Angelo State University Secures $299,999 Grant for Cybersecurity Research and Workforce Development
In a significant stride towards enhancing cybersecurity capabilities in Texas, Angelo State University (ASU) has been awarded a $299,999 grant sub-award from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This funding, funneled through Texas Tech University (TTU), is part of a broader initiative aimed at developing a robust cybersecurity research and workforce development program to address pressing defense-related challenges in the region.
A Collaborative Effort
The two-year project, aptly titled "Research and Workforce Development in the Area of Cybersecurity," is part of a larger $2.5 million grant awarded to Texas Tech University. This grant also includes subawards to ASU and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The collaborative nature of this initiative underscores the importance of pooling resources and expertise among institutions to tackle the complex and evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
The primary objective of this project is to cultivate a research and training environment across TTU, ASU, and UTSA. By focusing on fundamental research and practical applications of cybersecurity, the program aims to enhance research capabilities, foster student involvement in research activities, and strengthen collaborations with the DoD.
Leadership and Vision
At the helm of ASU’s involvement in this project is Dr. Erdogan Dogdu, chair of the Department of Computer Science. He serves as the principal investigator (PI) for ASU’s portion of the grant, with Dr. Roya Choupani and Dr. Sundar Krishnan as co-principal investigators (co-PIs). Dr. Dogdu expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I am excited to collaborate with Dr. Choupani and Dr. Krishnan to advance cybersecurity research and workforce development at ASU."
The focus of their research will encompass cutting-edge areas such as AI-driven threat detection, cyber forensics, and the development of a knowledge-graph-based intelligence framework. Dr. Dogdu emphasized the project’s dual impact: enhancing research capabilities while providing students with invaluable hands-on experience, internships, and career preparation to become the cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow.
Key Areas of Development
The collaborative efforts of the ASU faculty will concentrate on several specific areas within the overarching program. These include:
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Toolkit and Forensics for Cyber Incident/Crime Investigation: Developing tools and methodologies for investigating cyber incidents and crimes, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed to respond effectively to real-world challenges.
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Leveraging AI in Cybersecurity Risk Detection: Utilizing artificial intelligence to identify and evaluate cybersecurity risks, thereby enhancing the ability to preemptively address potential threats.
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Cyber Threat Intelligence Framework Based on Knowledge Graphs: Creating a framework that utilizes knowledge graphs to improve the understanding and analysis of cyber threats, facilitating better decision-making in cybersecurity strategies.
- Explainable AI Framework for Critical Infrastructure Systems: Developing an explainable AI framework that can be applied to critical infrastructure systems, ensuring transparency and accountability in automated decision-making processes.
A Commitment to Cybersecurity Education
This grant project is just one of many initiatives at ASU aimed at bolstering cybersecurity protection for both the region and the nation. The university has made significant strides in this field, including:
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NSA Certification: ASU’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree has received Program of Study certification from the National Security Agency (NSA), highlighting the program’s quality and relevance.
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National Center of Academic Excellence: ASU has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA, further solidifying its commitment to cybersecurity education.
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Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC): The award-winning RSOC at ASU provides cybersecurity protection for over 40 entities in West Texas, including cities, counties, critical infrastructure, medical facilities, and school districts.
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Community Engagement: ASU hosts annual Summer Cyber Camps and a Youth Cyber Roundup & Expo for K-12 students, fostering interest in cybersecurity from an early age. The university also assists local school districts with cybersecurity curriculum development and competitive CyberPatriot teams.
- Internship Opportunities: ASU students gain practical experience through internships at the RSOC, the State of Texas Data Center, and various local and regional cybersecurity firms.
Growing Academic Programs
The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, and ASU is responding by expanding its academic offerings. The bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and the master’s degree in computer science are among the fastest-growing programs on campus, reflecting the increasing interest in this critical field.
Conclusion
The $299,999 grant sub-award from the U.S. Department of Defense marks a pivotal moment for Angelo State University as it embarks on a collaborative journey to enhance cybersecurity research and workforce development. With a focus on cutting-edge technologies and a commitment to education, ASU is poised to make significant contributions to the cybersecurity landscape, preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle the challenges of an increasingly digital world. As the project unfolds, the impact on students, the university, and the broader community will undoubtedly be profound, reinforcing ASU’s role as a key player in the fight against cyber threats.