Accelerated Learning and Engineering Research Training (ALERT)Program in Cyber and Electronic Warfare for Undergraduate Midshipmen and Cadets
Abstract
Abstract (approved for public release)Accelerated Learning and Engineering Research Training (ALERT) Program in Cyber and Electronic Warfare for Undergraduate Midshipmen and CadetsThe purpose of the project is to train undergraduate ROTC midshipmen and cadets at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the areas of cyber and electronic warfare research in collaboration with ROTC staff and with support from the Office of Naval Research. The research training program for these students is called ALERT, Accelerated Learning and Engineering Research Training program. ALERT leverages the infrastructure of the Illinois Scholars Undergraduate Research (ISUR) program for administration and programmatic activities. Students participating in the ALERT program will be embedded in a research learning community which integrates research and educational experiences in a wide range of cyber security related areas, from advanced RF electronics and materials, communications and networking, data science and analytics, electronic warfare, and machine learning, reasoning and intelligence. The project goal is to expand and develop students technical and research skills in relation to cyber and electronic warfare. We aim to grow students interest in research and train them on skills useful in protecting and defending against cyber and electronic warfare threats. Ultimately, the goal is to provide skilled and trained engineers and scientists to the national workforce that defends against these threats, through mentored experiences designed to engage participants in cutting edge, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary research to develop their technical skills and prepare them for more research.areer guidance. Student learning assessment and performance evaluation will be conducted throughout their participation in the program. Students will be tracked longitudinally to determine the effects of research participation on their career choices. The ALERT program offers 10 to 14 undergraduate ROTC midshipmen and cadets (preferably rising juniors and seniors) an academic year of participation in multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary research experiences and courses related to their research. During the fall and spring semesters, students will spend at least 10 hours per week doing research with faculty and graduate student mentors, and 30 hours per week for eight weeks maximum in the summer. The summer research experience is scheduled not to interfere with the ROTC midshipmen and cadets summer training program. In addition to conducting research, students will attend group meetings, perform literature reviews, and present their research at the year-end research expo and at local and national conferences. Research projects provided by engineering faculty will be assigned to participants based on their research interests. The robust and diverse portfolio of projects include the design, build, and test of reconfigurable antenna to block GPS spoofing, and of small phased arrays in unmanned aerial vehicle platforms; design, fabrication, and characterization of next generation semiconductors for quantum cryptography, and of next generation power electronics for radar systems or satellite communications; understanding and evaluation of adversarial machine learning; machine learning anomaly detection for assured command and control, and for LERT combines learning-through-inquiry in the research laboratories and courses with professional development activities. The program will also engage Navy personnel in discussions with the students about the projects and in talks about naval programs and career opportunities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112217
Entities
People
- Natasha Mamaril
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign