Electrical and Computer Engineering,1986, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 
  • Ph.D. Electrical and Energy Engineering. 1995, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

Background

With a tenure that began in 1985, Dr. N. K. Swain has been a valuable South Carolina State University community member for over three decades. His journey commenced as an Instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology, where he steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately attaining the esteemed position of a professor in the same field by 2001. During this period, he also served as the Academic Program Coordinator for the Electrical Engineering Technology Program, showcasing his commitment to academic leadership and excellence.

In 2004, Dr. Swain embraced a new challenge by transitioning to the Computer Science Program at South Carolina State University. His expertise and passion for teaching extended beyond the university's walls, as he assumed roles as adjunct graduate faculty at Webster University, adjunct doctoral faculty at Walden University, and adjunct undergraduate faculty at Excelsior University. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication to education, having previously worked as a lecturer in Electrical Engineering in India, a Junior Engineer with Orissa State Electricity Board, and a design engineer with Myer Industries in Orangeburg, SC.

Dr. Swain's impact extends well beyond the classroom, as he is a registered professional engineer in South Carolina and serves as a program evaluator for ABET and Military Course Evaluations with ACE. His contributions as an IBM Certified Instructor in Data Science, Enterprise Design Thinking, and Cloud Computing further showcase his versatility and expertise in various domains.  Recognized for his outstanding teaching and mentorship, Dr. Swain earned the prestigious title of SC State University Professor of the year in 2016. His journey at South Carolina State University reflects an unwavering dedication to academic excellence, research, and fostering the growth and success of his students and colleagues. As the Chair of the Computer Science and Mathematics Program and Executive Director for the Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity, Dr. N. K. Swain continues to inspire and guide future generations towards achieving their educational and professional aspirations.

Research Interests

  • Cybersecurity and Cyber Physical Systems
  • Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI
  • Embedded Systems

Courses

Computer Organization and Architecture, Capstone Professional Development and Assessment, Numerical Analysis, Microcomputer Applications, Transportation Systems Analysis, Management of Information Security, Senior Project, and others as needed.