Increasing the Diversity in Cyber Security Through Undergraduate Research Experiences
Abstract
Research Problem and Objectives: Cyberattacks, ranging from identity theft to life threatening, present a growing threat to our nation. Industry is facing great challenges to hire sufficient, qualified security personnel. One of the challenges faced in addressing cyber workforce issues is the well documented shortage of STEM graduates to work in the cyber field. While STEM careers in academia and industry are increasingly requiring technical skills for dealing with the cybersecurity, undergraduate courses in computer science fall short of providing key training to students in cybersecurity areas that integrate both theory and practice. Equipping students with such skills will greatly improve their employability.The objectives of this project are to expose highly qualified Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Underrepresented Minority (URM), and women students to 1) advanced topics in Cyber Security through undergraduate research, 2) state-of-the-art methodologies and Cyber Security tools through active learning, 3) professional certifiis program is to encourage students to learn by discovery as opposed to passive listening. This will be accomplished by employing non-traditional forms of active learning such as cooperative learning, simulation-based research and experimentation. We are planning to achieve our objects and goal through nine main components:1) Undergraduate Research, 2) Workshops, 3) Lecture Seri 4) Mentoring Club, 5) Guest Colloquium, 6) Student Seminars, 7) Computational Laboratory, 8) Cyber Security Student Symposium, and 9) Scientific and Social Tours. Anticipated Outcomes: Students will be 1) versed in practical elements of Cyber Security sufficientg solutions to defend cyberspace and computer networks, and ASU will 1) have a methodology to train students, 2) measure the effectiveness of using Cyber Security industry practices in the classroom, 3) develop new Cyber Security project modules, and 4) attract and retain students by offering education in cutting-edge Cyber Security practices.Impact on DoD Capabilities: This project will allow individuals enrolled in ROTC to further enhance their cybersecurity and analytical skills while enhancing complex critical thinking abilities for all those involved.The Intellectual Merit: Student participants will contribute to and be immersed in the ongoing intellectual activity of forefront STEM research programs throughout the ASU. The proposed research program will greatly enhance the awareness of the ever-increasing utility of mathematical and engineering approaches in understanding Cyber Security systems, contribute to the scientific development of undergraduate students, and will nurture the intellectual growth and development of graduate/senior students and provide them with a valuable experience of mentoring. Broader Impacts: Cohorts of ROTC, URM, and women students will be recruited from various colleges across ASU and placed throughout the CSTEM in Cyber Security research programs that match the scientific interests and background of the individual student. We aim to amplify our broad impact by engaging the faculty from our partner R1 Research Institutions across Alabama in participating in the program. They will be invited to campus and connected with ASU faculty with similar research interests as a route to future collaborative research. This model could significantly increase the participation of URM students in the scientific enterprise with existing REU sites and other research programs in ASU and our partner institutions. We hope that this program will greatly encourage ROTC, URM, and women to pursue careers in Cyber Security.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112553
Entities
People
- Rajendran Swamidurai
Organizations
- Alabama State College
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy