Cyber analytics professor receives Distinguished Public Service Award

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Pedro Robles, assistant teaching professor of cyber analytics and operations and longtime member of the Penn State Lehigh Valley faculty, has received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Keystone Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration.

This honor recognizes the achievements of outstanding public servants and educators in the field of public administration and policy. Recipients exemplify the highest standards of public service and embody the values that ASPA has championed since its founding in 1939.

Founded in 1967, the Keystone Chapter has worked to advance the art, science, teaching and practice of public and nonprofit administration throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. This award celebrates honorees like Robles, who inspire both current and future public servants and demonstrate the profound impact that dedicated educators and professionals can have on the larger community.

Aníbal Torres, chief academic officer at Penn State Lehigh Valley, praised Robles for his accomplishments.

“Pedro Robles is an exceptional faculty member whose impactful research and dedicated service strengthen our academic community," Torres said. "This award reflects the depth of his scholarship and his commitment to advancing our land-grant mission.”

With more than 30 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, Robles’ teaching and research focus on critical areas such as network security, information security management, cybersecurity risk analysis and consumer privacy. His work also explores the integration of technological solutions within organizational settings, with a strong emphasis on the ethical implications of these advancements.

For Robles, the recognition is appreciated, he said, but his career remains centered on his students.

“Penn State Lehigh Valley is a campus full of opportunities for our students,” said Robles. “Whether it is cybersecurity or ethical considerations in today’s technological world, I want my classroom to be a place for students to explore, test, research and gain confidence so they can enter the world ready to engage the challenges ahead.”

This academic year has included additional recognition for Robles, who, along with his colleague Daniel Mallinson, associate professor of public policy and administration at Penn State Harrisburg, received the Best Paper Award from the Review of Policy Research for their article, "Artificial intelligence technology, public trust, and effective governance."

About Penn State Lehigh Valley

From awards and recognition, to new books and cutting-edge research, to expert interviews and artistic contributions, the Penn State Lehigh Valley faculty represents the very best of the academic community in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. With the resources of a global university and exceptional faculty, Penn State Lehigh Valley continues to attract students seeking a rigorous, four-year academic experience.