Research-based Enhancement of STEM ROTC Training in Aviation Cybersecurity
Abstract
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University proposes a cybersecurity training program at its Daytona Beach campus to enhance the cyber/electronic warfare skills of STEM focused ROTC students. ERAU is recognized as a leader in aviation and aerospace research and academics, it hosts one of the largest ROTC programs training officers for all branches of service, and is one of the five universities in the country and the only university in Florida to hold NSA and DHS Center of Academic Excellence Cyber Defense certification with a special designation in Secure Software Development.Across military branches, manned and unmanned aviation mission capabilities are vital to supporting the warfighter. An aviation-focused cybersecurity program aligns with the Naval Research & Development Framework by enabling the integration and distribution of forces through assured communications, operational endurance through cyber-assured systems such as avionics, and sense and sense making through participants exposure to tools and techniques for security threat/beach detection, classification, and neutralization. It supports Naval STEM objectives by inspiring cadets to pursue technical career paths, engaging the students through hands-on activities/experiential learning, and educating students through co-curricular mentorship from expert faculty.In collaboration with ERAU-DB ROTC command, participants will be recruited from relevant undergraduate academic programs including engineering, homeland security, and global conflict studies. Academic criteria including grade point average, credits completed, and prerequisite courses will guide program recruitment and admission. Students from underrepresented populations will be encouraged to apply. Assignment to a research project is based on participant background and interests as expressed when applying. Each project will have a faculty mentor to develop the students research skills and facilitate project success. A graduate research assistant shall monitor and support the student project teams. Projects will focus on cybersecurity considerations of aviationand aerospace, and related disciplines. Assessment and evaluation shall be performed by a co-PI from the Engineering Fundamentals department to determine the efficacy of the training program in attaining learning outcome and enhancing participant abilities to identify, formulate, and solve aviation cybersecurity challenges relevant to the warfighter, conduct research, and communicate results. The program would leverage ERAUs existing laboratories and virtual computing environment which have successfully supported dozens of courses and projects over the past several years. Potential hands-on projects shall include, but are not limited to: Effects of Cyber Attacks on Communication in Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)Swarms with Distributed Swarm Control Small UAS Vulnerability and Threat Assessment and Mitigation Secure UAS Command and Control (C2) Communication Links Privacy Conservation and Data Security Protection Onboard Small UAS Enhancing Security of Cloud-Connected UAS Services A Secure, Low Cost, Miniaturized Control System for Autonomous FlightERAU shall additionally collaborate with faculty from Jacksonville University (JU) where ERAU faculty shall train the trainer to enable JU faculty to mentor similar ROTC project opportunities at their University.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012515
Entities
People
- Richard Stansbury
Organizations
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy