Lela Mirtskhulava
Tbilisi
Summary
I am a computer science and telecommunications professional with over 20 years of experience in network operations, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. My career started in core network operations, where I worked as Chief Engineer at Geocell LLC (Teliasonera Group) and as an engineer at Ericsson Georgia. During this time, I specialized in mobile switching, signaling protocols, and managing international roaming systems, ensuring efficient and secure communications across global networks.
My academic journey has led me to focus on the application of artificial intelligence, particularly in healthcare and cybersecurity. I have conducted research on deep learning models for healthcare diagnostics and predictive modeling for cyber-attack prevention, contributing to several peer-reviewed publications. I am also passionate about leveraging blockchain and AI to secure medical data and improve digital economies.
Currently, I serve as a Protection/Technology Specialist at Mercy Corps Georgia, where I lead projects addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). Through the SafeOnline program, I work to empower women entrepreneurs, promote digital inclusion, and raise awareness on TFGBV. I’m deeply committed to creating safer online environments and advancing opportunities for women in the digital economy.
With a strong foundation in both industry and academia, I strive to combine my technical expertise with social impact, using technology as a tool to address critical challenges and drive innovation.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Protection/Technology Specialist
Mercy Corps
11.2023 - Current
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing timely and effective technology support.
- Provided exceptional customer service by troubleshooting technical issues promptly and accurately resolving problems.
- Optimized system performance through routine maintenance tasks and proactive issue resolution.
- Designed and implemented new software solutions, resulting in increased efficiency for the organization.
- Developed comprehensive training materials to educate employees on new technology tools and applications.
Director of "Business Informatics" Master Program
Northern Kentucky University and SANGU
01.2023 - Current
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
Adjunct Professor
San Diego State University
01.2018 - Current
- Taught [Area of expertise] courses, providing instruction to up to [Number] undergraduate students.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
Associate Professor
Ivane Javakhishbili Tbilisi State Universit
09.2009 - Current
- Integrated real-world examples into lessons, making course content more relevant and engaging for students.
- Mentored students and advised on career paths, degree requirements and post-graduate education options.
- Contributed to the development of a comprehensive curriculum, ensuring alignment with state standards and academic goals.
- Developed students'' critical thinking skills through interactive classroom activities and discussions.
- Enhanced student comprehension by implementing innovative teaching methods and strategies.
Horizon Europe Coordinator
SRNSF
05.2023 - 12.2023
Part-time Faculty
San Jose State University
01.2019 - 07.2019
- Assessed student performance through regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.
- Graded tests and assignments and uploaded to school database.
Fulbright Visiting Scholar
San Jose State University
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Expanded professional networks through active participation in academic societies and associations relevant to the area of expertise.
Quality Assurance Manager
International Black Sea University
09.2016 - 01.2017
Chief Engineer (ICT)
Geocell Ltd (Turkcell Daughter Company)
09.2002 - 11.2013
Key Responsibilities:
- Switch Operations and Maintenance:Manage the installation, configuration, and maintenance of mobile switching equipment (MSC, HLR, VLR, etc.).
Monitor switch performance and conduct regular troubleshooting to optimize network operations.
Ensure the seamless operation of call processing, session management, and signaling protocols (SS7, SIP, etc.).
Collaborate with vendors and internal teams for software and hardware upgrades, patches, and expansions.
- Roaming Operations: Implement and manage roaming services, including the configuration of roaming agreements and systems (IR.21, IR.24).
Coordinate testing and integration of roaming services (IREG/TADIG tests) with international operators.
Troubleshoot roaming issues, ensuring timely resolution and maintaining service quality for inbound and outbound roamers.
Monitor and manage roaming traffic data, optimizing international connectivity and services.
Visiting Professor
University of Camridge
08.2013 - 09.2013
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities, staying informed on current trends in academia and industry-specific research developments.
Associate Professor
Sokhumi State University
09.2006 - 05.2009
DAAD Scholar
Zwickau University of Applied Sciences
03.2006 - 05.2006
- Actively participate in academic discussions, seminars, and workshops organized by the host institution.
- Leverage opportunities provided by DAAD to network with scholars, researchers, and professionals in Germany and abroad.
Associate Professor
Georgian Technical University
03.1998 - 05.2005
- Enhanced student comprehension by implementing innovative teaching methods and strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with the latest research and trends in education.
- Advised student groups, assisting learners in educational programs both on and off campus.
Switch Engineer
Ericsson
09.2000 - 09.2002
Network Monitoring and Performance Management:
- Utilize network monitoring tools to track system performance and proactively address any network disruptions.
- Conduct capacity planning, forecasting, and optimization to handle growing traffic and enhance network scalability.
- Ensure high levels of network availability and reliability, meeting Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Education
Ph.D. - Computer Science
Georgian Technical University
Tbilisi, Georgia12-1997
Engineer Diploma - Automatics And Informatics
Kutaisi Technical University
Kutaisi, Georgia06-1992
No Degree - Automatics And Electronics
Moscow Physics Engineering Institute
Moscow, Russian09-1989
Skills
- Information Security Analysis
- Maintaining network security
- Artificial intelligence understanding
- Wearable Technology Integration
- E-commerce Platforms
- Software Development
- Cloud Computing Expertise
- Network Administration
- Cybersecurity Management
- Blockchain Technology
- Telecommunications Networks
- Quantum Computing Concepts
- Mobile App Development
- Information Security
- Web development
- Reliability
Additional Information
Lela Mirtskhulava earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science and currently serves as an associate professor in the Computer Science department at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University/San Diego State University Georgia. Previously, she held a part-time faculty position in the Computer Engineering department at San Jose State University, CA. With a background as an ICT Senior Engineer at Ericsson and Geocell LLC, her professional experience spans diverse areas.
Her research pursuits encompass cybersecurity, AI, blockchains, AI modeling in Medicine, brainwave monitoring, wireless technologies, and mathematical modeling, resulting in the publication of over 80 scientific papers. Dr. Mirtskhulava's expertise has led to invitations as a visiting professor at the University of Cambridge, UK, and recognition through Fulbright and DAAD Scholarships.
In addition to her academic endeavors, she serves as a keynote speaker and holds roles as a technical committee member and advisory board member at various international conferences. Furthermore, she has contributed to Horizon Europe Program Georgia as a Pillar II coordinator and Health NCP. Currently, she is a Management Committee member of COST CA 19136 action, while concurrently holding the position of Protection/Technology Specialist at Mercy Corps Georgia.
Languages
Georgian
Native language
english
Proficient
C2
Russian
Proficient
C2
German
Upper intermediate
B2
Learning a new Language
Learning new languages has always been an exciting journey for me, and I am currently focused on improving my proficiency in both French and Spanish. These languages not only open doors to new cultures but also broaden my communication skills and global perspective.
In my French studies, I am immersing myself in both the grammar and conversational aspects, trying to build a strong foundation. I'm practicing speaking, listening, and reading in everyday contexts to feel more comfortable in the language.
Similarly, my journey with Spanish has been equally rewarding. I'm learning to navigate different tenses and idiomatic expressions while focusing on improving my fluency in conversations. Both languages provide unique linguistic challenges, and I find the process of mastering them intellectually stimulating and incredibly beneficial for personal growth.
Taught Courses
▪System Software Master Level (TSU)
▪CTC 2141E Web Technologies I (Caucasus University, TSU)
▪CTC 1242E Computer Architecture (Caucasus University)
▪CS 576 Computer Networks and Distributed Systems (SDSU Georgia)
▪CS 237 Machine Organization and Assembly Language programming (San Diego State University Georgia)
▪CS 490 Senior Seminar (San Diego State University Georgia)
▪CS 596 Advanced Topics in Computer Science (SDSU Georgia)
▪CMPE 258 Deep Learning (San Jose State University, CA, USA)
▪CMPE 220 System Software (San Jose State University, CA, USA)
▪Advanced Computer Architecture (Doctoral level) (IBSU)
▪Mobile Computing (Master Level) (IBSU)
▪Computer Networks and Security (Master Level) (IBSU)
▪Mobile Applications (Undergraduate Level) (IBSU)
▪Web Programming (Undergraduate Level) (TSU)
▪Computer Architecture and Organization (Undergraduate Level) (TSU)
▪Network Technologies and Communications (Undergraduate Level) (TSU)
▪Network Technologies and Communications (Wireless Technologies) (Undergraduate Level) (TSU)
▪System Administration and Management (Master Level) (TSU)
▪Networks and Network Technologies (Master Level) (TSU)
▪Networks and Network technologies 2 (Master Level) (TSU)
PREVIOUSLY TAUGHT COURSES
▪Computer graphics (GTU)
▪Machine-oriented programming (Assembler) (GTU)
▪Microprocessors (GTU)
▪Computer Networks (GTU)
PARTICIPATION IN PROJECTS
1. COST Association – European Cooperation in Science & Technology project “International Interdisciplinary Network on Health and Wellbeing in an Age- friendly Digital World” funded by Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union. Management Committee Member.
2. TÜBİTAK – SRGNSF “Design and Analysis of NTRU-based Cryptosystems Using Formal Methods” – Researcher. Turkish-Georgian (TÜBİTAK SRGNSF) project, 2018-2021.
3. DAAD-project “Partnerships between Universities and industry”.
4. Project coordinator (Students and staff exchange program) – Project Coordinator at International black Sea University
5. Cisco Academy Networking. Central Headquarter, CA, US. Translating CCNA modules using Lingotech. (Supported by UNESCO) - Translator
FR/312/4-150/14 - Mixed types of Markovian and Semi-Markovian Queuing Systems for Dependability Planning of Infocommunication Networks (Supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation) – Main implementer
6. International Multidisciplinary Seasonal School "Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development" SSEESD, May 6-12, 2016, Tbilisi, Telavi, Georgia. Vanue: Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi (6-8 May, 2016), Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University, Telavi (9-12 May, 2016). Leading institution: Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. (Supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation) – Lecturer.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES
1. UKSim-AMSS 24th International Conference on Modelling & Simulation. Cambridge University (Emmanuel College), 12 - 14 April 2023. Keynote Speaker.
2. Lela Mirtskhulava, Nia Salukvadze. Consciousness analysis through brain waves measurement using EEGLAB in Contemporary Medicine. International TELECONFERENCE of young researchers "Creation of the Society of Consciousness" (TELE-2022), 12th edition, 17-18 March 2023. Moldova.
3. Lela Mirtskhulava. Prevention of Brain Disorders in older people. COST Action 19136, 29-30 September meetings. Hamburg, 2022. Speaker.
4. UKSim-AMSS 24th International Conference on Modelling & Simulation. Cambridge University (Emmanuel College), 13 - 15 April 2022. Keynote Speaker.
5. European Academic Science and Research, April, 2022
6. COST Action 19136 - NET4Age-friendly, Workshops and Plenary Session, Hamburg, Germany, 29 and 30 September 2022,
7. International Conference on Global Practice of Multidisciplinary Scientific Studies Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of "Georgian Technical University - GTU" June 24-26, 2022 / Tbilisi, Georgia.
8. Cyber Security Global Summit, US, 2021 Speaker (“Enhancing IoT Security using Neural Cryptography”).
9. 2021 IEEE 5th International Conference on Information and Telecommunication Technologies and Radio Electronics (UkrMiCo), Kyiv, Ukraine, 2021
10. ICSP&AM7 - 7th International Caucasian Symposium on Polymers and Advanced Materials. Tbilisi, Georgia, 2021.
11. Nineli Lashkarashvili, Lela Mirtskhulava. Detecting Emotions in Human Voice. UKSim-AMSS 23rd International Conference on Modelling & Simulation. Cambridge University (Emmanuel College), 31 March - 2 April 2021.
12. Conference: UKSim2020, 2020 22nd UKSIM-AMSS International Conference on Modelling and Simulation. University of Cambridge, UK
13. IEEE International Conference on Information and Telecommunication Technologies and Radio Electronics – UkrMicO 2019. Odessa, Ukraine. http://ukrmico.kpi.ua/
14. DataAI National Summit (DANS), American Association, of Precision Medicine, Silicon Valley, CA, February 6-8 2019. http://www.dans.ai/
15. AIMed 2018 North America – International Symposium Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, 12-14 December 2018, Los Angeles, CA.
16. BlacSeaCom2018 - IEEE International Black Sea Conference on Communications and Networking, 4-7 June 2018 – Batumi, Georgia
17. 2018 6th International Conference on Communications and Broadband Networking (ICCBN 2018), Singapore. February 24-26, 2018.
18. Second International Symposium - Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIMed) 2017, Los Angeles, CA
19. Second International Conference on Internet of Things, Data and Cloud Computing (ICC’17). University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. To be appear.
20. IEEE east-west design & test symposium 2016. Yerevan, Armenia, October 14 - 17, 2016.
21. International Scientific Conference on Information and Computer Technologies, Modelling, Control – 2015 (ICT-MC 2015). Dedicated to 85th anniversary of Academician I.V. Prangishvili. 3-5 November 2015, Tbilisi.
22. The first SDSU-Georgia STEM Workshop on Nanotechnology and Environmental Sciences. September 4-5 2015, Tbilisi, Georgia.
23. Conference: ICCIT 2015 – The Fourth International Conference on Communications and Information Technology, At Abu-Dhabi, UAE
24. Conference: UKSim2015, 2015 17th UKSIM-AMSS International Conference on Modelling and Simulation, At Cambridge, UK
25. 2014 Annual International Conference on Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures (BICA 2014). November 7-9 (Friday-
Sunday): Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge,MA 02139, USA(http://bicasociety.org/meetings/2014)
26. The 2014 International Conference of Computer Science and Engineering (ICCSE'14). World Congress on Engineering. London, UK., 2-4 July, 2014
27. ICSCE 2014: International Conference on Software and Computer Engineering. London, United Kingdom. June 29-30, 2014
28. IEEE UKSim 16th International Conference on Modeling and Simulation. Cambridge University (Emmanuel College). 26-28 April 2014. http://uksim2014.info/
29. World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science 2013. San
Francisco, UC, Berkeley. USA, 23-25 October, 2013.
30. IEEE UKSim 15th International Conference on Modeling and Simulation. Cambridge University (Emmanuel College). 10-12 April 2013. http://uksim2013.info/
31. IEEE First International Black Sea Conference on Communications and Networking (BlackSeaCom2013). Batumi, Georgia. http://www.ieee- blackseacom.org/2013/psessions.html
32. XXIV International Symposium on Nuclear Electronics & Computing (NEC'2013). BULGARIA, VARNA, 09-16 September, 2013. http://nec2013.jinr.ru/prog.php
Publications
33. International Scientific Conference on Information and Computer Technologies, Modelling, Control – 2015 (ICT-MC 2015). Dedicated to 85th anniversary of Academician I.V. Prangishvili. 3-5 November 2015, Tbilisi.
34. The first SDSU-Georgia STEM Workshop on Nanotechnology and Environmental Sciences. September 4-5 2015, Tbilisi, Georgia.
35. Conference: ICCIT 2015 – The Fourth International Conference on Communications and Information Technology, At Abu Dahbi, UAE
36. Conference: UKSim2015, 2015 17th UKSIM-AMSS International Conference on Modelling and Simulation, At Cambridge, UK
37. 2014 Annual International Conference on Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures (BICA 2014). November 7-9 (Friday-
Sunday): Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge,MA 02139, USA(http://bicasociety.org/meetings/2014)
38. The 2014 International Conference of Computer Science and Engineering (ICCSE'14). World Congress on Engineering. London, UK., 2-4 July, 2014
39. ICSCE 2014: International Conference on Software and Computer Engineering. London, United Kingdom. June 29-30, 2014
40. IEEE UKSim 16th International Conference on Modeling and Simulation. Cambridge University (Emmanuel College). 26-28 April 2014. http://uksim2014.info/
41. World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science 2013. San Francisco, UC, Berkeley. USA, 23-25 October, 2013.
42. IEEE UKSim 15th International Conference on Modeling and Simulation. Cambridge University (Emmanuel College). 10-12 April 2013. http://uksim2013.info/
43. IEEE First International Black Sea Conference on Communications and Networking (BlackSeaCom2013). Batumi, Georgia. http://www.ieee- blackseacom.org/2013/psessions.html
44. XXIV International Symposium on Nuclear Electronics & Computing (NEC'2013). BULGARIA, VARNA, 09-16 September, 2013. http://nec2013.jinr.ru/prog.php
Certification
- Digital Transformation: Overcoming Resistance. Mercy Corps. April 9, 2024
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Mercy Corps. May 6, 2024
- GESI Integration Training: Collecting Sex and Age Disaggregated Data. Mercy Corps. May 9, 2024
- Basic Principles Disability Inclusion. Mercy Corps, Mar 7, 2024
- CARM Policy_Introductory course. Mercy Corps. Mar 7, 2024 07:07 AM
- Comprehensive Accessible Humanitarian Assistance for Older People and People with Disabilities. Mercy Corps. Mar 7, 2024
- Digital Security Essentials. Mercy Corps. Mar 10, 2024
- Email Protection & Security. Mercy Corps. Mar 9, 2024
- Malicious Insider Threat. Mar 10, 202
- Navigating the Digital Library. Mercy Corps. Mar 6, 2024 04:52 PM
- Performance Management. Mercy Corps. Mar 7, 2024 07:48 AM
- Polishing Your Feedback Skills. Mercy Corps. Feb 9, 2024
- Project DPro_Project_Management for Development Professionals. Mercy Corps. Mar 5, 2024 06:39 PM
- Project Management. Mercy Corps. Mar 6, 2024 11:16 AM
- Project Management for All_Managing a Project to Minimize Risk and Maximize Quality. Mercy Corps. Mar 6, 2024
- Project Management for All_Navigating through Changes and Conflicts in Projects Mercy Corps. Mar 6, 2024
- Project Management for All_Taking Final Steps to Bring a Project to its Close. Mercy Corps.. Feb 9, 2024
- Project Management for Non-Project Managers. Mercy Corps. Mar 6, 2024 05:23 AM
- Protecting and Securing Your Devices. Mercy Corps. Feb 28, 2024
- Responsible Data Fundamentals. Mercy Corps. Dec 12, 2023 07:00 AM
- Safety & Security Essential Curriculum. Mercy Corps. eb 6, 2024 07:13 PM
- Safety & Security Essentials: Module 9 - Hibernation, Relocation and Evacuation. Mercy Corps. ar 3, 2024 06:12 PM
- Safety & Security Essentials: Curriculum: Module 7 - Conflict Survival Part 1. Mercy Corps. Mar 3, 2024 03:22 PM
- Safety & Security Essentials: Module 6 - Distributions & Crowds. Mercy Corps. Mar 3, 2024 02:24 PM
- Safety & Security Essentials: Module 7 - Conflict Survival Part 1. Mercy Corps. Mar 3, 2024 03:22 PM
- Safety & Security Essentials: Module 8 - Conflict Survival Part 2. Mercy Corps. Mar 3, 2024 04:33 PM
- Safety & Security Essentials: Module 10 – Kidnapping The Annual Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Training_2022 – 2023. Mercy Corps. Feb 7, 2024 09:00 PM
- Tools for Effective Decision Making Process (multi-language). Mercy Corps. Feb 9, 2024
- Unconscious Bias. Mercy Corps. Mar 4, 2024 06:50 PM\
- Understanding Older People and Their Needs – English. Mercy Corps. Mar 9, 2024
- Unintentional Insider Threat. Mercy Corps. Mar 10, 2024
- USAID - Cost Principles. Mercy Corps. Mar 4, 2024
- Main aspects of internal quality assurance, Saint Andrew's Georgian University. 30 January 2023The Gender+ dimension in scientific research. Training course for Principal Investigators and research coordinators as multipliers. CALIPER. 2022
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). 2022
- Introduction to Cybersecurity. Cisco. 25-27 October, 2022
- NDG Linux, Cisco. 29 Mar 2021
Timeline
Protection/Technology Specialist
Mercy Corps
11.2023 - Current
Horizon Europe Coordinator
SRNSF
05.2023 - 12.2023
Director of "Business Informatics" Master Program
Northern Kentucky University and SANGU
01.2023 - Current
Part-time Faculty
San Jose State University
01.2019 - 07.2019
Fulbright Visiting Scholar
San Jose State University
08.2018 - 02.2019
Adjunct Professor
San Diego State University
01.2018 - Current
Quality Assurance Manager
International Black Sea University
09.2016 - 01.2017
Visiting Professor
University of Camridge
08.2013 - 09.2013
Associate Professor
Ivane Javakhishbili Tbilisi State Universit
09.2009 - Current
Associate Professor
Sokhumi State University
09.2006 - 05.2009
DAAD Scholar
Zwickau University of Applied Sciences
03.2006 - 05.2006
Chief Engineer (ICT)
Geocell Ltd (Turkcell Daughter Company)
09.2002 - 11.2013
Switch Engineer
Ericsson
09.2000 - 09.2002
Associate Professor
Georgian Technical University
03.1998 - 05.2005
Ph.D. - Computer Science
Georgian Technical University
Engineer Diploma - Automatics And Informatics
Kutaisi Technical University
No Degree - Automatics And Electronics
Moscow Physics Engineering Institute
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