USF Sarasota Cybersecurity empowers student research opportunities

• Anna Khoury
• November 4, 2024
• Community, Teaching and Learning
• Audio-based Story

At the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus, a virtual cybersecurity lab has transformed into a globally recognized hub for cutting-edge research and student success. Under the direction of Assistant Professor of Criminology and Judy Genshaft Honors College affiliate faculty member Jordan Howell, the lab empowers students to spearhead their own research projects and present their findings at both local and international conferences. By bridging academic research with industry needs, the lab provides students from all three USF campuses the opportunity to enhance cybersecurity research and predict potential cyber threats.

Uniting the Disciplines

The Sarasota Cybersecurity lab had humble beginnings. When Howell first joined the Sarasota-Manatee campus, he expected to find a bustling computer lab for student research. However, it hadn't yet been built. This minor setback led him to create a virtual lab, which ultimately expanded access to students across all campuses and even allowed participation from remote students around the world.

With this global reach, Sarasota Cybersecurity brings together students from a variety of disciplines -finance, humanities, social sciences, engineering, and computer science - all united by a common goal: preventing cyberattacks. Each student offers a unique perspective, contributing to the lab's interdisciplinary approach to meeting cybersecurity challenges.

"We take the best students from all the departments and offer them research opportunities," Howell explains. "Our lab's success comes from our diversity."

Students from all three USF campuses and across various majors are already flourishing in this lab, where they receive mentorship from Howell and his graduate students, gaining invaluable experience and the opportunity to present at conferences and publish their research.

From Finance Student to Lab manager

Kaylee Eckelman, a finance major, enrolled in Howell's Honors Tech Ethics course in fall 2023. Before this, she struggled to find a career path in finance that aligned with her interests. However, through the course, she explored topics such as AI ethics and investigated the dark web, which piqued her interest in cybersecurity. She approached Howell to learn more, and soon after, she joined the lab. Now, Eckelman is pursuing a master's degree in artificial intelligence and business analytics at USF while serving as a lab manager.

Eckelman encourages students still searching for their career passion to actively seek out mentorship and ask questions. "If you take a class outside your discipline that interests you, talk to your professors about it," she advises. "It can open so many doors!"

Research Opportunities

Recently, Sarasota Cybersecurity hosted the largest conference ever held on campus, drawing 200 attendees and featuring speakers from local industry, including the director of Cyber Florida. The lab members organized student panels to showcase their research, and Howell is already planning to grow attendance to 600 next year.

Understanding the importance of presenting research for professional growth, Howell seeks to provide students with as many opportunities as possible. He and Eckelman are even preparing to present their research in Romania next year.

"The line items I'm getting on my resume is incredible," Eckelman said, anticipating her first overseas trip.

Mentoring and professionalization

Mentorship is central to Howell's vision for the lab, and he focuses on equipping students for successful careers in cybersecurity. His goal is to not only help students grow but also to collaborate with them as fellow researchers in the future.

"I believe a rising tide should lift all ships," Howell said. "We don't want our research to just sit on a shelf with a citation or two. We aim to do translational work that makes a real impact."

In addition to changing perceptions about academic research, Howell and Eckelman advise students to go beyond the status quo of the traditional four-year degree mentality. As more students earn college degrees, standing out in the job market requires more than just coursework.

"It's not just about a college degree," Howell said. "Everyone is attending class; that's the standard. If your CV is just that, it may end up in the trash. Inflation affects jobs too."

If you are interested in joining Sarasota Cybersecurity, email Jordan Howell at [email protected]. You can keep up with the lab on their Instagram, @usfsarasotacybersecurity.