Michigan Tech’s cybersecurity research program has been recognized nationally for its academic and research excellence.
Michigan Technological University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R) by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). The CAE-R designation recognizes Michigan Tech as meeting rigorous requirements set forth by the NSA and extends through the 2029 academic year.
“CAE-R designation gives us access to many federal cybersecurity research grants, boosts our national recognition and elevates our position in the cybersecurity research field,” said Bo Chen, a cybersecurity expert in Michigan Tech’s College of Computing. Chen, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, chaired the CAE-R designation committee at Tech.
The CAE-R designation program was established to build, support and engage a cadre of experts who can address new challenges presented by an onslaught of ever-evolving cyberattacks. The program “addresses a critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace,” said Renae Weathers, NSA National CAE program manager. The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research said a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.
In February 2023, Michigan Tech was designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), which is in effect through 2028. At MTU, the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems Center for Cybersecurityserves as the hub for the CAE-R and CAE-CD programs.
Dennis Livesay, Dave House Dean of Computing, said the designations are a part of a University-wide effort to grow College of Computing cybersecurity research and degree programs, including the creation of an online Foundations of Cybersecurity graduate certificate.
“The CAE-R designation supports an environment in which students and researchers can share and collaborate and confirms Michigan Tech’s readiness to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s cyber defense.”Dennis Livesay, Dave House Dean of Computing
Additional committee members and faculty involved in the designation application included members of Tech’s applied computing, computer science, and electrical and computer engineering departments.
From Michigan Tech News, written by Karen Johnson, published May 8, 2024