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Dr. Naureen Hoque joins GVSU's College of Computing, bringing expertise in wireless security and AI defense
June 24, 2025
In a world where your thermostat, refrigerator, and fitness ring all talk to each other wirelessly, who else might be listening? For Dr. Naureen Hoque, the answer lies in building smarter, adaptive defenses where ones that evolve faster than attackers can keep up.
Hoque, the newest faculty member to join Grand Valley State University (GVSU)’s College of Computing, specializes in wireless security, AI-powered threat defense, and quantum-resistant communications. Her research addresses one of the most urgent challenges of our digital age: protecting invisible data transmissions from increasingly sophisticated adversaries.
Hoque is no stranger to cutting-edge research. Her work bridges formal security analysis with hands-on experimentation using software-defined radios, allowing her to test real-world vulnerabilities in wireless systems. She has uncovered flaws in Wi-Fi protocols that were acknowledged by the Wi-Fi Alliance. As wireless devices, ranging from smartwatches to smart home systems connected to vehicles and critical infrastructure, continue to multiply, Hoque sees the critical need for adaptive security frameworks that safeguard the invisible data flowing between them.
“We tend to think of cybersecurity as something you ‘see’ — passwords, alerts, apps,” she explained. “But the real vulnerability often lies in the wireless layer, where sensitive data moves through the air, completely unseen and susceptible to interception.”
Hoque’s research includes developing dynamic moving target defenses, where systems constantly evolve to stay ahead of attackers, and quantum-resistant wireless signals that can thwart both classical and next-gen cyber threats. These innovations hold promising applications for NextG wireless systems, AI-native networks, and other high-risk environments.
Now, she brings her cutting-edge expertise to GVSU, where she’ll launch a lab focused on interdisciplinary cybersecurity research, train students directly in AI-powered wireless defense, and contribute to the college’s growing national presence in computing research. In the future, she also hopes to develop a new curriculum that brings these timely topics into the classroom and prepares students to become leaders in the evolving tech landscape.
“Dr. Hoque’s research in adaptive and quantum-resistant wireless systems aligns perfectly with current national priorities and our college’s commitment to innovation, student-centered learning, and continuing to show that the College of Computing is a leader in research,” stated Dean Kessentini. “We’re excited to see her build new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in AI and Cybersecurity.”
In addition to her research credentials, Hoque brings a passion for teaching informed by her international academic background, with experience in both Bangladesh and the U.S. She shared her excitement about working with GVSU students: “I love how students ask the fundamental questions. Those ‘why’ and ‘how’ moments keep me grounded and remind me of the bigger picture.”
“Naureen brings not only world-class research experience but also a genuine excitement for student engagement and mentorship,” stated Dr. Jonathan Engelsma, director of the Applied Computing Institute, and leader of the search committee. “She’ll be a fantastic asset to our programs.”
As she prepares to join the GVSU community this summer, Hoque is already looking ahead. She’s mapping out her first courses, research collaborations, and opportunities to connect with students. For her, the classroom and the lab are not separate worlds, but parts of the same mission: to equip the next generation of computing leaders to think critically, act ethically, and build technology that’s secure by design.
In an era where wireless systems power everything from personal health to global infrastructure, Hoque’s arrival signals something bigger: GVSU’s College of Computing is training students how to keep up with the future and helping them shape it.
Written by Shelby Harrison, director of marketing and communications for the College of Computing at GVSU