REU SITE: Enhancing Undergraduate Research Experiences in Cybersecurity and Privacy-Enhanced Technologies

由于安全的软件和值得信赖的网络空间对于打击多样化的威胁至关重要，蒙特克莱尔州立大学的本科生研究经验（REU）网站专注于培训学生解决现实世界的网络安全问题，并希望他们成为下一代网络安全专业人士。REU网站提供了一个多元化的本科生群体，在网络安全和从事专业发展活动的高级主题沉浸式的研究经验。教师导师使用动手，包容性的教学方法，有效地培训学生使用国家的最先进的网络安全工具和技术。本网站将追求以下主要目标：㈠招募和吸引本科生，特别是来自代表性不足群体的本科生，参与网络安全领域的变革性跨学科研究活动，㈡对学生进行基础研究方法培训，并灌输计算思维方法，以有效理解和解决问题，（iii）激发团队合作精神和自主学习，使他们能够独立从事研究工作，并以合作的方式成功地开展研究项目，（iv）鼓励学生申请研究生课程，并渴望从事网络安全方面的各种职业，以及（v）推广网站学生及其所在机构的丰富经验，以吸引更多新生进入相关领域。该网站的学生和合作机构将作为大使，在同龄人中传播他们独特的研究经验，以吸引更多的本科生参与网络安全教育和研究。这个REU网站的主要目标是促进蒙特克莱尔州立大学（MSU）成为下一个-一代网络安全研究中心，通过培养一个多元化的本科生群体，在高级主题上具有身临其境的研究经验，网络安全该网站将为学生提供独特的机会，通过研究密集型暑期项目和参与专业发展活动来激发他们的网络安全知识和技能。REU项目主要从STEM领域研究机会有限的机构培训妇女和代表性不足的少数民族。鉴于网络安全劳动力的稀缺，该网站将有助于发展更多元化的网络安全劳动力的日益努力。网站将：（i）让多元化的学生参与网络安全三个主要子领域的前沿研究项目，即加密协议，网络安全的机器学习和安全软件开发的人的方面，（ii）让学生接触科学研究技能和丰富的网络安全知识，提高他们的创造力和对网络安全研发的信心&，及（iii）与工地学生建立可持续的导师关系，并培养学生申请相关领域高级学位的强烈愿望。该网站将创建一个充满活力的网络安全学习环境，包括有趣的小组讨论，每周研讨会，海报展示和行业参观，培养学生对网络安全研究的热情。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

As secure software and trustworthy cyberspace are vital to combat diversified threats, this Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site at Montclair State University focuses on training students to solve real-world cybersecurity problems and aspires them to be the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The REU site provides a diversified group of undergraduate students with immersive research experiences on advanced topics in cybersecurity and engaging professional development activities. Faculty mentors use a hands-on, inclusive teaching approach to effectively train students using state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools and techniques. The Site will pursue the following primary objectives: (i) recruit and engage undergraduate students, especially those from underrepresented groups, on transformative interdisciplinary research activities in cybersecurity, (ii) train the students on fundamental research methodologies and instill a computational thinking approach to understand and solve problems effectively, (iii) stimulate teamwork spirit as well as self-directed learning that lead them to research-independent status and successfully work on research projects in a collaborative manner, (iv) motivate students to apply for graduate programs and aspire for a variety of careers in cybersecurity, and (v) promote the rich experiences of the Site students and their home institutions to attract more new students into the related fields. The Site students and the partnering institutions will act as ambassadors to disseminate their unique research experiences among their peers which can attract more undergraduate students into cybersecurity education and research.The main goal of this REU Site is to promote Montclair State University (MSU) as the next-generation Cybersecurity research hub by nurturing a diversified group of undergraduate students with immersive research experiences on advanced topics in Cybersecurity. The Site will provide unique opportunities for students to invigorate their Cybersecurity knowledge and skills with research-intensive summer projects and engaging professional development activities. The REU project trains women and underrepresented minorities predominantly from institutions where research opportunities in STEM fields are limited. Given the scarcity of cybersecurity workforce, the Site will contribute to the growing efforts of developing a more diversified cybersecurity workforce. The Site will: (i) engage a diversified pool of students in cutting-edge research projects in three major subareas of cybersecurity, namely cryptographic protocols, machine learning for cybersecurity and human aspects of secure software development, (ii) expose students to scientific research skills and rich cybersecurity knowledge that increase their creative capacity and confidence in cybersecurity R&D, and (iii) establish sustainable mentor relationship with the Site students and cultivate a strong desire to apply for advanced degrees in the related fields. The Site will create a vibrant cybersecurity learning environment that encompasses interesting group discussions, weekly seminars, poster presentations and industry visits that foster students’ passion for cybersecurity research. It will also open up new opportunities for participating students in academia, industry and government that would not otherwise be possible at their home institutions.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.