Student Profile: Mahmoud Said El-Sayed Abd-Allah
Tell us about your research
My research intersects cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, particularly in the domain of Software-Defined Networks (SDNs). SDNs offer centralized network control, improving efficiency but also introducing new vulnerabilities. My focus was on designing deep learning-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) capable of identifying and mitigating threats in real-time, including sophisticated zero-day attacks.
A significant challenge in SDN security is balancing detection accuracy with network performance. My research tackled this by integrating AI models optimized for real-world deployment—ensuring security without compromising speed. The impact of my work extends to cloud computing, IoT, and 5G networks, all of which are becoming fundamental to modern digital infrastructure.
Why did you do a PhD?
My path to a PhD was driven by curiosity and a desire to bridge industry challenges with academic solutions. After earning a Bachelor's in Communication Engineering and a Master's in Information Security, I worked at IBM and Huawei, where I encountered real-world security vulnerabilities in enterprise networks. These experiences revealed a gap between traditional security approaches and the rapid evolution of cyber threats. I wanted to contribute to solutions that could make networks more resilient—leading me to pursue advanced research at UCD.
UCD stood out for its strong cybersecurity research community and outstanding faculty. Working with my supervisors, Dr. Anca Jurcut and Dr. Nhien-An Le-Khac, allowed me to refine my ideas and push the boundaries of SDN security.
What’s it like doing a PhD?
A PhD is more than just research; it’s a journey of discovery, resilience, and growth. My days were a mix of designing AI models, testing security frameworks, and collaborating with international researchers. There were moments of breakthroughs—like when my deep learning model outperformed traditional IDS systems—and challenges, such as debugging complex network simulations.
Beyond research, I took on mentorship roles, co-supervising Master’s students from Politecnico di Torino and Nile University. Teaching was another rewarding aspect; I led lab sessions for Information Security modules, where I guided students through practical security implementations. These experiences refined my communication skills and reinforced my passion for knowledge sharing.
Outside academia, Dublin became home. I enjoyed walks in Stoneybatter, exploring the sea and mountains, and even unwinding at the campus café after long coding sessions.
What is the role of a PhD supervisor?
A PhD supervisor is not just a guide; they are a catalyst for growth. (opens in a new window)Dr. Anca Jurcut and (opens in a new window)Dr. Nhien-An Le-Khac provided the perfect balance of support and challenge. Rather than handing me solutions, they encouraged critical thinking, allowing me to develop independence in research. Their mentorship not only shaped my thesis but also prepared me for leadership roles in industry. Even two years after my graduation, Dr. Jurcut remains a mentor, offering valuable guidance on career decisions and professional growth, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the long-term success of her students.
What skills did you develop while doing a PhD?
A PhD refines both technical and soft skills, shaping you into a well-rounded researcher and professional. On the technical side, I became proficient in AI-driven cybersecurity, gaining hands-on experience with Python, TensorFlow, and network simulation tools. But beyond technical expertise, the journey strengthened my problem-solving abilities, as debugging AI models and troubleshooting network attacks demanded persistence and analytical thinking. Writing research papers for top-tier conferences and journals honed my ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity. Collaboration was another key skill—I worked closely with researchers from different backgrounds, enhancing my ability to navigate cross-cultural teamwork. Perhaps most importantly, I developed resilience. Research is full of setbacks, but learning from failures made me not only a better scientist but also a more adaptable and determined professional.
What keeps you motivated in your studies?
Cybersecurity is more than an academic pursuit; it has real-world implications. Knowing that my work could help protect critical infrastructure—banks, hospitals, communication networks—kept me motivated. Small milestones, like publishing a research paper or receiving positive feedback from students, reinforced my purpose.
What’s it like to live in Ireland/Dublin?
Dublin is a city of contrasts - historical yet modern, bustling yet serene. Living in Stoneybatter, I enjoyed the charm of cobbled streets and the warmth of the community. UCD’s campus was a hub of activity, from research seminars to casual chats with fellow PhD students. The Irish weather? Unpredictable. But the kindness of the people and the scenic beauty of Ireland made every rainy day worthwhile.
Tell us about your career
Before my PhD, I worked on enterprise network solutions at IBM and Huawei. Now, at Three Ireland, I design and secure telecom infrastructure. My role bridges academic research and industry application, ensuring that the security models I developed contribute to real-world solutions.
Looking ahead, I aim to continue innovating in AI-driven cybersecurity, collaborating with academia and industry. Research doesn’t end with a PhD - it’s a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and impact.
Advice for prospective PhD students
A PhD is not just an academic milestone; it’s a transformative journey that shapes both your intellect and character. Choosing a research topic that genuinely excites you will keep you motivated through the inevitable challenges. Finding the right mentors is just as important - good supervisors offer not only intellectual guidance but also personal support. Setbacks are part of the process, and each failure is a step toward meaningful discoveries. Maintaining a balance between work and life is crucial; taking breaks, exploring new places, and celebrating small victories will keep you refreshed. Above all, stay curious. A PhD isn’t just about publishing papers - it’s about cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning. Looking back, I don’t just see research papers and experiments, but personal growth, lasting friendships, and invaluable lessons that continue to shape who I am today.
Mahmoud Said El-Sayed Abd-Allah
Mahmoud is a PhD graduate from UCD’s School of Computer Science, specializing in network security and Artificial Intelligence. His research focused on securing Software-Defined Networks (SDNs) against evolving cyber threats. Now working as a Network and Security Design Engineer at Three Ireland, Mahmoud remains engaged in cutting-edge research, driving innovations in network security while mentoring students globally. He won the Best Paper Award in 2023 in Elsevier - Journal of Networks and Computer Applications for the paper “A novel hybrid model for intrusion detection systems in SDNs based on CNN and a new regularization technique”. He is named as one of the world’s Top 2 Percent Scientists in a List by Stanford University and Elsevier (opens in a new window)https://top2percentscientists.com/ (https://topresearcherslist.com/Home/Profile/948675)
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mahmoud-Elsayed-14
Learn more about studying for a PhD at UCD (opens in a new window)Why do a PhD?
20 March 2025