NSF Awards Loyola University Chicago $3.8 Million Grant to Launch the CyberRamblers Bolster National Security Program

Loyola University Chicago (LUC) has been granted a $3.8 million grant, entitled "CyberCorps Scholarship for Service: CyberRamblers Bolster National Security," in recognition of the essential part cybersecurity plays in protecting modern society.

This project aims to enhance the national security of the United States by providing well-trained cybersecurity professionals who will serve in the government workforce. By offering comprehensive cybersecurity education and training, the program will contribute to meeting the needs of the nation's increasing cybersecurity workforce.

Cybersecurity has become indispensable across numerous sectors, including energy, commerce, finance, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. To secure these crucial domains, a well-prepared and diverse group of cybersecurity professionals is essential. Using the technical expertise from Computer Science and Cybersecurity, as well as social and behavioral knowledge of cybercrime from Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Criminology programs, this project offers an interdisciplinary approach that will equip scholars with a well-rounded skill set, preparing them to tackle the multifaceted challenges of cybersecurity.

Over a span of five years, the CyberRamblers program will recruit four cohorts of undergraduate students pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity, totaling 20 students. The recruitment process will prioritize attracting and retaining individuals from underrepresented and underserved groups, ensuring diversity and inclusivity within the program. By offering two years of scholarship support, as well as mentoring and advising, the program will guide scholars toward successful graduation and job placement. CyberRambler scholars will participate in interdisciplinary research and education, fostering critical thinking, independence, teamwork, and technical expertise crucial to a cybersecurity career. These scholarships for service will provide hands-on training and education, enabling scholars to embark on successful cybersecurity careers within the government workforce. This project builds upon LUC's existing interdisciplinary cybersecurity program, bringing together students from Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Psychology, and Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Congratulations to the investigators:

• Eric Chan-Tin (Department of Computer Science)
• Mohammed Abuhamad (Department of Computer Science)
• Yasin N Silva (Department of Computer Science)
• Loretta Stalans (Criminal Justice)

The Department of Computer Science is dedicated to excellence in education, research, and innovation. With a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact, the department is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in various fields, including AI, cybersecurity, and privacy.