U.S. Cyber Command Selects Assumption for Inaugural Academic Engagement Network
Assumption University has been selected by U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) to participate in its inaugural Academic Engagement Network (AEN), a select group of college and university partners from across the country that is designed to promote cybersecurity education.
In total, 84 colleges and universities were selected to partner with USCYBERCOM for this endeavor. According to the organization, these institutions will benefit from partnership opportunities “through collaboration and access to the cyber enterprise via scheduled monthly events and engagements.” USCYBERCOM hopes the AEN engages unique insights from participating institutions who will learn from each other through faculty and student research. The AEN will focus on four main areas—future workforce, applied cyber research, analytic partnerships, and cyber strategic dialogue—which will serve “as an investment in creating a robust and accessible pool of qualified cyber professionals.”
“Assumption aims to foster innovation and encourage entrepreneurship in a digital and global economy through our cybersecurity program,” said Raymond Albert, Ph.D., professor of practice and director of Assumption’s cybersecurity program. “The University’s participation in this elite national network will provide our program and our students the opportunity to be on the front line of the fast-paced and ever-changing field of cybersecurity and access to the most updated techniques and strategies. Access to this dynamic information will most certainly prepare Assumption cybersecurity graduates for a rewarding career in this important field.”
“Cyber Command’s goal for the AEN is to strengthen our relationships and communication with these participating institutions,” said Dave Frederick, executive director of U.S. Cyber Command. “This will improve and sustain our efforts to meet cyberspace educational requirements and workforce needs.”
Participating institutions will receive communications about changes in the cyberspace domain that may impact students, programs, and research; gain access to lectures from USCYBERCOM; as well as invitations to exclusive webinars about USCYBERCOM’s most pressing technical and non-technical problems. The AEN will kick off with a virtual engagement in February with General Nakasone, Commanding General of United States Cyber Command; as well as an upcoming applied research showcase, sponsored capstone mentorships; and USCYBERCOM internship, fellowship, and recruiting opportunities.
According to USCYBERCOM, since 2012, the organization has hosted more than 105 interns from the U.S. military service academies and since 2020, more than 25 civilian summer college interns and recent graduates have participated in other command internship programs.
Assumption’s cybersecurity program utilizes a technology-based education approach that incorporates computing, information science, engineering, social science, and technology management. Led by faculty with expertise in a variety of related fields, cybersecurity students at Assumption learn the skills needed to protect and sustain the cyberspace ecosystem. The program is complemented by the Assumption University Center for Cybersecurity (AUCC) to promote research and innovation in the field.