As cybersecurity continues to grow in importance across the scientific community, the need to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders is more critical than ever. Trusted CI is proud to announce the relaunch and expansion of its Student Program, designed to provide students with very useful insights, mentorship, and hands-on experiences in cybersecurity while fostering a cybersecurity workforce for all. Applications for the 2025 cohort open on February 3, 2025.
Why the Student Program Matters
For over a decade, Trusted CI has significantly impacted the NSF community by equipping researchers and institutions with comprehensive cybersecurity knowledge and resources. Our analysis revealed opportunities to extend this impact by engaging students from a wider range of academic fields, such as those in the NSF Education and Human Resources (EHR) and Biological Sciences (BIO) Directorates, as well as reaching out to new institutions not currently engaged in cybersecurity programs. The Student Program aims to ensure that perspectives from across all disciplines and institutions contribute to shaping the future of cybersecurity.Alumni Insights: Mentorship and Impactful Experiences in Cybersecurity
On the Mentor Program
Sandra Darkson - University of New Haven, MS in Cybersecurity and Networks
“My mentor (Carolyn Ellis) is really one of a kind; she is among those few individuals who sees the potential in me and, at the same time, believes so much in me that this belief drives me to work harder, and strive for excellence. I am so fortunate enough to have her as my guide and mentor on my path.”
On the Poster Session
Nana Sarfo Dwomoh - Sam Houston State University, MS Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
“The 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit was a big, unforgettable platform for me as a Cybercorp Scholar, where I presented my poster, "Defending Electoral Integrity in the Age of Cyber Warfare," which gave me the chance to share my research on how digital disinformation, botnets, and deepfakes are impacting elections.”
On Networking
Konstantin Metz - University of Central Florida, MS Cybersecurity and Privacy
“The event is unlike any other in the industry! It brings together industry professionals, faculty, and students from across the globe to learn, network, and collaborate on current and emerging cybersecurity issues. It gives students an unparalleled opportunity to learn and grow while showcasing some of their own work. I am honored to have been selected to present and cannot wait for next year!”
Abigail Whittle - Oregon State University, BS in Computer Science
“I had the opportunity to meet some incredibly interesting individuals. Overall, I would highly recommend this experience to other students in the future, as it was beneficial both professionally and educationally, and I took away a lot from it.”
On Capture the Flag
Dignora Castillo-Soto - Bay Path University, MS in Cyber Security
“The CTF session provided a hands-on experience that challenged my problem-solving skills. It was refreshing to participate in a group project, as collaboration helped me gain new insights that I wouldn’t have achieved working solo.”
On Summit Courses
Owen Seltzer - Northeastern University, MS Cybersecurity
“The talks and panel discussions were not only engaging but also thought-provoking, covering topics ranging from emerging threats to innovative protection strategies. As someone still exploring career paths in cybersecurity, I found the presentations particularly enlightening.”
Goals of the Program
The Trusted CI Student Program is committed to:
- Providing Foundational Knowledge: Selected students will gain practical insights into cybersecurity through workshops, mentorship, and participation in the annual NSF Cybersecurity Summit.
- Fostering Community: By actively recruiting students from a wide range of backgrounds, the program aims to create a supportive environment that values a variety of perspectives.
- Empowering Advocacy: Students will serve as cybersecurity ambassadors in their communities, equipping their peers with knowledge and connecting them with Trusted CI for more complex challenges.
- Building Long-Term Connections: Participants will join a growing network of Trusted CI alumni, opening doors to mentorship, networking, and career opportunities in the cybersecurity field.
What’s New in the Trusted CI Student Program for 2025?
The Trusted CI Student Program continues to evolve, and we are excited to share the enhancements coming in 2025! Designed to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity researchers, this program has been refined based on past participant feedback and our commitment to providing a more impactful experience. These changes reflect our goal to improve the program from what it has been and make it more valuable for the entire Trusted CI community, not just prospective students.
Larger Cohorts Over Time
While the program currently welcomes five students annually, our goal is to expand participation to 15 students in future cycles as resources allow. This growth ensures more students benefit from Trusted CI’s expertise.
Alumni Engagement
We recognize the value of long-term connections, which is why past participants will now retain access to valuable program resources and opportunities to attend the Trusted CI Summit. This fosters an ongoing learning community and professional network.
Focused Workshops and Mentorship
Students will gain deeper insights through tailored workshops and dedicated one-on-one mentorship sessions. These sessions will be led by Trusted CI staff and esteemed industry experts, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
Streamlined Application Process
To provide a holistic evaluation of applicants, the revised application process will require a personal statement, a professional biosketch, and letters of support. This approach ensures we select students who are not only qualified but also deeply passionate about cybersecurity.
These enhancements are part of our commitment to continually improving the program, ensuring that both new and returning members of the Trusted CI community benefit from its evolution. We look forward to welcoming the 2025 cohort and continuing to build a thriving community of cybersecurity professionals!
What Students Can Expect
The Trusted CI Student Program will run from May to November 2025, featuring webinars and workshops twice a month to foster growth and prepare students for careers in cybersecurity.
From their first day in the program, Students will:
- Attend workshops on cybersecurity fundamentals, career development, and emerging trends.
- Network with top professionals and researchers at the NSF Cybersecurity Summit, an annual conference dedicated to advancing cybersecurity in research and education. This event provides a unique opportunity to learn from experts, engage in discussions on emerging cybersecurity challenges, and build valuable connections within the field.
- Work closely with mentors who will guide their growth and help them navigate the cybersecurity landscape.
- Share their experiences through blog posts, presentations, and outreach activities, inspiring others to explore careers in cybersecurity.
Join a Community of Innovators: Apply for the Trusted CI Student Program
The Trusted CI Student Program is not just about equipping students with technical skills; it’s about creating a community that values collaboration, and innovation. If you are a student passionate about cybersecurity or know someone who is, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping a safer, more secure future for science and beyond.
Applications for the 2025 cohort open on February 3, 2025. For more information on how to apply, visit Trusted CI’s website or reach out to students@trustedci.org. Let’s build a stronger cybersecurity community together!
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