Carlos R. Morales, JD, CIPP/US, is an Associate Professor in the School of Applied and Creative Computing at Purdue University and a licensed California attorney. His research interests, teaching, and professional work focus on the intersection of technology, law, cybersecurity, privacy, and artificial intelligence governance. With more than 25 years of experience in technology education, he brings an interdisciplinary perspective that connects legal and regulatory principles with software development, digital systems, and organizational governance.
Research and Scholarly Interests
Professor Morales's scholarly interests include cyberlaw education, privacy regulation, AI governance, professional responsibility in software development, and the application of legal and regulatory frameworks to technical systems. His current scholarly work examines how students develop and demonstrate legal reasoning in technology-related contexts, including enterprise simulations, scenario-based assessments, and the application of professional standards of care.
His broader research interests include the relationship between legal obligations and technical implementation, particularly how privacy regulations, AI governance frameworks, and regulatory expectations influence software design, organizational decision-making, and risk management. These areas offer opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration involving computing, cybersecurity, law, education, and organizational governance.
Teaching and Curriculum Development
Professor Morales teaches Cyberlaw, emphasizing the application of legal principles to technical and organizational problems involving cybersecurity, privacy, intellectual property, digital communications, and emerging technologies. He has also developed three courses addressing emerging areas of technology law and governance:
- AI Governance, Risk, and Compliance
- Privacy I: U.S. and European Privacy Law
- Privacy II: Global Data Governance and Cross-Border Compliance
These courses integrate legal analysis, regulatory frameworks, and applied technical considerations, including topics involving the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and international AI governance standards. The curriculum emphasizes how legal and regulatory requirements influence software development, artificial intelligence systems, data governance, organizational risk management, and compliance practices.
His broader teaching experience includes web development, software technologies, computer graphics, animation, and interdisciplinary capstone projects connecting students with industry clients.
Professional Background
Professor Morales's academic and professional background combines technical expertise with legal education and privacy credentials. He holds a Juris Doctor degree, is admitted to the State Bar of California, and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
His interdisciplinary background supports teaching, scholarship, and collaboration addressing the legal, technical, and organizational challenges associated with emerging technologies.