Research, Education and Workforce Training for Engagement in the Cyber-learning Environment
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to build upon and expand Florida International University s (FIU) capability to provide research, education and workforce training for engagement in the areas of cybersecurity research/learning and applications in the emerging, critical areas of penetration testing, digital forensics, biometric sciences, identity science, as well as game theoretic security in the areas of cloud computing, big data analysis/security, security of deployed sensor systems, and sensor data cleaning. Equipment funding under this Research and Education Program will enhance the research capabilities of FIU s School of Computing and Information Science (SCIS), an HBCU/MI and strengthen the STEM education programs and outreach to high school students and teachers. The equipment will be used to (1) to augment existing capabilities and research programs, as well as to develop new capabilities in research areas of interest to DoD, and (2) attract students to pursue studies and research leading to STEM careers. The three main goals of this proposal are to enhance and facilitate; 1) applied transformative research; 2) cyber educational/training programs; and 3) job training opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue STEM careers in government 1.) Enhance and Facilitate Applied Transformative Research. New equipment will enhance and facilitate applied transformative research and education significant to the computational sciences and engineering disciplines. Emphasis in this area will result in smart technology solutions for complex, real-time challenges currently encountered in the national security functions of the Department of Defense by transforming software and hardware tools needed for applications in cybersecurity defense. 2.) Develop and Enhance Cyber Educational/Training Programs. The development and enhancement of educational/training programs will increase the number of graduates, including underrepresented and minority students in the STEM fields. By providing necessary, advanced tools and equipment, students will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge implements in designing the next generation cyber tools, preparing them to immediately enter the workforce and be productive day one. 3.) Enhance Opportunities for Underrepresented Students. The program will provide an environment for synergistic multidisciplinary research and education in broad areas of cyber innovation to facilitate collaboration and interest for minority/underrepresented student groups, allowing them to integrate/collaborate with government and industry to provide incentive for them to enter STEM professions. The challenging research will increase the presence of minority/underrepresented students. Cybersecurity projects currently underway at FIU, when combined with the new equipment, will enhance opportunities for graduate, undergraduate and faculty research to address expanded and new cyber challenges, improving our capacity to complete ongoing work. Additionally, when funded, the equipment will enable advanced future work with the Army Research Office (ARO-Dr. Cliff Wang), as well as facilitate additional partnerships with Florida technology companies, providing advanced targeted training 10 minority/underrepresented students in these areas. The National Security Agency recognized FIU s strength in cybersecurity by designating FIU as a DHS/NSA Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity education, and a Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Research. Combined with our current NSF ranking as 45th in computer science research expenditures and FIU s new designation as a Carnegie--RI: Doctoral Universities- Highest Research Activity University, these prestigious certifications demonstrate emergence of FIU s preeminence in cybersecurity and continued commitment to education, training and research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 20, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710556
Entities
People
- Sundaraja Sitharama Iyengar
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Florida International University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense