The Hatfield School of Government National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (NCAE-C) joins the Academic Engagement Network (AEN) for U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM)

On January 6, 2022, Dr. Birol Yesilada joined a virtual event formally inviting the newest partners of the U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) into the Academic Engagement Network.

"National security is core to the mission of PSU's National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (NCAE-C) and its multidisciplinary research, training and education programs," says Yesilada. "We are honored to join this network as part of our collaborative efforts to advance cybersecurity capacity." 

CYBERCOM intends to use the Academic Engagement Network (AEN) to support and enhance four primary lines of effort (LOE): future workforce, applied cyber research, applied analytics, and strategic issues. These LOEs are intended to serve as an investment in creating a robust and accessible pool of qualified cyber professionals. Academic partners are being engaged to shape the cyber workforce aligned with the command’s mission to "Direct, Synchronize, and Coordinate Cyberspace Planning and Operations - to Defend and Advance National Interests in Collaboration with Domestic and International Partners."

In total, 84 colleges and universities were selected to partner with the command and components. Partners consist of 69 universities, 13 community colleges, nine minority serving institutions, four military service academies, and four military war and staff colleges. 

For more information, visit the U.S. Cyber Command website.