2026 UIC Inaugural Cybersecurity & Privacy Community Conference
The University of Illinois Chicago is proud to host its Inaugural Cybersecurity & Privacy Community Conference, an interdisciplinary gathering dedicated to exploring the rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities in securing our digital world.
Bringing together leading researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and students, this conference serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and innovation at the intersection of technology, security, and privacy.
This event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and research presentations that address critical topics such as emerging threats, privacy-preserving technologies, regulatory frameworks, and the human dimensions of cybersecurity.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with keynote speakers, participate in panel discussions, and learn from cutting-edge presentations.
Categories
Speakers(16)
Alvin Chin
Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor, Instructor, Department of Information and Decision Sciences, UIC Business at University of Illinois Chicago
Dr. Alvin is a Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor at UIC Business with over 15 years of industry experience in data science, AI, and emerging technologies. He is a recognized leader with numerous patents and publications and actively contributes to professional organizations including IEEE and ACM.
Amy Kabaria
Attorney & Founding Member at Chicago Women in Security and Privacy (WISP)
Amy is a Chicago-based attorney and AI governance expert specializing in data privacy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. She advises organizations on regulatory compliance and responsible AI and is a founding member of Chicago Women in Security and Privacy (WISP). Amy is also a recognized speaker and thought leader in AI and data protection.
Arvin Verma
Virtual Chief Information Security Officer at Sentinel Technologies
Arvin is a cybersecurity executive and strategic advisor with over 15 years of experience supporting global enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure. He specializes in security strategy, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Arvin also serves as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and holds multiple industry certifications, including CISSP and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor.
Blair Dawson
Member at McDonald Hopkins
Blair is a data privacy and cybersecurity attorney at McDonald Hopkins with over 20 years of experience, including insurance coverage. She specializes in incident response, regulatory compliance, and risk management, helping organizations navigate data breaches and minimize legal and reputational impact. Blair also teaches cybersecurity and privacy at DePaul Law School and holds multiple IAPP certifications.
Carrie Crot
Supervisory Special Agent at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Carrie is a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI’s Chicago Field Office, where she leads a National Security Cyber Squad. She has extensive experience investigating complex cyber threats, including ransomware, national security intrusions, and financially motivated cybercrime. Previously, she served in the FBI’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit at headquarters. Carrie holds a Master’s in Computer Science and a PhD in Chemistry.
Debra Cronin
Director of Information Technology Services at University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
Debra is the Director of Information Technology Services at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. She has extensive experience in managing IT services within academic institutions and has a background in information systems and management.
Dr. David Chestek
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine; Chief Medical Information Officer at UI Health
Dr. David is the Chief Medical Information Officer at UI Health and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UIC. A clinical informaticist, he leads initiatives that integrate technology and healthcare to improve patient care, with a focus on AI, data systems, and hospital operations.
Dr. Szymon Machajewski
Associate Director of Academic Technology and Learning Innovation at University of Illinois Chicago
Dr. Szymon is the Associate Director of Academic Technology and Learning Innovation at the University of Illinois Chicago. He focuses on integrating technology into education to enhance learning experiences and outcomes.
Himanshu Sharma
Associate CIO, Research Technologies and Innovation at University of Illinois Chicago
Himanshu is the Associate Chief Information Officer for Research Technologies and Innovation at the University of Illinois Chicago. He has extensive experience in leading research technology initiatives and fostering innovation within academic institutions.
Jennifer S. Stegmaier
Partner at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP
Jennifer is a partner at Wilson Elser with over 20 years of experience in complex litigation, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and data breach class actions. She leads incident response efforts, regulatory investigations, and compliance strategies for organizations across multiple industries.
Jeremy Riel
Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology; Director, TRAILblazer Lab; Co-Lead, Science and Technology Working Group, Institute of Government and Public Affairs at University of Illinois Chicago
Jeremy is an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at UIC and Director of the TRAILblazer Lab. His work focuses on designing AI- and simulation-based technologies for teaching and learning, with an emphasis on ethics, privacy, and human-centered design.
Pegah Parsi
Chief Privacy Officer at University of California, San Diego
Pegah is the inaugural Chief Privacy Officer at the University of California San Diego, where she leads privacy and data protection efforts across research, education, and operations. She provides thought leadership on data ethics, governance, and AI, and advises on global privacy regulations including GDPR, FERPA, HIPAA, and California privacy laws. Previously, she served as a privacy manager at Stanford University, focusing on medical research and international collaborations. Pegah is an attorney with an MBA and also serves as Of Counsel for XL Law & Consulting and a consultant for Secure Justice.
Robert Herjavec
Robert is a globally recognized entrepreneur, cybersecurity expert, and Emmy Award-winning executive producer and lead investor on Shark Tank. With over 35 years of experience, he has founded and built multiple cybersecurity companies, including one he grew into a global firm of nearly 1,000 employees and over $1 billion in value. An accomplished author and motivational speaker, Robert is also known for his journey from immigrant roots to international business success. He continues to invest in and advise startups and enterprises in the cybersecurity space.
Shefali Mookencherry
Chief Information Security Officer & Chief Privacy Officer at University of Illinois Chicago
Shefali is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, privacy, and higher education, including more than 20 years in healthcare. She is recognized as a subject matter expert in information security and privacy, with expertise in HIPAA, GDPR, FERPA, and compliance. Shefali also has a keen interest in the adoption of innovative technology and provides leadership, consultation, coordination, and integration of information processes with enterprise-wide information technology and information security and privacy strategies.
Sofia Valdivia
Associate at Amundsen Davis Law
Sofia is an associate at Amundsen Davis Law who advises organizations on cybersecurity, data privacy compliance, and breach response. She works across industries including healthcare, finance, and retail, helping clients manage legal risks and meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Thomas Peabody
Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Chief of the National Security and Cyber Crime Section at Northern District of Illinois
Thomas is an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Chief of the National Security and Cyber Crime Section for the Northern District of Illinois. He focuses on prosecuting cybercrime and national security cases and plays a key role in advancing federal efforts to combat evolving digital threats.
Event Details
- Date
- April 13, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
- UIC Dorin Forum
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Leading researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and students interested in cybersecurity and privacy.
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