| NSF Org: |
DGE Division Of Graduate Education |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | December 15, 2016 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | September 17, 2021 |
| Award Number: | 1662762 |
| Award Instrument: | Continuing Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Ambareen Siraj
asiraj@nsf.gov (703)292-8182 DGE Division Of Graduate Education EDU Directorate for STEM Education |
| Start Date: | January 1, 2017 |
| End Date: | August 31, 2023 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $2,149,348.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $2,694,928.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
FY 2019 = $913,854.00 FY 2020 = $144,260.00 FY 2021 = $831,265.00 |
| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
701 S 20TH STREET BIRMINGHAM AL US 35294-0001 (205)934-5266 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
AL US 35294-0001 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): | CYBERCORPS: SCHLAR FOR SER |
| Primary Program Source: |
04001920DB NSF Education & Human Resource 04002021DB NSF Education & Human Resource 04002122DB NSF Education & Human Resource 04002223DB NSF Education & Human Resource |
| Program Reference Code(s): |
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| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.076 |
ABSTRACT
This project seeks to establish a new CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to prepare highly-qualified Cybersecurity professionals for entry into the federal, state, local, and tribal government workforce. The proposal addresses the growing need for a well-trained cyber-security workforce via a unique partnership between Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) and Justice Sciences (JS). This proposal supports the U.S. Department of Justice's call to develop new tools and applications that improve the capacity to use and process digital evidence. The key to these goals is to educate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals skilled in the use of these new tools and processes. The project will provide SFS students with knowledge and practical experience on how to conduct cyber-criminal investigations. The graduates will develop unique skills to combat cyber-crime. The proposed combination of CIS and JS creates a unique model of cross-disciplinary education and research to address cyber-crime. The program aims to produce unique professionals serving in the public sector and it could serve as an exemple for other universities. The project will employ mechanisms to enroll students from minority populations and to retain them via innovative approaches focused on monitoring and mentoring. The project emphasizes outreach to high school students via security events and summer camps, the Intelligence Community via internships, the public via security conferences and workshops, as well as the media. It will contribute to improve national security and online safety by graduating highly-skilled cybersecurity professionals who are dedicated to public service.
The university is designated as the DHS/NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research, and the proposed program is leveraging the existing Master's program in Computer Forensics and Security Management (CFSM) offered jointly by CIS and JS. A minimum of 30 semester hours of credit are required for the MS-CFSM degree, including 21 hours of required credits and 9 hours of elective credits fulfilled by choosing one of two tracks in the program: Cybercrime Investigations or IT Audit/Fraud Examination. The courses offered within the program include Computer Network Security; Information Security Management; Ethics and Computer Forensics; Law Evidence and Procedure; Malware Analysis; and Fraud Examination; among several other offerings. The team has a close working relationship with federal organizations, including formal internship agreements, and cybersecurity research support from NSF, DARPA, IARPA, ONR, DHS, NIJ, COPS, BJA, the state of Alabama, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ICE.
PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
The objective of this project was to strengthen cyber security education by producing graduates of a Master of Science in Cyber Security program who are equipped with not only cutting-edge technical knowledge but also essential soft skills and ethical values. Over the course of its implementation, the project recruited 24 students to enroll in the program, with aim of addressing the growing demand for cyber security professionals while simultaneously promoting diversity and inclusivity within the field. By providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum, the project sought to produce a diverse pool of highly skilled cyber security graduates who can serve as role models and contribute to safeguarding the nation's digital assets.
Innovative Curriculum and Interdisciplinary Training:
The MS in Cyber Security program offered a unique blend of computer science, cyber security, and digital forensics, ensuring that the students received a well-rounded education in various aspects of the field. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, the curriculum empowered the students to tackle real-world cyber security challenges effectively. Throughout the program, the recipients were exposed to state-of-the-art technologies and industry practices, preparing them to adapt to the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
The project's overarching goal was to produce cyber security graduates who could excel both technically and professionally. Apart from the solid technical expertise gained in computer science and cyber security, the students also underwent comprehensive training in soft skills. Teamwork, communication, and presentation skills were emphasized to ensure that the graduates could effectively collaborate with their peers and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. This holistic approach to education set the recipients apart, making them not only proficient cyber security experts but also well-rounded professionals.
Practical Application of Theoretical Knowledge:
A crucial aspect of the MS in Cyber Security program was its focus on practical application. Throughout the program, students were provided with opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world cyber security problems. By engaging in hands-on projects, internships, and industry collaborations, the scholarship recipients gained valuable experience in addressing actual cyber threats. This practical exposure not only bolstered their technical skills but also enhanced their problem-solving abilities and prepared them for the challenges of the cyber security profession.
Promoting Diversity in Cyber Security:
One of the standout features of the project was its commitment to diversity and inclusion. With 35% of the graduates being female and an equal percentage being Black students, the program exemplified the potential for creating a diverse cyber security workforce. By providing opportunities for underrepresented groups, the project aimed to break barriers and stereotypes, encouraging more individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in cyber security. These graduates served as inspiring role models, not only for future students from their respective groups but also for the entire cyber security community.
Continuous Evaluation and Improvement:
Ensuring the effectiveness of the project was of paramount importance. To this end, the program implemented regular evaluations through close consultation with educational experts. Feedback from students, faculty, and industry partners was carefully analyzed to identify areas of improvement and refine the execution of the project continuously. This iterative process allowed the program to adapt to the changing needs of the cyber security landscape and maintain its relevance in a fast-paced industry.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the cyber security education project successfully achieved its objectives of recruiting and graduating a diverse pool of highly skilled cyber security professionals. By providing an innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum, the program empowered its scholarship recipients with technical expertise and soft skills essential for excelling in the field. Furthermore, the emphasis on ethical standards and practical application ensured that the graduates were well-prepared to safeguard the nation's digital assets and uphold the trust placed in them. Through continuous evaluation and improvement, the project remained at the forefront of cyber security education, adapting to the ever-changing industry landscape. The program's commitment to diversity further strengthened its impact, producing role models who would inspire the next generation of cyber security professionals, making valuable contributions to the nation's cyber defense efforts.
Last Modified: 09/19/2023
Modified by: Yuliang Zheng
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