Executive Director

Dr. James McDowell

Leader | Cyberpsychologist | Innovator

Dr. McDowell is a cyberpsychologist and leader in cybercrime investigations. Dr. McDowell has been at the forefront of untangling complex white-collar crimes across both the public and private sectors for the last decade. His insights have illuminated the intricate relationship between human behavior and cybercrime, making him a sought-after expert in the field. 

Dr. McDowell is an adjunct professor at a large university and leader of a team of investigators at a financial regulator in the United States. Dr. McDowell previously served as the Chief of Cyber Operations for a state law enforcement agency where he built and led the cybercrime investigative program.

Dr. McDowell holds a master’s degree in cybersecurity, a master’s degree in data analytics, and a Ph.D. in social psychology with a research area of cyber-enabled fraud schemes involving crypto assets. Dr. McDowell also holds 50+ certifications in domains such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, counterterrorism, cybercrime investigations, crypto assets, data analytics, digital forensics, emergency preparedness, and intelligence analysis.

Summary of Qualifications

  • Cybercrime Investigations

    10+ years

  • Intelligence Functions

    10+ years

  • Crypto Assets

    10+ years

  • Project and Program Leadership

    8+ years

  • Data Analytics

    7+ years

  • Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Crime

    3+ years

Research Interests

  • Dr. McDowell provides valuable insights and innovative solutions to combat forms of cybercrime that are enhanced by AI through focused research in this emerging area. 

  • Dr. McDowell leverages unique skills and experiences to uncover the patterns and motivations behind cyber threats through threat actor behavioral analysis .

  • Dr. McDowell investigates cybercrime susceptibility by exploring the psychological factors that influence cybercrime vulnerability in humans to understand the psychology driving cybercime.

Selected Publications

Research Studies and White Papers

  • The brief examines the association between worrying about investment fraud and investing behaviors. The findings suggest a strong tie between worry and specific investing behaviors.

  • This white paper provides a nuanced view into cryptocurrencies, including a review of the ways in which cryptocurrencies relate to the traditional financial system, a review of a use case for Bitcoin, and an overview of cryptocurrency mining. A discussion related to the future of blockchain technology, privacy, and endpoint security is also included in the conclusion of the white paper.

  • This study explores the relationships between self-esteem, financial egocentrism, and fraud susceptibility in the context of cyber-enabled fraud schemes involving crypto assets.

Books and Book Chapters

  • Dr. McDowell is a contributing author to the third edition of The Art of Investigation.

  • Dr. McDowell’s upcoming book on the inter-play between psychology and cybercrime.

Podcasts

  • This episode explores cyber-enabled fraud (e.g., pig butchering) and how cryptocurrencies may play a role in facilitating this heinous crime.

  • Liberty University

    Research Area: Cybercrime Susceptibility

  • Western Governors University

    Thesis: Automated Filing Analysis in Fraud Detection

  • Western Governors University

    Thesis: Leveraging AI to Create “Smart” Networks

  • The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

    Thesis: The Anticipated Impact of Cryptocurrencies

  • The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

    Thesis: The Economic Impact of Pre-K Education

  • Cyber Investigator Certificate Program (CICP) – Carnegie Mellon University; Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Certificate in Advanced Darknet Investigations – University of Alabama; Joint Electronic Crimes Task Force

    Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate Program – Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

    Cyber Insider Threat Certificate Program – Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

    Certificate in Insider Threat Program Management – CISA

    Certificate in Managing Computer Security Incident Response Teams – CISA

    Certificate in Advanced Computer Forensics – CISA

    Certificate in Social Media Exploitation (SMEC) – Drug Enforcement Administration; National Domestic Communications Assistance Center

    Certified Cyber Crime Investigator (3CI) – National White Collar Crime Center

    Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – EC Council

    Certified Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) – EC Council

    Autopsy DFIR Certification – Basis Technology

    Intella Certified Examiner – Vound Software

    W4 Certified Examiner – Vound Software

    AccessData Certified Examiner – AccessData

  • Certificate in Blockchain Fundamentals – University of California-Berkley (EdX)

    Certificate in Advanced OSINT & Cryptocurrency Investigations – University of Alabama; Joint Electronic Crimes Task Force

    Certificate in Cryptocurrency for Law Enforcement – CISA

    Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator (CCI) – Blockchain Intelligence Group

    Certified Blockchain Expert (CBE) – Blockchain Council

    Certified Cryptocurrency Expert (CCE) – Blockchain Council

    Certified Blockchain Developer (CBD) – Blockchain Council

  • Certificate in Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence – Harvard University (EdX)

    Certificate in Data Science for Executives – Columbia University (EdX)

    Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Cyber – CISA

    Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path – Google

    Advanced Google Analytics – Google

    Social & Behavioral Researcher Certification – CITI Program

    Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research Certification – CITI Program

    Comprehensive Essentials of Statistical Analysis (EOSA) Certification – CITI Program

    Essentials of Research Administration Certification – CITI Program

  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

    Intelligence Fundamentals Professional Certification (IFPC) – Department of Defense

    Basic Correctional Professional Training Certification – Tennessee Department of Correction

  • Certificate in Foundations of Incident Management – CISA

    Counterintelligence Awareness Certificate Program – Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

    Certified Situational Awareness Specialist – Arcuri Group

    Level I Antiterrorism Awareness Training – Joint Chiefs of Staff - JKO

    Professional Development Series Certificate – Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Antiterrorism Officer (Level II) Certification [Expired] – Department of Defense

  • Fighting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (Part 1) – ACAMS

    Fighting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (Part 2) – ACAMS

    Human Trafficking Essentials – Polaris Project

    Trafficking Truths – Rebecca Bender Initiative

Outstanding Practitioner

American Society of Criminology

2022

“Picture the Future” Award

American Legal & Financial Network

2020

Rising Star - Technology and Innovation

Birmingham Business Journal

2020

Certificate of Excellence

State of Tennessee Government

2018