UA Researchers Awarded $4.6M Grant For Cybersecurity Progam

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Arkansas has been awarded a five-year, $4.63 million National Science Foundation grant to recruit, educate and train cybersecurity professionals.

There is a national shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.

According to a news release, the “Cyber-Centric Multidisciplinary Security Workforce Development” program will provide the knowledge and tools necessary to protect network and computer systems in three industries: cybersecurity, transportation security and critical infrastructure security, including the electrical power grid.

“The federal agencies that support these industries — all critical to our nation’’ security and economic health — understand that new cybersecurity challenges are met with an increasingly insufficient security workforce,” said Jia Di, professor of computer science and computer engineering and principal investigator for the program. “But people at these agencies also understand that our university, with its specific research strengths, is uniquely positioned to expand the pool of highly skilled professionals who can address these challenges.”

The program will feature faculty research expertise in computer science and computer engineering, electrical engineering and industrial engineering.

It will provide job training and research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, and all students will be offered internships at government agencies, where additional training could lead to job placement.

The program will also focus on attracting students from underrepresented populations and will partner with Northwest Arkansas Community College to open paths for its students to pursue bachelor and advanced degrees at the university.