Chief Scientist of the University of Maryland Visits HIT

The paramount importance of an operationally functioning cyber system was the focus of today's official visit to HIT by Dr. Brain M. Pierce, Chief Scientist and head of the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), University of Maryland.

HIT’s senior management participated in the visit, which took place within the framework of Dr. Pierce’s official round of visits in Israel. The purpose: strengthening the connections between the Israeli-American cyber systems.

Prof. Yakubov opened the visit and reviewed HIT's various faculties and programs, and also spoke about the close relationship that the Institute maintains with industry and the community. “Our uniqueness lies in the Institute's DNA, which includes an emphasis on applied research, innovation and a multidisciplinary approach" Our ties extend even to countries as far-flung as Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and this year Singapore as well."
During the visit, Dr. Pierce learned first-hand about HIT’s expertise in cyber integration across various fields, among them computer science, industrial engineering and technology management and electrical and electronics engineering.

He demonstrated interest in HIT’s multidisciplinary ventures and the collaborations between students and faculty members from the various faculties within the School of Multidisciplinary Studies.
Dr. Pierce also showed great interest in systems engineering, which he says is an extremely important field in the U.S.

Prof. Yakubov proudly noted that about 90% of the students in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management will be specializing in systems engineering.

Prof. Yakubov also spoke of the rich and extensive cooperation existing between HIT and the Israeli defense industry and said that a large number of our students begin working in industry over the course of their studies in order to gain practical experience. In addition, the Institute has a flexible study track which allows for a combination of studies and work.

During his time on campus, Dr. Pierce visited the laboratory for the synthesis and study of nanomaterials. Prof. Alla Zak, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Laboratory Director, explained her work with nanoparticles for the storing of hydrogen in order to replace gasoline, oils/gases, providing a renewable energy designed to reduce the carbon dioxide greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

Dr. Harel Menashri, Head of the Cyber Security Lab at HIT, reviewed the academic activity that takes place in the field.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a mutual interest in deepening the relationship between HIT and the University of Maryland was expressed.

Attending the meeting on behalf of HIT:
Prof. Eduard Yakubov, President
Samuel Goldberg, CEO
Mordechay Mishan, President's Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor
Dr. Eyal Brill, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management
Mary Cantor, Lecturer, Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management
Dr. Harel Menashri, Head of Cyber
Dr. Gaddi Blumrosen, Lecturer, Department Digital Medical Technologies
Ira Ivshin Guetta, Head of International Partnerships