IU Researcher Pioneering AI Solutions for Cybersecurity and Mental Health
Sagar Samtani, an associate professor at the IU Kelley School of Business and director of the school’s Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, is applying artificial intelligence to solve significant problems in society. Samtani leads a team of researchers dedicated to building AI techniques to address pressing issues in cybersecurity, mental health, and business intelligence.
In a recent interview, Samtani explained the focus of his research: “My lab collects data around three specific problem areas — cybersecurity, mental health and business intelligence — and then we adapt or develop new AI techniques to process that data to solve a particular task.”
Addressing Cybersecurity and Business Challenges
At the organizational level, Samtani’s lab is aiding businesses around the world with their cybersecurity technology implementations by helping them to more effectively process external data related to their customers and competitors. This allows for “sound investment decisions, better strategic priorities, and increased competitive advantage,” he noted.
AI for Mental Health
On an individual scale, the lab is also developing methods to analyze sensor data from smartphones to recognize signs of depressive or anxious behavior, paving the way for AI-driven solutions to support individuals struggling with their mental health.
Samtani’s work in mental health is a more recent area of research. Observing the mental health concerns of cybersecurity professionals fueled his interest in this area. His collaborations with other IU faculty members, including Bernice Pescosolido and Edlin Garcia Colato, have been critical to the development of this research area.
The Role of Students
Students are an integral part of Samtani’s research. His lab includes doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students from a range of disciplines, including informatics, finance, and information systems. Doctoral students are primarily tasked with leading research groups. Master’s students gain hands-on experience developing systems and AI models for industry. Undergraduate students get their first taste of research and AI-enabled analytics work, preparing them for graduate studies or industry positions.
Samtani believes that a key focus of his lab is to train students to be “problem-focused and data-driven” so they can identify practical uses of AI to address real-world issues.
IU’s Leadership in Cybersecurity and Mental Health
Indiana University provides a leading environment for both cybersecurity and mental health research. The university’s cybersecurity entities, OmniSOC and the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research, provide unparalleled opportunities for impactful collaborative research. The Irsay Institute and IU’s exceptional researchers also make possible significant progress in mental health.
Advice for Aspiring Researchers
For those entering the field, Samtani emphasizes the importance of “hands-on” experience. He advises, “Taking courses is one element of it, but getting practical experiences through internships and different research opportunities is important as well.” He added that cybersecurity is a “hands-on team sport.”
