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Academic Leadership

Dean Graduate School  of Technology  Associate Provost  Artificial Intelligence Shlomo E. Argamon

Shlomo E. Argamon

Dean Graduate School
of Technology
Associate Provost
Artificial Intelligence

Shlomo Engelson Argamon, Ph.D., serves as Dean of the Graduate School of Technology, Associate Provost for Artificial Intelligence, and Professor of Computer Science at Touro University. His scholarly work spans artificial intelligence and computational linguistics, with a focus on applying machine learning to language analysis and authorship attribution.

Dr. Argamon was named the 2014 Distinguished Visitor in Forensic Linguistics at the Centre for Forensic Linguistics at Aston University and is a Fellow of the British Computer Society.

Dr. Argamon holds a B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Yale University, where he was a Hertz Doctoral Research Fellow.
Director of Academic Affairs Payam Bina

Payam Bina

Director of Academic Affairs

Payam Bina, M.S., is the Director of Academic Affairs at Touro University's Graduate School of Technology. In this role, he oversees academic programming, curriculum development, and instructional design initiatives that support student success and program quality.

An experienced instructional designer, Mr. Bina brings both technical expertise and pedagogical insight to his work. His background in computer science and instructional design informs his approach to building learning environments that are rigorous, accessible, and aligned with industry needs.

Mr. Bina holds a B.A. in Computer Science from Yeshiva University and an M.S. in Instructional Design from the Touro University Graduate School of Technology.
Chair Artificial Intelligence Navot Akiva

Navot Akiva

Chair Artificial Intelligence

Navot Akiva, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Chair of the AI Program at Touro University's Graduate School of Technology. He provides academic leadership for the Master of AI Systems and Advanced Certificate in Applied AI programs, and develops and teaches graduate courses including AI for Predictive Analytics, AI for Natural Language Processing, and AI Systems Design.

Dr. Akiva holds a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from Bar Ilan University, Israel and brings over 22 years of combined academic and industry experience in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). His professional background includes founding a boutique AI consultancy and serving as Head of Data Science at a Fintech investment fund, Head of NLP at a multidisciplinary research center, and NLP/NLU Lead at a technology firm specializing in conversation analysis.

His research focuses on applying Large Language Models and Deep Learning to challenges in Authorship Analysis, Conversational Analysis, and User-Generated Content Analysis, as well as Data Science solutions for the Fintech industry.
Chair Educational Technology  Instructional Technology Jenelle Hodges

Jenelle Hodges

Chair Educational Technology
Instructional Technology

Jenelle Hodges, Ph.D. is Chair of the M.S. in Educational Technology and M.S. in Instructional Technology programs at Touro University's Graduate School of Technology. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, corporate, and professional development settings, she leads the design of future-ready programs that connect K–12 education, higher education, and workforce learning.

Dr. Hodges specializes in building learning ecosystems that integrate instructional design, emerging technologies, and AI-supported practices to create scalable, meaningful learning experiences. She has led the development and launch of multiple graduate programs, certificates, and micro-credential pathways aligned with evolving industry needs. Her approach combines academic rigor with human-centered design, with a focus on faculty development and the intersection of technology, strategy, and organizational impact.

Dr. Hodges holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Development from the University of South Alabama.
Chair UX/UI & Interaction Design Ilene Silverberg

Ilene Silverberg

Chair UX/UI & Interaction Design

Ilene Silverberg is the Department Chair of UX/UI Interaction Design at Touro University's Graduate School of Technology and the Deputy Chair for the undergraduate Interactive and Digital Design Program. Her professional background spans marketing, UX/UI, and visual design, and she brings extensive industry experience to her academic leadership role.

Before becoming chair, Mrs. Silverberg served as an adjunct instructor, teaching courses in Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, and UX/UI design. Ilene’s teaching approach is grounded in real-world application and a commitment to helping students develop creative thinking and practical design skills.

Mrs. Silverberg holds a B.S. in Design from Yeshiva University and an M.S. in Web and Multimedia Design from Touro Graduate School of Technology.
Chair Data Analytics & Technology Leadership/ Project Management Benjamin Lunzer

Benjamin Lunzer

Chair Data Analytics
&
Technology Leadership/ Project Management

Benjamin Lunzer, M.S., is the Chair of Data Analytics and Technology Leadership / Project Management at Touro University’s Graduate School of Technology. He brings extensive industry leadership experience to the classroom, drawing on a career spanning financial services technology, enterprise software development, and consulting.

Professor Lunzer previously served as Vice President of Corporate Technology at J.P. Morgan Chase and as Director of Custom Application Development at OpenText. He was a founding member of the Securities Industry Middleware Council, served on the Advisory Council of the IAFE as co-chair of its Technical Committee, represented J.P. Morgan at The Open Group, and was Book Editor for the IEEE Transactions in Biomedical Engineering. He currently consults for Furniss Clarke & Co.

His teaching reflects a commitment to applied learning, including prior experience piloting differentiated instruction techniques for middle school students. Professor Lunzer holds a B.S. in Applied Science from The City College of New York and an M.S. in Bioengineering from NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering.
Chair Cybersecurity & Network Administration Satchit Hegde

Satchit Hegde

Chair Cybersecurity & Network Administration

Satchit Hegde is the Chair of Cybersecurity and Network Administration at Touro University's Graduate School of Technology. Alongside teaching courses in Computer Networks, Information Security Fundamentals, Cloud Systems Administration, and Malware Analysis, he serves as an Assistant Professor. He also coordinates the undergraduate program in Cybersecurity and Network Administration at NYSCAS, a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber-Defence, with a focus on preparing students for careers in cybersecurity.

Mr. Hegde specializes in penetration testing, computer networking, network protocol and traffic analysis technologies. He is committed to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and brings a hands-on, practice-oriented approach to instruction. His workshops, both at GST and with the CAE focus on Cybersecurity, AI augmentation and security products for small businesses. His ethical hacking workshops and courses regularly focus on teaching students how to develop solutions for vulnerable systems.

Mr. Hegde holds a B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology from Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Cybersecurity and Privacy from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Chair Web & Application  Development Shmuel Fink

Shmuel Fink

Chair Web & Application
Development

Shmuel Fink, Ph.D., is the Chair for Web and Application Development at Touro University's Graduate School of Technology, where he serves as Chair of the Master of Science in Web and Application Development program. He was instrumental in establishing the Graduate School of Technology in 2007 and has been a member of the Touro University faculty since 1993.

Dr. Fink provides academic leadership through curriculum development, faculty advising, and student mentorship, with an ongoing focus on ensuring that program curricula remain responsive to the evolving technology landscape across industries. Prior to joining Touro, Dr. Fink held positions at IBM, Xerox, and other technology firms.

Dr. Fink holds a B.S. in Computer Science, an M.S. in Software Development and Management, and a Ph.D. in Computing Technology in Education.