Dr. Maria Burns, PhD, MSc, MA, is a tenure track Faculty and Researcher in the College of Engineering at the University of Houston and Director of Executive Leadership and Finance Certification. Her work focuses on global energy trade, critical infrastructure protection, geopolitics, maritime and transportation security, and cross-border trade risk management.

Her research integrates AI, machine learning, quantum computing, and predictive analytics for applications in energy, transportation, and critical infrastructure security. Current projects examine cyber-physical security threats in energy/offshore supply chains, critical minerals and rare earth element security, homeland security governance frameworks, and maritime threat detection.

Dr. Burns has served as Principal Investigator on multi-year research initiatives supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State, contributing to more than $1.7 million in funded research. She has also served as a Thrust Lead for Education and Workforce Development on a $4 million DHS Center of Excellence project.

Her awards and honors include U.S. Coast Guard Aux Lifetime Membership, the Texas Governor’s Private Sector Advisory Council, DHS BTI Excellence recognition, the TEMAC Homeland Security Award, and the UH Provost’s Excellence in Research Award. She has also held elected leadership roles including President and Vice President of the Texas Academy of Science, Faculty Senator for Research & Scholarship at the University of Houston, Chair of Faculty Governance at the UH Technology Division, etc.