A computing lab specifically for cybersecurity instruction and training.
St. Joseph’s University, New York will receive $754,000 in community project funds from Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for the construction of this cybersecurity lab and the enhancement of STEM equipment at the University’s Brooklyn Campus.
“I was so proud to secure this funding for St. Joseph’s that will help train the next generation of diverse and extremely qualified workers in cybersecurity, as well as other important STEM sectors like the biomedical research industry,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
“I look forward to continuing to work with faculty, administrators and students at St. Joseph’s to make sure the University can have the biggest possible impact in these important fields,” he added.
Benefiting St. Joseph’s Students
The funding, part of the recently-passed omnibus package to fund the government next year, will allow for the renovation and equipment of a computing lab specifically for cybersecurity instruction and training. With space for classes of up to 30 students, the lab will feature a series of clustered workstations with its own highly-secure, isolated network, allowing instructors to engage their students in demonstrations and models of real-world threats.
In addition, the funding will support crucial equipment upgrades for the chemistry laboratories, including spectroscopy tools for organic chemistry, to expand STEM programs and ensure that students have access to the technology and equipment they need to prepare for dynamic careers in high-need fields.
“This funding is being awarded to us at the same time we look to reinforce both our digital security and scientific workforce to chart a more inclusive and prosperous post-pandemic future for our students and community,” said St. Joseph’s President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.
Along with developing the next generation of diverse cybersecurity professionals through St. Joseph’s M.S. in Cyber Security, the computing lab will also enable the University to increase the community’s awareness of potential cybersecurity threats by offering identity fraud seminars to local senior citizens and cybersecurity boot camps for local high school students.
“We are so grateful to Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and look forward to the wonderful opportunities this partnership will create for the Brooklyn community,” Dr. Boomgaarden said.
In addition to the cybersecurity infrastructure, a strong collegiate STEM program must keep pace with current industry standards and chemistry laboratory equipment advances. This funding will allow the University to continue training future researchers, science educators and health care workers.
