The recently opened CORE Center, established through a $1 million grant from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, provides students and faculty with advanced lab space, immersive training, and opportunities to collaborate with government, military, and industry partners.

Dr. Philip Huff, director of the CORE Center and associate professor of computer science, said the facility blends cybersecurity and artificial intelligence with research and education to combat growing cyber threats.

The facility includes several specialized spaces that support the center鈥檚 mission, including classrooms, research labs, secure computing environments, and a cybersecurity clinic where students gain hands-on experience protecting organizations from cyber threats.

The center also features a secure digital forensics space designed to meet law enforcement standards for handling sensitive data. The room operates in a controlled environment with isolated computing systems and strict access controls, allowing researchers and investigators to analyze digital evidence without external network connections.

Faculty and students are working with partners such as the FBI, the Arkansas State Police, and the Pulaski County Prosecutor鈥檚 Office to explore ways technology can help reduce investigative backlogs and improve digital forensic analysis.

One of the center鈥檚 key components is the cybersecurity clinic, a working space where students provide cybersecurity assessments and support for organizations that may not have the resources to hire professional security services.

The clinic partners with public schools, small businesses, healthcare providers, and community organizations across Arkansas to identify vulnerabilities and recommend practical defenses.

鈥淲e primarily work with organizations that may be high-level targets but don鈥檛 have the resources to protect themselves against cyber threats,鈥� Huff said. 鈥淪tudents help scan their networks, identify weaknesses, and recommend steps they can realistically implement.鈥�

Around 30 students currently participate in the clinic through paid positions or volunteer opportunities. Participants receive mentorship from cybersecurity professionals and gain practical experience that strengthens their resumes and prepares them for the workforce.

鈥淭he idea is to blend community needs with student opportunity,鈥� Huff said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a seemingly infinite amount of cybersecurity work that needs to be done, and this gives students the chance to contribute while they鈥檙e still learning.鈥�

In addition to operational training, the CORE Center supports research focused on some of the most pressing cybersecurity challenges facing critical infrastructure and modern technology systems.

Researchers at the center are exploring how artificial intelligence can strengthen cyber defense systems. Using reinforcement learning models, faculty and students create simulations that allow cyberattacks and defensive responses to occur simultaneously. By studying how those interactions play out, researchers can better understand how threats evolve and identify strategies organizations can use to strengthen their defenses.

The center is also expanding its work into emerging areas such as cybersecurity for commercial satellites. Because satellites operate in remote environments where physical maintenance is impossible, researchers are exploring autonomous cybersecurity systems capable of detecting and responding to threats in real time.

鈥淲e鈥檙e focused on critical infrastructure as well,鈥� Huff said. 鈥淎n attack on systems such as power systems and water systems can have immediate physical consequences for communities. Our work identifies stronger, more effective ways to make these systems resilient and better prepared to withstand and recover from cyber threats.鈥�

By combining research, hands-on training, and partnerships with government and industry, the center gives students opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while contributing to the security of critical systems.

鈥淭hese are rapidly evolving fields,鈥� Huff said. 鈥淭he CORE Center is unique not only in advancing innovation to secure our digital future, but also in developing new educational programs that prepare our workforce for future challenges.鈥�

Through these efforts, the CORE Center positions 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as a key contributor to cybersecurity, digital forensics, and AI innovation in Arkansas and beyond, helping build the talent and technology needed to protect critical infrastructure and support the state鈥檚 growing technology economy. 

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The CORE Center was established through a $1 million grant from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, whose support has enabled 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to expand hands-on, high-impact learning opportunities in one of the nation鈥檚 fastest-growing and most critical fields.

鈥淐ybersecurity is one of the most pressing challenges facing industries today, and it continues to grow more complex every day,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淎t 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, we take seriously our responsibility to prepare students with the skills, training, and experience they need to make meaningful contributions in the workforce from day one. This investment allows us to expand access to high-quality cybersecurity education and better serve the needs of Arkansas.鈥�

The CORE Center enhances 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 already well-regarded cybersecurity programs by providing advanced lab space, immersive training environments, and new opportunities for collaboration with government, military, and industry partners. The center is designed to support workforce-aligned education across cybersecurity, digital forensics, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Philip Huff, director of the CORE Center and associate professor of computer science, said the facility significantly expands the university鈥檚 ability to deliver real-world training aligned with current workforce demands.

鈥淥ur students train in real-world scenarios using the same tools and techniques they鈥檒l encounter in the field,鈥� Huff said. 鈥淭hat level of preparation doesn鈥檛 happen by accident. It takes intentional vision, resources, and strong partnerships. The CORE Center allows us to deepen those experiences and strengthen the pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals Arkansas needs.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 cybersecurity programs emphasize both academic rigor and workforce relevance, with curriculum shaped in collaboration with public-sector and private-sector partners. Students develop not only technical expertise, but also critical skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, capabilities essential in today鈥檚 rapidly evolving digital landscape.

While the CORE Center will help meet immediate workforce needs, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin emphasized its potential to extend far beyond campus and state lines.

He noted the importance of international cybersecurity and the continued expansion of cybersecurity programs positions 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to become a global leader in the field.

鈥淭his is just the beginning,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think we can fully envision what could come out of this if we lean in and understand the global reach of what鈥檚 about to be done here.鈥�

The CORE Center will support students at multiple stages of their academic and professional journeys, including Courtney Ingram, a recent graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 undergraduate cybersecurity program and a current master鈥檚 student.

Ingram returned to college as an adult learner and was among the first graduates of the university鈥檚 undergraduate cybersecurity program. Just weeks before graduation, she began working as an information security analyst associate with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where she now monitors threats and supports secure operations.

鈥淩eturning to school later in life wasn鈥檛 always easy, but it was one of the best decisions I鈥檝e made,鈥� Ingram said. 鈥淭he support I received here helped me build confidence and find a career that truly fits. Investments like this create real opportunities for students who are ready to grow, ready to work, and ready to contribute.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock currently offers undergraduate certificates and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity, and the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees has approved a new master鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity, further expanding pathways for students to advance their education in this high-demand field.

Following the dedication ceremony, guests toured the CORE Center, met with faculty and students, and explored how the facility supports hands-on learning, applied research, and workforce preparation in cybersecurity and related disciplines.

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A student-athlete from Kilgore, Texas, Jackson was recruited on a track and field scholarship, but it was the university鈥檚 newly launched cybersecurity program that sealed his decision.

鈥淚 chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock over numerous other offers because I had heard a cybersecurity program was being developed,鈥� he said. 鈥淎lthough I didn鈥檛 have a strong tech background, it was reassuring to know I had that opportunity.鈥�

Jackson said his interest in cybersecurity grew from a natural curiosity about technology and a desire to go beyond the basics.

鈥淚 always considered myself someone who was pretty knowledgeable about technology. I could help you add calendars to your iOS device, use Microsoft Office, Photoshop, or troubleshoot day-to-day tech problems,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut cybersecurity opened up a new level of understanding I hadn鈥檛 experienced before.鈥�

Encouraged by his athletic advisors, Jackson took a leap of faith and joined the program鈥檚 first cohort 鈥� despite initial concerns about the math requirements and joining a program still in development.

鈥淲hen I started, I only knew of a few other students in cybersecurity, and I worried that the math might discourage me or that the program wasn鈥檛 fully established,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut the professors were welcoming and went the extra mile. Before I knew it, I had earned my bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity.鈥�

Balancing Division I athletics and a demanding academic schedule was no easy task, but Jackson credits his athletic experience for shaping his academic discipline.

鈥淏eing away from campus for meets forced me to communicate better with professors and study harder,鈥� Jackson said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e still a student before you鈥檙e an athlete, and you鈥檙e expected to do the same amount of work, if not more.鈥�

Faculty support played a key role in his success. Jackson credited Assistant Professor Becky Passmore and her mentorship and encouragement as motivation throughout his time in the program.

鈥淪he consistently went above and beyond, whether it was giving me extra practice or even coming to watch my track meets,鈥� he said.

Passmore praised Jackson in return, highlighting the qualities that set him apart in the classroom.

鈥淐ameron brings the same focus and grit he shows on the track into the cybersecurity classroom,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 relentlessly curious, asks the hard questions, and elevates his peers through quiet leadership and teamwork. As we highlight Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Cameron is a great example of how discipline and integrity translate into real-world cyber problem-solving.鈥�

Jackson gained real-world experience through an internship this summer with the cybersecurity team at Baptist Health, where he contributed to protecting critical systems and highly classified patient data.

鈥淲hen you think about hospitals, you mostly think of doctors and nurses,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut working with the Information Science team showed me how critical it is to protect the systems that keep patients safe.鈥�

He also worked with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 GenCyber summer camp, encouraging younger students to explore careers in technology.

Now pursuing a master鈥檚 degree at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while working in cybersecurity and training as a professional athlete, Jackson has no intention of slowing down. He encourages future Trojans to believe in themselves and take advantage of every opportunity.

鈥淎lways stay true to who you are and trust your instincts,鈥� Jackson said. 鈥淢ake connections with everyone you can, you never know who might help you along your journey.鈥�

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Industrial System Security (CESC 32003), offered this fall, is the first course in the Certificate of Proficiency in Cyber-Informed Engineering, a six-credit-hour program designed to teach students how to secure critical infrastructure like water treatment facilities, manufacturing systems, and power grids.

Open to students in any major and requiring no prior experience, the course combines cybersecurity concepts with engineering best practices. Students will engage in hands-on learning with cutting-edge virtual reality simulations that bring real-world systems to life.

鈥淭his course goes beyond traditional cybersecurity,鈥� said Dr. Philip Huff, associate professor of cybersecurity and director of cybersecurity research. 鈥淚t鈥檚 for anyone from engineers to technicians who need to understand how to design or operate secure industrial systems.鈥�

The course will be taught by Willam Cox, an assistant professor of cybersecurity. Cox is an experienced cyber warfare operator for the U.S. Air Force, where he has served for over 24 years. He has more than 15 years of experience teaching cybersecurity concepts and introductory Information Technology courses at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, Harford College, and the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Dr. Sandra Leiterman, cybersecurity education research professor, noted that students will learn how to identify critical components in complex systems, assess risks from an attacker鈥檚 perspective, and simulate cyberattacks in safe, immersive lab environments.

鈥淥ne of the most exciting parts is that students will explore real factory systems through Meta virtual reality headsets,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t brings the learning to life in a powerful way.鈥�

The Cyber-Informed Engineering Certificate is supported by a grant from the Department of Energy as well as a grant from the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) Program.

The certificate is expected to be in high demand as the need for industrial cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. The certificate will be included in , a state program that helps employers quickly access a pool of qualified, ready-to-hire candidates with specific skills and experiences needed to fill open positions.

Any 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock student who would like to enroll should speak to their academic advisor. For more information on the course, contact Leiterman at saleiterman@ualr.edu or Huff at pdhuff@ualr.edu.

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The event, titled 鈥淎I-Assisted Cybersecurity Clinic Operations,鈥� will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Attendees can register at .

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the use of artificial intelligence is becoming essential in tracking digital assets, identifying vulnerabilities, and managing threats. In this session, Huff will discuss how AI tools are actively used at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to support analysts and student researchers in strengthening cyber defense strategies. He will also preview new prototypes under development for the university鈥檚 cybersecurity clinics, which aim to transform raw threat data into clear, actionable intelligence for Arkansas organizations.

鈥淭his is a pivotal time for cybersecurity innovation,鈥� Huff said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e working with students and industry to develop tools that don鈥檛 just detect threats but help organizations understand them and respond effectively, especially those without deep cybersecurity expertise.鈥�

In addition to his academic leadership, Huff is co-founder and chief scientist of Bastazo, a cybersecurity startup. His talk reflects 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 continued collaboration with the Forge Institute, a nonprofit based in Arkansas that brings together public and private partners to drive cybersecurity innovation and workforce development.

Founded in 2018, the Forge Institute works to keep the U.S. 鈥淔orever One Step Ahead鈥� in cybersecurity and national defense. Its partnership with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock includes joint research initiatives, workforce training, and support for student engagement in real-world cybersecurity challenges.

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With cybersecurity threats evolving rapidly, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Cybersecurity Club remains committed to preparing students for careers in digital defense with talks from experienced industry experts.

The meeting, held in the Engineering and Information Technology Building, featured a panel of guests, including Walter Mahone, deputy chief of the Special Investigations Division and director of the Cyber Crimes Unit; Amber Kalmer, director of digital forensics; Jessica Middleton, cybersecurity analyst; and Lucy, a K9 specially trained in electronic storage detection (ESD).

Students heard firsthand how professionals in digital forensics and cybersecurity uncover hidden digital evidence, investigate cybercrimes, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies. The speakers also shared insights on career paths in the growing cybersecurity field.

Mahone, who initially had no plans to work in cybersecurity, described how he transitioned into the field.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 the computer guy,鈥� he admitted. 鈥淚 wanted to work on big terrorism cases, but everything now involves a cell phone or a computer. One burglary case we solved came down to a cell phone tower dump, and that got me thinking. I wanted to be part of this.鈥�

Middleton, who holds a master鈥檚 degree in sociology, also took an unconventional path into cybersecurity.

鈥淚 started as a crime analyst with the Little Rock Police Department, working with intelligence and studying threats,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat background helps in cybersecurity because I think about how an adversary might act and how to counter them.鈥�

The panelists emphasized the increasing demand for digital forensic specialists in the cybersecurity job market.

鈥淚 see a lot more forensics jobs open,鈥� Mahone said. 鈥淐ybersecurity is a hot field, but forensics remains critical. If you鈥檙e looking for a career, don鈥檛 overlook forensics. It鈥檚 where a lot of opportunities are right now.鈥�

Lessons from the Field

Kalmer, who oversees digital forensics at the AG鈥檚 office, introduced students to Lucy, a specially trained dog that can detect hidden electronic storage devices. ESD K9s are trained to detect the presence of electronic media storage or other digital evidence, such as hard drives, USB drives, and cell phones. 

鈥淟ucy goes on our search warrants and can find hidden cell phones, USBs, and microSD cards,鈥� Kalmer said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 an invaluable part of our team, and when she鈥檚 not working cases, she also serves as a therapy dog for victims.鈥�

She shared a famous case where an ESD dog helped law enforcement locate hidden storage devices inside drywall, leading to a major conviction. ESD K9s like Lucy came to prominence when another ESD K9 Bear detected key evidence in the home of Jared Fogle, former Subway spokesman, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his crimes.

鈥淭he same trainer who trained that dog trained Lucy,鈥� she noted. 鈥淭here are only about 147 of these dogs in the world.鈥�

Career Advice for Future Cybersecurity Professionals

The panelists encouraged students to be proactive in networking and skill development.

鈥淎s a student, you have a powerful advantage,鈥� Middleton said. 鈥淵ou can reach out to professionals on LinkedIn and ask for five minutes of their time. Take classes in different areas. You never know where it might lead.鈥�

Mahone stressed the value of government experience for new graduates.

鈥淭he best thing about government jobs is they offer training, security clearances, and real-world experience,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l see and learn things that private sector professionals might not. That experience can set you up for higher-paying jobs later.鈥�

The speakers also recommended industry certifications such as those from Magnet and Cellebrite, as well as free training resources from the National White Collar Crime Center and Codeacademy.

鈥淐ertifications show initiative,鈥� Mahone said. 鈥淎s someone who looks at resumes, they stand out.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock cybersecurity students found the presentation valuable and insightful.

鈥淚t was great and really informative,鈥� said Isaac Ceja, a cybersecurity major. 鈥淚 found the distinction between forensics and cybersecurity to be really useful, but I also enjoyed learning how they all work together with law enforcement to be successful.鈥�

Patrick Roberts, a sophomore cybersecurity major interested in Blue Team operations, appreciated the panel鈥檚 practical career advice.

鈥淭he presentation was very informative,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 liked learning that you don鈥檛 have to be a tech expert to get into these positions. Also, seeing Lucy the K9 in action was awesome.鈥�

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