Rate My Professor Ahmed Banafa

Professor Ahmed Banafa is a part-time faculty member in the Interdisciplinary Engineering program within the College of Engineering at San Jose State University, where he teaches ENGR 10 and serves as the undergraduate advisor. He is a recognized expert in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, with research interests encompassing the Internet of Things, Blockchain, AI, and Cybersecurity, as profiled on Google Scholar where his work has garnered over 615 citations. Banafa has authored 11 books on AI and advanced computing published by River Publishers, including Secure and Smart Internet of Things (IoT): Using Blockchain and AI (2018), Blockchain Technology and Applications (2020), Introduction to Blockchain Technology (2023), Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) (2023), Transformative AI: Responsible, Transparent, and Trustworthy AI Systems (2023), Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) (2024), and Artificial Intelligence in Action: Real-world Applications and Innovations (2025). These publications have earned him the San Jose State University Annual Author and Artist Award multiple times: in 2019 for the IoT book, 2020 for the Blockchain book, 2022 for Quantum Computing, 2023 for Introduction series, 2024, and 2025 for AI books.

In recognition of his excellence in student learning and commitment to teaching Engineering students, Banafa received the 2025-2026 Outstanding Lecturer Award from San Jose State University. His scholarly contributions include influential peer-reviewed articles such as IoT and Blockchain Convergence: Benefits and Challenges (IEEE Internet of Things Newsletter, 2017, cited 250 times), Three Major Challenges Facing IoT (IEEE Internet of Things, 2017, cited 113 times), and IoT Standardization and Implementation Challenges (IEEE Internet of Things Newsletter, 2016, cited 86 times). He has also received the Haskell Award for Distinguished Teaching from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Frequently providing expert commentary for national and international media on the societal and economic impacts of emerging technologies, Banafa emphasizes bridging theory with real-world applications in his interdisciplinary Engineering instruction at San Jose State University.