Department of Defense-Sponsored Cyber Internship Offers Knowledge, Inspiration for College Students

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering-sponsored Cyber-Spectrum internship program, MAVEN, recently celebrated its second internship graduation.

Its top graduates met with Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (R&E) Dr. David Honey at the Pentagon recently to discuss their experience and how they can leverage the skills they gained to contribute to R&E's mission to modernize the Department through 14 critical technology areas.

Part of the Virtual Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) Program, MAVEN is an 8-week course that takes students through DoD mission-relevant research projects in cyber and electromagnetic spectrum operations, including cyber vulnerability assessment of the mission system, culminating with submissions of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers conference-style papers on their research projects. This year's program included 45 undergraduate students from six VICEROY Cyber Institutes with support from 27 subject-matter experts across a variety of DoD Service and component organizations.

VICEROY aims to become the Department's leading mission-focused experiential cyber-spectrum operations workforce development program by preparing students to be job-ready leaders in military, civilian, and industrial base sectors. The program augments traditional college curricula with hands-on, experiential learning and internship opportunities uniquely tailored to match the critical cyber-spectrum workforce demands of the DoD, individual military Services, and Defense Industrial Base partners.

For Yasmin Chambers, a rising senior at Mississippi State University, participating in the program has yielded several benefits, both measurable and immeasurable.

"Experiencing the Pentagon was truly invaluable and has provided me with insights and guidance that I will carry forward in my future endeavors professionally and academically," she said. "This opportunity has further fueled my passion for computer engineering and cyber and has motivated me to continue growing in this dynamic field."

For Turner Woodward, a computer engineering student at University of Detroit Mercy, being a part of the program also offered inspiration for a future career as a public servant.

"If I had any doubts about my dedication to a career in the DoD, they have been completely cast away. I look forward to serving my country and doing my part in keeping us on the cutting edge of global innovation in technology."

For more information on the VICEROY program, visit https://www.griffissinstitute.org/what-we-do/viceroy.

About USD(R&E)

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The Under Secretary champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military's technological advantage. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E) is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The USD(R&E) champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military's technological advantage. Learn more at www.cto.mil, follow us on Twitter @DoDCTO, or visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ousdre.