Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
Southwest Virginia students in security-related fields are climbing their own routes into the cybersecurity workforce with help from Commonwealth Cyber Initiative programs and resources. The Cyber Innovation Scholars Program, Student Researcher Showcase, Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Symposium, CCI Cyber Startup Lab, Graduate Student Summit, and international conferences provide ladders for graduate students to advance their research, network, and pursue careers in cybersecurity.
Graduate students in security-related fields in Southwest Virginia are leveraging the resources and programs offered by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative to advance their research and pursue careers in cybersecurity. Through initiatives like the Cyber Innovation Scholars Program, students have the opportunity to engage in research, secure internships, publish papers, and present at conferences. The Student Researcher Showcase and Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Symposium provide platforms for students to present their ongoing research projects and connect with industry professionals and peers from across Southwest Virginia.
Furthermore, the CCI Cyber Startup Lab, in partnership with Virginia Tech’s LAUNCH: Center for New Ventures, guides graduate students and postdocs through the process of creating a startup, while also providing professional development awards. The success stories of graduate students like Akshay Bansal, Julia Shapiro, and Shiva Acharya highlight the impact of these programs in supporting students on their journey towards cybersecurity careers. By actively participating in these programs, graduate students are not only advancing their research but also shaping their future in the cybersecurity workforce.
