CyberAI SFS: Preparing Future CyberAI LeADERS through AI-Integrated Training and Applied Learning Experiences

This project provides scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity (CyberAI) programs at Old Dominion University (ODU) in exchange for their service supporting CyberAI mission of government organizations. The project supports an educational interdisciplinary program that relies on a number of high-quality courses in cybersecurity and AI, hands-on experience both at ODU and during summer internships at government organizations, participation in research projects supervised by CyberAI faculty, participation in extracurricular activities including competitions and outreach activities to prepare students for a variety of professions in CyberAI field. In addition to fulfilling required coursework, this project places a strong emphasis on experiential learning opportunities, research projects, and leadership development through teamwork depending on the student's preparation and aspiration. With a strong institutional track record in their Scholarship for Service (SFS) program for preparing students for public service careers in CyberAI, ODU and its School of Cybersecurity are uniquely positioned to successfully run this project. ODU is the first university in the nation to have its CyberAI programs validated by the National Security Agency (NSA). In addition, ODU is designated by the NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research (CAE-R) a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), and National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). Students selected for the program will receive scholarships while completing the required academic programs. The graduates will contribute to national and global STEM workforce competitiveness and national security as government experts in the use of AI in cybersecurity operations and the security and resilience of AI systems themselves. This project is supported by the CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) program which funds proposals to increase national capacity to educate and train professionals in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Cybersecurity, and to support their placement and retention in the CyberAI mission of government organizations. The Scholarship Track funds academic institutions to award scholarships to students in exchange for their government service. The Innovation Track seeks transformative education proposals in the areas of AI, cybersecurity, or the integration of AI and cybersecurity. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. NSF Award ID: 2623215 | Program: 04002627DB NSF STEM Education | Principal Investigator: Daniel Takabi | Institution: Old Dominion University Research Foundation, NORFOLK, VA | Award Amount: $2,499,867 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2623215 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2623215.html