SDSU's Cybersecurity Center: Pioneering Research and Workforce Development

New Center at SDSU Enhances Cybersecurity Research and Educational Opportunities

San Diego State University is going to establish “The Cybersecurity Center for Research and Education” (CCRE)  aimed at enhancing the university's research and educational initiatives in the field of cybersecurity. This center will be led by Professor Rob Beverly, who joined the computer science faculty in 2024 after his tenure as a program director in the National Science Foundation’s Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure. Cybersecurity has emerged as a distinct discipline, analogous to computer science, which evolved from mathematics and physics. In San Diego, the cybersecurity industry supports approximately 26,000 jobs and contributes around $4 billion annually to the local economy.

The center's mission is to foster innovative research that tackles pressing cybersecurity challenges while expanding educational offerings in areas such as digital forensics, wireless security, and cybersecurity management. Emphasizing the vital link between research and education, the center aims to equip students with both advanced skills and a strong foundation in research, preparing them for future developments in the field. With technological advancements new vulnerabilities are introduced that hackers can exploit, threatening critical systems in sectors like transportation, utilities, and finance. This underscores the need for a multidisciplinary workforce skilled in coding, engineering, ethics, and management.

Dean Jeff Roberts emphasized that the new cybersecurity center demonstrates the university's commitment to enhancing STEM opportunities and preparing students to contribute positively to the local community. He described it as a strategic initiative to build on existing efforts at SDSU, ensuring students are well-trained for careers in this vital field.

Dean Dan Moshavi noted that the center's interdisciplinary approach will expand opportunities for students, strengthen research collaborations, and address the workforce shortage in cybersecurity. The center offers innovative research opportunities for students and faculty, focusing on real-world challenges such as blockchain security, Internet routing system security, and the protection of cyber-physical systems critical to infrastructure.

Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer James Frazee stated that this initiative emphasizes SDSU’s dedication to advancing cybersecurity research while utilizing the university's NSF-funded TIDE high-performance computing infrastructure. The center is a collaborative hub that will unite academia, industry, and government to tackle pressing cybersecurity challenges. The center is planning to enhance programs and pursue certification as an NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence, which would open additional career and research funding opportunities.

Editor's Note:

The establishment of the Cybersecurity Center for Research and Education (CCRE) at San Diego State University marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing need for cybersecurity expertise. Under the leadership of Professor Rob Beverly, the center aims to foster innovative research and enhance educational offerings in critical areas such as digital forensics and wireless security. With strong support from university leadership, this initiative not only prepares students for careers in a vital and evolving field but also strengthens collaborations across academia, industry, and government. As the center pursues recognition as an NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence, it positions itself to play a key role in advancing cybersecurity research and training the next generation of professionals.

Skoobuzz anticipates that this center will expand the university's curriculum in cybersecurity, providing students with cutting-edge courses in digital forensics, and wireless security which open new doors to career opportunities.