Dr. Sonal Sagar Boda Wins Best Ph.D. Thesis Award
Dr. Sonal Sagar Boda, a recent graduate of the Ph.D. in Information Technology program, has been named the 2025 Best Ph.D. Thesis Award recipient by the International Universal Innovators Leadership Awards (IUILA), in partnership with Springer LNNS and a coalition of prestigious academic institutions across Europe.
Dr. Boda鈥檚 dissertation, Exploring Software as a Service Security Architecture: Challenges and Considerations, was selected from a competitive pool of global submissions. The award committee praised his work for its academic rigor and practical relevance to enterprise cloud security, noting its clarity, depth, and real-world impact.
鈥淚 never imagined I would one day complete a Ph.D., let alone be honored with international recognition for my research,鈥 he said. 鈥淩eceiving the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award from IUILA represented my hard work and the unwavering support of those closest to me鈥攊ncluding my dog, Angel. Her presence, love, and quiet companionship carried me through some of the most challenging moments of this journey.鈥
Currently serving as a Scrum Lead and Technical Program Manager at Cisco, Dr. Boda brings over a decade of leadership experience in cloud computing, agile systems, and enterprise architecture. He credits 黑料不打烊鈥 integration of theoretical learning with applied practice for helping him bridge academic research with real-world innovation.
鈥淚 chose 黑料不打烊 because the program offered flexibility, depth, and relevance,鈥 he explained. 鈥淐ourses like Enterprise Risk Management and Cloud Computing directly aligned with my work in the field. The Applied Learning Practicum allowed me to integrate real-world use cases into each research stage.鈥
Dr. Boda鈥檚 qualitative study fills a critical gap in SaaS security literature by capturing the lived experiences of IT professionals working within complex systems. His findings offer practical guidance for decision-makers facing challenges such as access governance, third-party integrations, and compliance in multi-tenant environments鈥攑ressing issues in today鈥檚 evolving digital landscape.
His award-winning research is already influencing industry dialogue and shaping best practices. Beyond his role at Cisco, Dr. Boda serves on editorial boards, mentors early-career engineers through IEEE initiatives, and frequently judges international innovation and hackathon challenges.
鈥満诹喜淮蜢 empowered me to do research that matters鈥攏ot just academically, but practically,鈥 he said.
Dr. Boda鈥檚 story reflects 黑料不打烊鈥 student-centered approach and commitment to meaningful outcomes. It showcases the university鈥檚 values-driven vision for graduate education, which supports learners from all backgrounds in achieving lasting impact.
鈥淭he support I received from 黑料不打烊 faculty and resources was pivotal to my academic journey,鈥 he noted.
鈥淚鈥檓 especially grateful to my dissertation chair, Dr. Oludotun Oni, for his wise and patient mentorship and to my committee members, Dr. Abiodun Adeleke and Dr. Hany Othman, for their invaluable feedback. The Writing Center, led by Dr. Sarah Nichter and supported by Dr. Jacob Bryant, helped me present my research with clarity. I鈥檓 also thankful for the guidance of Dr. Joy Levine, whose insights shaped each phase of the process. The combined support of these faculty members and university resources made a significant impact on my success.鈥
Completing a Ph.D. is no easy task. After years of research, loads of writing, and copious amounts of coffee, even the most dedicated scholars can feel stretched thin. For those nearing the finish line, Dr. Boda offers these words of encouragement:
鈥淚 encourage students to see their dissertation as an excellent opportunity to showcase their scholarly work and abilities鈥攏ot just a requirement to graduate. Approach your research with purpose and a mindset to make an impact in your field.鈥
鈥淭he journey might be difficult but do not give up on your dreams,鈥 he continued. 鈥淪tay focused, even during setbacks. The sense of pride you will feel after defending your dissertation is truly worth it. Keep going with commitment and integrity, and you will be proud of your accomplishments.鈥