Read the full article below:
Quality of faculty: that’s what compelled Matthew Belcher, an independent freelance web developer and student working towards a Bachelor in Computer Science, to enroll in the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), allowing him to work with some of the top professionals in his chosen industry.
Matthew was recently elected program representative for the course, helping to guide the interests of over 100 students across the globe in discussions with the area chair and director to ensure that the course is fit for purpose and meets student needs.
Why OPIT?
In a recent interview, Matthew told us that the reason he chose OPIT to continue his education was the expertise of the faculty. He shared that he conducted intensive research into a variety of programs that would help him shape his interest and skill in technology into potential career opportunities.
Matthew felt that the OPIT faculty stood out as not just great teachers, but top-tier professionals with real-world experience in the kinds of industries he wants to work in. Their professional roles mean they offer an up-to-the-minute understanding of the changing market.
The Computer Science Program
The BSc in Computer Science is a fully accredited course delivered completely online over six 13-week terms.
The program delivers foundational skills, both theoretical and practical, in all aspects of computer science, including programming, software development, databases, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. Students deliver a dissertation or project in the final term, and in term five, they can choose five electives from a pool of 27, or choose to specialize in one of five fields:
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Metaverse and Gaming
- Full Stack Development
The BSc in Computer Science is aimed at students interested in software development and engineering, data science, web development, app and game development, IT business analysis, cybersecurity, and database architecture.
Meet the Faculty
Now let’s meet some of the incredible faculty who influenced Matthew’s decision to select OPIT.
Art Sedighi
As well as teaching at OPIT, Art Sedighi is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University and a professor at Purdue University Global. He was previously a partner at CDI Global, a senior cybersecurity solution architect at Amazon AWS, and head of high-performance computing and grid engineering at the Bank of America.
Sedighi has 20 years of experience planning, designing, developing, and having end-to-end ownership of cloud solutions. He has managed cross-functional teams and been responsible for driving adoption strategies across enterprises.
Sedighi teaches software engineering and cloud adoption in the BSc in Computer Science and is also a professor in the BSc in Digital Business program.
Lokesh Vij
As well as teaching in OPIT’s Computer Science Program, Lokesh is a database architect at Broadcom Inc., a semiconductor manufacturing firm in Canada, and a part-time professor at Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto.
Vij describes himself as a cloud and data evangelist, educator, and mentor. With over 20 years of rich experience, he has designed, developed, and delivered enterprise-scale data solutions across disparate source systems, data formats, and relational and non-relational databases.
His proven expertise includes enhancing business profitability by leveraging insights derived from diverse data sets, constructing decision support systems that convert transactional data into analytical formats. This, combined with data visualization techniques, allows him to articulate and clarify business insights effectively.
In the BSc in Computer Science program, he teaches cloud computing infrastructure, cloud development, cloud computing automation and ops, and cloud data stacks. He is also a professor of the BSc in Digital Business and the MSc in Applied Data Science & AI, also covering big data and cloud computing.
Tom Vazdar
Tom Vazdar is OPIT’s area chair for cybersecurity and also the CEO of Riskoria, which focuses on cybersecurity strategies. His areas of expertise include strategy services, AI and cybersecurity, AI infrastructure development, and compliance assurance and risk management.
Vazdar teaches computer security in both the BSc in Computer Science and the BSc in Digital Business programs, as well as for the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity.
Sylvester Kaczmarek
Sylvester Kaczmarek is a former Chief Science Officer at WeSpace Technologies and a former AI Mentor and Researcher at NASA. He is now an independent executive leading secure, safe, and resilient AI-driven space innovations, a science communicator, and an advisor to deep tech investors, governments, and startups.
In the past, he has specialized in the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and edge computing in aerospace applications.
In OPIT’s BSc in Computer Science program, Kaczmarek teaches cartography and secure communications, secure software development, and parallel and distributed computing. He also teaches in the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity program.
Lorenzo Marvardi
As well as teaching at OPIT, Lorenzo Marvardi is a managing director at Accenture. With a background in cybersecurity management and security consulting, he has 15 years of experience as a security professional and executive, implementing security programs across different industries and geographies.
Marvardi teaches cybersecurity in both the BSc in Computer Science and the BSc in Digital Business programs.
Khaled Elbehiery
Khaled Elbehiery is a senior director and network engineer at Charter Communications. As well as teaching for OPIT, he is a part-time professor at Park University and DeVry University, both in the United States.
He describes himself as a professor, scientist, inventor, and author. He has publications on cloud engineering, quantum computing, space, robotics, bionics, microgravity, and modern educational methodologies.
Elbehiery teaches cloud and IoT security and computer networks on both the BSc in Computer Science and the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity programs.
Francesco Derchi
Francesco Derchi is a brand, innovation, and digital expert with over 14 years of experience. He is chair of digital business at OPIT, an advisory board member for Arsene Lippens, on the faculty at EHL in Switzerland and the Universita degli Studi di Genova, plus course director and contributor to the Harvard Business Review Italia.
Derchi teaches business strategy and digital marketing on both the BSc in Computer Science and the BSc in Digital Business, as well as on the MSc in Digital Business and Innovation.
-
From the same author
Read the articleSource:
- Computer Weekly, published on May 27th, 2025
By Nicholas Fearn
An AWS tech stack can aid business growth and facilitate efficient operations, but misconfigurations have become all too common and stall this progress
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has become the lifeblood of millions of modern businesses, both big and small. But while this popular cloud platform enables them to manage and scale their operations with impressive speed, simplicity and affordability, it also represents a significant security and privacy risk if mismanaged by users.
Read the articleQuality of faculty: that’s what compelled Matthew Belcher, an independent freelance web developer and student working towards a Bachelor in Computer Science, to enroll in the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), allowing him to work with some of the top professionals in his chosen industry.
Matthew was recently elected program representative for the course, helping to guide the interests of over 100 students across the globe in discussions with the area chair and director to ensure that the course is fit for purpose and meets student needs.
Why OPIT?
In a recent interview, Matthew told us that the reason he chose OPIT to continue his education was the expertise of the faculty. He shared that he conducted intensive research into a variety of programs that would help him shape his interest and skill in technology into potential career opportunities.
Matthew felt that the OPIT faculty stood out as not just great teachers, but top-tier professionals with real-world experience in the kinds of industries he wants to work in. Their professional roles mean they offer an up-to-the-minute understanding of the changing market.
The Computer Science Program
The BSc in Computer Science is a fully accredited course delivered completely online over six 13-week terms.
The program delivers foundational skills, both theoretical and practical, in all aspects of computer science, including programming, software development, databases, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. Students deliver a dissertation or project in the final term, and in term five, they can choose five electives from a pool of 27, or choose to specialize in one of five fields:
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Metaverse and Gaming
- Full Stack Development
The BSc in Computer Science is aimed at students interested in software development and engineering, data science, web development, app and game development, IT business analysis, cybersecurity, and database architecture.
Meet the Faculty
Now let’s meet some of the incredible faculty who influenced Matthew’s decision to select OPIT.
Art Sedighi
As well as teaching at OPIT, Art Sedighi is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University and a professor at Purdue University Global. He was previously a partner at CDI Global, a senior cybersecurity solution architect at Amazon AWS, and head of high-performance computing and grid engineering at the Bank of America.
Sedighi has 20 years of experience planning, designing, developing, and having end-to-end ownership of cloud solutions. He has managed cross-functional teams and been responsible for driving adoption strategies across enterprises.
Sedighi teaches software engineering and cloud adoption in the BSc in Computer Science and is also a professor in the BSc in Digital Business program.
Lokesh Vij
As well as teaching in OPIT’s Computer Science Program, Lokesh is a database architect at Broadcom Inc., a semiconductor manufacturing firm in Canada, and a part-time professor at Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto.
Vij describes himself as a cloud and data evangelist, educator, and mentor. With over 20 years of rich experience, he has designed, developed, and delivered enterprise-scale data solutions across disparate source systems, data formats, and relational and non-relational databases.
His proven expertise includes enhancing business profitability by leveraging insights derived from diverse data sets, constructing decision support systems that convert transactional data into analytical formats. This, combined with data visualization techniques, allows him to articulate and clarify business insights effectively.
In the BSc in Computer Science program, he teaches cloud computing infrastructure, cloud development, cloud computing automation and ops, and cloud data stacks. He is also a professor of the BSc in Digital Business and the MSc in Applied Data Science & AI, also covering big data and cloud computing.
Tom Vazdar
Tom Vazdar is OPIT’s area chair for cybersecurity and also the CEO of Riskoria, which focuses on cybersecurity strategies. His areas of expertise include strategy services, AI and cybersecurity, AI infrastructure development, and compliance assurance and risk management.
Vazdar teaches computer security in both the BSc in Computer Science and the BSc in Digital Business programs, as well as for the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity.
Sylvester Kaczmarek
Sylvester Kaczmarek is a former Chief Science Officer at WeSpace Technologies and a former AI Mentor and Researcher at NASA. He is now an independent executive leading secure, safe, and resilient AI-driven space innovations, a science communicator, and an advisor to deep tech investors, governments, and startups.
In the past, he has specialized in the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and edge computing in aerospace applications.
In OPIT’s BSc in Computer Science program, Kaczmarek teaches cartography and secure communications, secure software development, and parallel and distributed computing. He also teaches in the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity program.
Lorenzo Marvardi
As well as teaching at OPIT, Lorenzo Marvardi is a managing director at Accenture. With a background in cybersecurity management and security consulting, he has 15 years of experience as a security professional and executive, implementing security programs across different industries and geographies.
Marvardi teaches cybersecurity in both the BSc in Computer Science and the BSc in Digital Business programs.
Khaled Elbehiery
Khaled Elbehiery is a senior director and network engineer at Charter Communications. As well as teaching for OPIT, he is a part-time professor at Park University and DeVry University, both in the United States.
He describes himself as a professor, scientist, inventor, and author. He has publications on cloud engineering, quantum computing, space, robotics, bionics, microgravity, and modern educational methodologies.
Elbehiery teaches cloud and IoT security and computer networks on both the BSc in Computer Science and the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity programs.
Francesco Derchi
Francesco Derchi is a brand, innovation, and digital expert with over 14 years of experience. He is chair of digital business at OPIT, an advisory board member for Arsene Lippens, on the faculty at EHL in Switzerland and the Universita degli Studi di Genova, plus course director and contributor to the Harvard Business Review Italia.
Derchi teaches business strategy and digital marketing on both the BSc in Computer Science and the BSc in Digital Business, as well as on the MSc in Digital Business and Innovation.
-
Go to all authors
Related posts
Source:
- Computer Weekly, published on May 27th, 2025
By Nicholas Fearn
An AWS tech stack can aid business growth and facilitate efficient operations, but misconfigurations have become all too common and stall this progress
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has become the lifeblood of millions of modern businesses, both big and small. But while this popular cloud platform enables them to manage and scale their operations with impressive speed, simplicity and affordability, it also represents a significant security and privacy risk if mismanaged by users.
Read the full article below:
Quality of faculty: that’s what compelled Matthew Belcher, an independent freelance web developer and student working towards a Bachelor in Computer Science, to enroll in the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), allowing him to work with some of the top professionals in his chosen industry.
Matthew was recently elected program representative for the course, helping to guide the interests of over 100 students across the globe in discussions with the area chair and director to ensure that the course is fit for purpose and meets student needs.
Why OPIT?
In a recent interview, Matthew told us that the reason he chose OPIT to continue his education was the expertise of the faculty. He shared that he conducted intensive research into a variety of programs that would help him shape his interest and skill in technology into potential career opportunities.
Matthew felt that the OPIT faculty stood out as not just great teachers, but top-tier professionals with real-world experience in the kinds of industries he wants to work in. Their professional roles mean they offer an up-to-the-minute understanding of the changing market.
The Computer Science Program
The BSc in Computer Science is a fully accredited course delivered completely online over six 13-week terms.
The program delivers foundational skills, both theoretical and practical, in all aspects of computer science, including programming, software development, databases, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. Students deliver a dissertation or project in the final term, and in term five, they can choose five electives from a pool of 27, or choose to specialize in one of five fields:
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Metaverse and Gaming
- Full Stack Development
The BSc in Computer Science is aimed at students interested in software development and engineering, data science, web development, app and game development, IT business analysis, cybersecurity, and database architecture.
Meet the Faculty
Now let’s meet some of the incredible faculty who influenced Matthew’s decision to select OPIT.
Art Sedighi
As well as teaching at OPIT, Art Sedighi is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University and a professor at Purdue University Global. He was previously a partner at CDI Global, a senior cybersecurity solution architect at Amazon AWS, and head of high-performance computing and grid engineering at the Bank of America.
Sedighi has 20 years of experience planning, designing, developing, and having end-to-end ownership of cloud solutions. He has managed cross-functional teams and been responsible for driving adoption strategies across enterprises.
Sedighi teaches software engineering and cloud adoption in the BSc in Computer Science and is also a professor in the BSc in Digital Business program.
Lokesh Vij
As well as teaching in OPIT’s Computer Science Program, Lokesh is a database architect at Broadcom Inc., a semiconductor manufacturing firm in Canada, and a part-time professor at Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto.
Vij describes himself as a cloud and data evangelist, educator, and mentor. With over 20 years of rich experience, he has designed, developed, and delivered enterprise-scale data solutions across disparate source systems, data formats, and relational and non-relational databases.
His proven expertise includes enhancing business profitability by leveraging insights derived from diverse data sets, constructing decision support systems that convert transactional data into analytical formats. This, combined with data visualization techniques, allows him to articulate and clarify business insights effectively.
In the BSc in Computer Science program, he teaches cloud computing infrastructure, cloud development, cloud computing automation and ops, and cloud data stacks. He is also a professor of the BSc in Digital Business and the MSc in Applied Data Science & AI, also covering big data and cloud computing.
Tom Vazdar
Tom Vazdar is OPIT’s area chair for cybersecurity and also the CEO of Riskoria, which focuses on cybersecurity strategies. His areas of expertise include strategy services, AI and cybersecurity, AI infrastructure development, and compliance assurance and risk management.
Vazdar teaches computer security in both the BSc in Computer Science and the BSc in Digital Business programs, as well as for the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity.
Sylvester Kaczmarek
Sylvester Kaczmarek is a former Chief Science Officer at WeSpace Technologies and a former AI Mentor and Researcher at NASA. He is now an independent executive leading secure, safe, and resilient AI-driven space innovations, a science communicator, and an advisor to deep tech investors, governments, and startups.
In the past, he has specialized in the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and edge computing in aerospace applications.
In OPIT’s BSc in Computer Science program, Kaczmarek teaches cartography and secure communications, secure software development, and parallel and distributed computing. He also teaches in the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity program.
Lorenzo Marvardi
As well as teaching at OPIT, Lorenzo Marvardi is a managing director at Accenture. With a background in cybersecurity management and security consulting, he has 15 years of experience as a security professional and executive, implementing security programs across different industries and geographies.
Marvardi teaches cybersecurity in both the BSc in Computer Science and the BSc in Digital Business programs.
Khaled Elbehiery
Khaled Elbehiery is a senior director and network engineer at Charter Communications. As well as teaching for OPIT, he is a part-time professor at Park University and DeVry University, both in the United States.
He describes himself as a professor, scientist, inventor, and author. He has publications on cloud engineering, quantum computing, space, robotics, bionics, microgravity, and modern educational methodologies.
Elbehiery teaches cloud and IoT security and computer networks on both the BSc in Computer Science and the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity programs.
Francesco Derchi
Francesco Derchi is a brand, innovation, and digital expert with over 14 years of experience. He is chair of digital business at OPIT, an advisory board member for Arsene Lippens, on the faculty at EHL in Switzerland and the Universita degli Studi di Genova, plus course director and contributor to the Harvard Business Review Italia.
Derchi teaches business strategy and digital marketing on both the BSc in Computer Science and the BSc in Digital Business, as well as on the MSc in Digital Business and Innovation.
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