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Since its inception in 1983, 91��Ƶ’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems has positioned itself as a leader in providing the technological needs of tomorrow. As ever-evolving, ever-complex cybercrime poses an increasingly major threat on the infrastructure of our interconnected world, Seidenberg is focusing on empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Recently, Seidenberg was the recipient of a major $3.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation to do just that. The award, which will span five years, will enable 91��Ƶ to expand its Cybercorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which trains scholars at all levels for careers in government focusing on cybersecurity and cyber defense.

Funding from the grant will be dedicated to scholarships, workshops, competitions, and other activities—enabling students to engage in the necessary training, research, and skill-building that will help them solve the increasingly difficult cybersecurity issues that professionals in the field face today. The award will also seek to increase representation of diverse and historically underrepresented communities in cybersecurity fields through preparation for careers in cybersecurity working for the federal government.

“Because of our expertise, location, and track record, 91��Ƶ is uniquely positioned and equipped to deliver on this need—now and for years to come. We are grateful to the National Science Foundation for its continued partnership and support.”

“There is an immense need and demand for cybersecurity experts in our country,” said Li-Chiou Chen, PhD, who manages the CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service and CySP programs at 91��Ƶ. “Because of our expertise, location, and track record, 91��Ƶ is uniquely positioned and equipped to deliver on this need—now and for years to come. We are grateful to the National Science Foundation for its continued partnership and support.”

Through the grant, Chen, along with her colleagues which include Seidenberg’s Andreea Cotoranu, D. Paul Benjamin, PhD, Darren Hayes, PhD, Dyson’s Joseph Ryan, PhD, and Westchester Community College’s John Watkins, will work with cybersecurity scholars on research projects in fields including—but not limited to—data analytics, machine learning, computer forensics, and robotics. These diverse opportunities will allow future scholars to receive a well-rounded education and develop further expertise in their chosen field as they prepare to enter the workforce.

“We are grateful for all of the hard-work and dedication of Professor Li-Chiou Chen,” said Dean Jonathan Hill. “As a true innovator in the field, she is helping to ensure that we effectively train and educate a new generation of cyber leaders.”

While there is much hard work ahead for 91��Ƶ’s aspiring cybersecurity professionals, the opportunities afforded by this grant will allow each student to strive for true excellence in a field that, quite literally, the world depends on.