Professor Chua brings extensive criminal justice background to cybersecurity program - The University of Tulsa
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Professor Chua brings extensive criminal justice background to cybersecurity program

Yi Ting Chua is an assistant professor in the College of Engineering & Computer Science’s School of Cyber Studies, yet her academic background is in criminal justice. For Chua, the journey that led to The University of Tulsa involves a popular television show, a passion for police work, and an encouraging offer. Recently, she explained how it all happened and why her experience gives her a unique perspective in the cybersecurity field.

Chua

What made you want to study criminal justice and pursue a career in academia?

My interest in criminal justice was initially sparked by the TV show “CSI,” which was very popular during my high school years. I was fascinated by the science and criminal procedures involved in solving cases and apprehending criminals. Initially, I planned to pursue forensic science, but I soon realized that my primary interest lay in the law enforcement aspect of the field.

Apart from your research, how does being a professor motivate you? What is it about teaching and engaging with students that makes the job worthwhile?

I truly enjoy teaching and introducing students to new perspectives and knowledge. One particularly memorable moment occurred during my first year at UTulsa. After a presentation on the ideologies of extremist communities, which included a discussion on gender, a student approached me and shared that she had never considered studying gender in the context of cyberspace. She said the presentation opened up a new realm of research for her, which was incredibly rewarding for me as an educator.

How did you arrive at The University of Tulsa, and what made you want to teach here?

I joined The University of Tulsa after teaching at a public institution for two years. Initially, I didn’t apply for my current position because I did not believe I fit the profile perfectly. However, Dr. (Tyler) Moore reached out to me personally and encouraged me to apply. During my campus visit, I was captivated by the university’s welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to teach smaller class sizes, allowing me to build closer connections with students. I also appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of the department, which reminded me of my postdoctoral experience at the University of Cambridge.

How did you come to teach in cyber studies with your background in criminal justice, and in what ways do these two areas intersect?

This relates to my previous response about the interdisciplinary nature of the School of Cyber Studies. The University of Tulsa values faculty with diverse academic backgrounds, which I believe is essential for addressing complex cybersecurity and cybercrime issues. My doctoral degree is in criminal justice, but my research focus is cybercrime. Technology and the internet are now integral to daily life, profoundly influencing human interactions and connections, including deviant and criminal behaviors. My background in criminal justice and criminology provides me with a unique perspective on understanding the actions of malicious actors in cyberspace.

Cyberspace is constrained by physical infrastructure (e.g., access points, data centers) yet capable of transcending physical boundaries. Consequently, it’s crucial to produce empirically driven, holistic knowledge to inform practical measures and policies at the individual, structural, and systemic levels. For instance, one of my research projects on identifying the unintended harms of cybersecurity countermeasures is the result of collaboration with scholars in usability studies, computer science, and cybersecurity. This interdisciplinary approach helped us identify significant gaps in current literature and practices.

What research aspect are you currently pursuing, and what are the current trends and developments in the field of cyberspace criminality?

One research area I am currently exploring with my colleague Dr. Andrew Morin is online scams involving cryptocurrencies. We are investigating the techniques scammers use to deceive victims, such as phishing attacks targeting cryptocurrency wallets, investment scams promising high returns, and fraudulent Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). Additionally, we are examining how cybercriminals increasingly use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero for payments, taking advantage of their traceability resistance and global accessibility to demand ransoms, conduct illegal transactions, or launder funds.

In terms of broader trends in cyberspace criminality, two areas stand out: First, there is a growing professionalization of cybercrime as businesses. These groups offer services such as ransomware kits, exploit tools, and even customer support. Second, the use of artificial intelligence for malicious purposes is becoming a concern. For instance, some AI models are trained to specialize in criminal activities, such as creating phishing emails or automating malware development, making them powerful tools for cybercriminals.

How have your interactions with UTulsa students and faculty been inside the classroom and around campus?

My experience at UTulsa and in Tulsa has been wonderful. I enjoy the diverse activities the city and the university offer. My interactions with students and faculty have been consistently positive. Everyone is welcoming and supportive, which creates a great environment for both teaching and research.

Is there any advice you would give to students in cyber studies or generally as they navigate classes and consider post-graduate life?

My biggest piece of advice for students is to get involved in extracurricular activities. The School of Cyber Studies offers several excellent organizations, such as Women in Cybersecurity, which are fantastic for networking and exploring career opportunities in cybersecurity. Additionally, we have teams that participate in collegiate cybersecurity competitions, which are great for skill development and real-world experience.

Outside of research and teaching, what do you enjoy doing? Do you have any hobbies or activities? Foods or restaurants that you love? Favorite films or books?

I enjoy board games, dancing, and trying out new restaurants around town. I take Latin dance classes, focusing on salsa and bachata. I also love exploring different restaurants and coffee shops in Tulsa. Two of my favorites are Antoinette Baking Co. and The Tavern in the Tulsa Arts District. Another activity I thoroughly enjoy is attending musicals. I purchased a season ticket for the first time at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and have been enjoying all of the shows.