ONR STEM ROTC Cyber Education Initiate

  • Barnard, Andrew (PI)

Project: Research project

Project Details

Description

Abstract:ApproachA research opportunity for attracting young ROTC engineers and scientists to serve in cybersecurity and cyber-systems commands (Cyber) is proposed. Our approach develops payed, research-based instruction for ROTC students through the existing Michigan Tech Strategic Education through Naval Systems Experiences (SENSE) program. ROTC students will receive one academic year of instruction in 4 Cyber domains: cybersecurity, machine learning andartificial intelligence (ML/AI), data science, and remote sensing systems. The cohort based program will enrich student learning through deep shared research experiences. The program will be designed with flexibility and agility in mind to quickly adapt to new and emerging Navy S&T needs in the Cyber domain.Technical ObjectiveThe goal of this proposal is to create an ROTC undergraduate science and engineering research program at Michigan Technological University (MTU) that focuses students in Cyber topics of Navy interest. The program will focus on getting ROTC students involved in current and on-going Cyber research, and will compel cadets to seek positions within Cyber commands upon graduation or pursue graduate research in Cyber fields. The primary deliverable of thisprogram is to create a pipeline of diverse ROTC graduates, serving in Cyber commands, capable of supporting the warfighter mission on day-one.RelevancePlacement of officers in Cyber commands is of critical long-term importance to the Navy (and other DoD branches) in maintaining technological superiority in theater. This technological superiority directly influences the capability and safety of the warfighter. Unfortunately, many ROTC cadets are either unaware of Cyber related careers, or are unprepared for problems facing Cyber officers. This proposal aims to provide a steady flow of highly motivated and traineduniformed officers to the armed-services, capable of supporting the warfighter on day-one. Focus areas will initially be cybersecurity, machine learning and artificial intelligence, data science, and remote sensing systems. Each of these fields are critical to the S&T strategic plan of the Navy and the Navys Force of the Future, and has equal relevance in all branches of the armed forces.OutcomesThe outcomes of this project include supplying prepared cadets to all military branches to serve as officers in Cyber commands. Additionally, Cyber knowledge gained by cadets will be useful in their officer careers and beyond by providing a base understanding of Cyber domain challenges and solutions.

StatusActive
Effective start/end date8/21/20 → …

Funding

  • U.S. Navy: $248,517.00

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