Summer Milestones

October 4, 2024

Summer 2024 at DSU: A Recap of Exciting Moments and Milestones

In recent years, the cybersecurity field has grown exponentially, generating millions of jobs, creating new industries, and igniting infinite possibilities for future careers. At DSU, we are proud to lead in cybersecurity and emerging technology. As a national cyber powerhouse,DSU led efforts this summer to bridge the United States' cyber-gap, educate the next generation of cyber experts, and lead the nation on the international cyber stage.

Cyber Camps

In June, DSU hosted the GenCyber Girls In CybHER® Security Campfor over 100 middle school girls. Students met with female cyber leaders at the forefront of the field, including Ashley Podhradsky, DSU's vice president for research and economic development, and co-founder of CybHER®; Mary Horvath, senior digital forensic examiner with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Computer Analysis Response Team; Jessica Hyde, consultant to Magnet Forensics and adjunct professor at George Mason University; and Cathy Johnston, vice president of mission integration at Peraton. As DSU marked the 10th anniversary of the camp, it remains committed to shaping future leaders in cybersecurity and technology.

In addition to CybHER, DSU hosted the DSU GenCyber Cybersecurity Campfor high school students, the K-12 Educators Cyber Camp, the annual virtual Teach Camp, the girls camp and the Cyber Espionagecamp. These five camps, designed for individuals of several age groups, represent DSU's commitment to educating anyone and everyone who's interested in leading cyber and technology efforts across the U.S.

Finally, DSU hosted an exciting two-week summer IT camp at Dakota State University and Oglala Lakota College, for Native American high school students across South Dakota. Through hands-on activities the campers were exposed to critical concepts like cryptography and network security, essential skills for becoming cyber professionals.

Leading on U.S. cybersecurity efforts

In July, DSU and the Army Cyber Center of Excellencesigned a new memorandum of understanding, a partnership that will benefit students at both organizations. This agreement allows Army Officers and Warrant Officers to earn academic credits for their cybersecurity training, accelerating their paths to degrees in fields like artificial intelligence, cyber operations, and network security. This agreement will also bring opportunities for DSU students to participate in internships and capstone projects. It will also improve national security by enriching skill sets of the Army CCoE and DSU students.

DSU efforts expand out of South Dakota

During the summer break, DSU students competed in the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference, were awarded spots on the first-ever US Women's Cyber Teamto represent the United States in a global cyber games exhibition, and showcased the power of international collaboration in addressing cybersecurity challenges through AI Sweden. Whether it is competing as current students or representing the United States on the international stage, DSU continues to tell the world that we are a powerhouse for innovation and leadership.

As we head through the fall semester, DSU remains committed to driving innovation, building community, and shaping the future of cybersecurity and STEM education. We look forward to a productive fall semester and continuing our dynamic work!