Cyberspace Operations Research and Education Center - News - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches Statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network with $1 Million Google.org Funding

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:07:11 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received $1 million in funding from , the company’s philanthropy, to establish a statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network, expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students while delivering critical cybersecurity support to organizations across Arkansas.

The new initiative builds on the university’s leadership in the Cyber Learning Network, a collaborative effort that brings together colleges and universities across the state to strengthen cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development.

“This is an important step forward for our students, our partners, and communities across Arkansas,” said ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, we are committed not only to preparing students for the future, but to applying what we do in ways that directly strengthen our communities. This initiative does both.”

The Cybersecurity Clinic Network will connect students, faculty, and partner institutions to provide real-world cybersecurity services to underserved organizations, including small utilities, municipalities, rural healthcare providers, K–12 schools, nonprofits, and small businesses.

Support from Google.org makes it possible to scale this work statewide, expanding access to hands-on learning while strengthening cybersecurity capacity for organizations across Arkansas. In addition, prior funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), secured through Senator John Boozman’s office, supported the development of key technologies that enable the clinic’s cybersecurity assessment and remediation services.

“Navigating the recent increase in disruptive cyber attacks on essential services—from local power grids to hospitals — will rely on a strong cyber workforce capable of defending against everyday threats,” said Maab Ibrahim, Head of Knowledge, Skills, and Learning for the Americas, Google.org. “Cyber clinics are a crucial part of this effort: it gives students the hands-on experience they need to start careers, while at the same time providing vital, no-cost security services to local organizations that need them most. It’s a smart investment in both our workforce and the critical infrastructure that communities depend on.”

Students participating in the clinics will work under faculty supervision to conduct cybersecurity assessments, recommend secure systems, deploy monitoring tools, and assist with remediation planning using industry best practices.

“Our goal is to ensure students have meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them to succeed in critical fields like cybersecurity,” said Provost Ann Bain. “This model connects classroom learning with real-world challenges, giving students the opportunity to build practical skills while making a meaningful impact across our state.”

The program is expected to train more than 500 students and support more than 150 organizations statewide over the next six years. It will also be part of the , providing students with access to expanded training, collaboration, and career pathways.

Dr. Philip Huff, director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Center for Research in Cybersecurity Engineering (CORE), said the initiative reflects years of collaboration across Arkansas.

“We’ve seen the tremendous potential of connecting education directly with service,” Huff said. “This investment allows us to expand a proven model that strengthens our workforce pipeline while improving the resilience of critical infrastructure across the state.”

The Cybersecurity Clinic Network is a systemwide effort involving institutions across the University of Arkansas System, community colleges, and private partners, ensuring access and impact in communities across Arkansas.

“This effort brings together higher education institutions across the state to expand opportunity and strengthen our economy,” said ��Vlog��ý System President Jay B. Silveria. “By building a skilled cybersecurity workforce and supporting critical infrastructure, this initiative will benefit every corner of Arkansas.”

By strengthening the state’s cybersecurity workforce pipeline while supporting critical infrastructure, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is leading a model that delivers real results for Arkansas communities.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Inducted Into Arkansas Research Alliance Academy

Molly Coleman — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:18:23 +0000

Two University of Arkansas at Little Rock faculty members have been inducted into the Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) Academy, a distinction recognizing leading researchers whose work is driving innovation and economic growth across the state.

Dr. Anindya Ghosh, professor of chemistry and associate dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and Dr. Philip Huff, associate professor of computer science and director of the Cyberspace Operations Research and Education Center (CORE), were among six researchers selected.

The ARA Academy represents leading researchers from universities across the state and has contributed more than $1 billion to Arkansas’s economy. Members are advancing industry-focused research in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy, cybersecurity, and sustainable design.

Ghosh, one of the nation’s leading researchers in green chemistry, said the recognition reflects the university’s strong and growing research environment.

“I’m honored to be inducted into the Arkansas Research Alliance Academy,” Ghosh said. “ARA does an outstanding job of supporting research through funding and by connecting researchers with the right resources and partnerships to move ideas forward. This recognition motivates me to push that work forward in ways that benefit Arkansas while preparing students for meaningful careers.”

His work in green chemistry, catalysis, and materials science focuses on practical, sustainable solutions that reduce pollution, support clean energy, and create more environmentally responsible materials.

Huff said he is excited to be part of a community working to expand research opportunities across Arkansas.

“I appreciate ARA’s commitment to advancing research and innovation across Arkansas, and I’m honored to be part of a community working to expand those opportunities,” Huff said. “Through this connection, the CORE Center can collaborate more closely with industry to keep our cybersecurity and AI research grounded in real-world needs. This supports ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s mission to provide high-impact student research experiences that deliver real benefits to our communities.”

Huff leads the CORE Center and focuses on advancing cybersecurity for critical infrastructure while building partnerships between academia and industry. He is also the chief scientist and co-founder of Bastazo, an Arkansas-based cybersecurity startup that uses artificial intelligence to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and help organizations prioritize and address vulnerabilities.

Through their work, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock researchers continue to create opportunities for students while contributing to innovations that benefit communities and industries across Arkansas.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Secures $12.75 Million in Federal Funding to Advance Veterans Services, Nanotechnology, Cybersecurity, and National Defense Research

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:58:34 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Carnegie classified high research activity (R2) institution, announced it has secured $12.75 million in federal funding to support veterans services, cutting-edge nanotechnology research, cybersecurity innovation, and advanced social network analysis during a press conference on Thursday.

“��Vlog��ý Little Rock is home to a diverse student body and respected faculty transforming academic endeavors into practical support and solutions for Arkansans. Establishing a full-service veterans legal clinic within the Bowen School of Law and bolstering nanotech research with a wide range of real-world applications will benefit veterans and accelerate innovative breakthroughs at the intersection of science and medicine,” said U.S. Senator John Boozman, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I’m pleased to have championed these investments and look forward to the exciting impact they will have on our state and beyond in the years to come.”

Chancellor Christina Drale added that these investments further position the university to serve Arkansas through impactful research and programs.

“This level of federal investment affirms the value and impact of the work happening at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Chancellor Christina Drale. “From supporting Arkansas veterans to advancing research in nanotechnology, cybersecurity, and data analytics, these appropriations strengthen our ability to serve the state and deliver research that makes a measurable difference for our communities and our country.

The federal funding package includes two direct allocations secured by Boozman for the veterans legal clinic and nanotechnology research equipment, in addition to the other investments he and the Arkansas congressional delegation supported for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock programs:

$750,000 to support the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at the William H. Bowen School of Law
$6 million for nanotechnology initiatives, including:
- $3 million to enhance nanotechnology research capacity through the purchase of highly specialized state-of-the-art equipment
- $3 million specifically for nanomaterials for bone regeneration research
$5 million to develop a cyber-resilient computing platform in partnership with Montana State University
$1 million to support COSMOS (social networks analysis) research

Veterans Legal Services Clinic

The $750,000 appropriation will enhance the Bowen School of Law’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to Arkansas veterans while giving law students hands-on experience. To date the clinic has supported Veterans in two thirds of Arkansas counties and has secured more than $500k in benefits for veterans. With the additional funding, the clinic hopes to secure additional support to serve all Arkansas counties.

“This funding strengthens our ability to stand alongside Arkansas veterans and ensure they have access to the legal services they deserve,” said Dean Colin Crawford of the Bowen School of Law. “It also gives our students meaningful, real-world experience advocating for those who have served our country.”

Analytical and Nanotechnology Research Expansion

The $6 million in nanotechnology funding will significantly expand ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s research capacity. The $3 million equipment investment will enhance nanotechnology research through the acquisition of advanced instrumentation, positioning the university for continued growth in high-impact materials science. The instrumentation will serve both the academic as well as the industrial partners and provide educational opportunities for a variety of students and users. An additional $3 million will support research focused specifically on nanomaterials for bone regeneration, with potential applications for injured service members and others requiring regenerative medical treatments.

“These investments strengthen the university’s ability to conduct advanced characterization and research at a higher level both academically and industrially,” said Dr. Alex Biris, Chief Scientist at the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences. “The funding expands our research capacity, and the support for the development of technologies focused on advanced bone and tissue regeneration, allowing us to pursue innovative solutions with significant implications for both national defense and medical advancement.”

Cyber-Resilient Space Computing Platform

The $5 million cyber-resilient computing platform project, a joint effort between ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and Montana State University, will focus on strengthening satellite systems against emerging cyber threats and enhancing national security capabilities in space.

“This project advances our ability to build AI models that protect mission-critical systems operating in increasingly complex and contested cyber environments in space,” said Dr. Philip Huff. “It reflects ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s growing leadership in applied cybersecurity research that directly supports national defense and workforce needs.”

The $1 million investment in COSMOS (social networks analysis) will expand research capabilities in data analytics and national security applications.

“Social network analysis plays a critical role in understanding complex digital ecosystems and cognitive security challenges,” said Dr. Nitin Agarwal, director of COSMOS Research Center at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “This funding allows us to deepen our research impact while preparing students to lead in high-demand intelligence and analytics fields.”

Together, these investments accelerate ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s momentum as a leading public research university and a driver of innovation in Arkansas. From supporting veterans in Arkansas courtrooms to advancing technologies that strengthen national security, the university continues to translate research excellence into tangible benefits for the state and the nation.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches CORE Center to Advance Cybersecurity Research and Workforce Training

Molly Coleman — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:17:04 +0000

As cyber threats continue to grow across industries, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is expanding its role in cybersecurity research and workforce development with the launch of the Cyberspace Operations, Research, and Education (CORE) Center, a multidisciplinary hub designed to connect research, education, and real-world operations.

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’s 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’s Office to explore ways technology can help reduce investigative backlogs and improve digital forensic analysis.

One of the center’s 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.

“We primarily work with organizations that may be high-level targets but don’t have the resources to protect themselves against cyber threats,” Huff said. “Students help scan their networks, identify weaknesses, and recommend steps they can realistically implement.”

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.

“The idea is to blend community needs with student opportunity,” Huff said. “There’s a seemingly infinite amount of cybersecurity work that needs to be done, and this gives students the chance to contribute while they’re still learning.”

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.

“We’re focused on critical infrastructure as well,” Huff said. “An 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.”

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.

“These are rapidly evolving fields,” Huff said. “The 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.”

Through these efforts, the CORE Center positions ��Vlog��ý 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’s growing technology economy.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Dedicates CORE Center to Expand Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development Across Arkansas

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:55:53 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock today celebrated the dedication of its new Cyberspace Operations, Research, and Education (CORE) Center, a major step forward in strengthening cybersecurity education, applied research, and workforce development for the State of Arkansas.

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

“Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing challenges facing industries today, and it continues to grow more complex every day,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “At ��Vlog��ý 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.”

The CORE Center enhances ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s 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’s ability to deliver real-world training aligned with current workforce demands.

“Our students train in real-world scenarios using the same tools and techniques they’ll encounter in the field,” Huff said. “That level of preparation doesn’t 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.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s 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’s 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 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to become a global leader in the field.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “I don’t think we can fully envision what could come out of this if we lean in and understand the global reach of what’s about to be done here.”

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

Ingram returned to college as an adult learner and was among the first graduates of the university’s 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.

“Returning to school later in life wasn’t always easy, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Ingram said. “The 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.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock currently offers undergraduate certificates and a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, and the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees has approved a new master’s 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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Attorney General Griffin Provides $1 Million Grant to Build Cybersecurity Center at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:00:47 +0000

has announced a $1 million grant to establish a cybersecurity research and education center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

“When it comes to cybersecurity, we are only as strong as our weakest link,” Attorney General Griffin said. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock is providing a shield and sword for Arkansans as one of the nation’s top cybersecurity programs. Its faculty is focused on providing real-world knowledge to its students. The CORE Center will enhance the program’s ability to produce well-prepared students who will, in turn, protect our citizens and their businesses, and join the fight against foreign and domestic adversaries in cyberspace.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock, a recognized leader in cybersecurity education, will use the funding from the Office of the Attorney General to establish the Cyberspace Operations Research and Education (CORE) Center, which will enhance research opportunities and support the development of Arkansas’s future cybersecurity workforce.

“The support we are receiving from the Attorney General’s office is an investment in the future of Arkansas,” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Provost Ann Bain said. “This funding empowers ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to remain a leader, ensuring that we can continue to innovate, educate, and develop the skilled professionals Arkansas businesses need in the face of rising cyber threats. Together, we’re building a cybersecurity workforce that will protect and strengthen Arkansas from within.”

The funding will be used to design and renovate a space of more than 5,000 square feet within the Engineering and Information Technology Building that will house the CORE Center, providing a secure space for students and faculty to collaborate on sensitive projects in partnership with community leaders, law enforcement, and industry mentors.

Additionally, the funding will pay for the salary of an operations coordinator and a finance director for the CORE Center for two years. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s cybersecurity program currently manages more than $5 million in annual grant funds. The addition of these two positions will allow ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to secure new grants, onboard new students, and provide valuable service-learning experiences through initiatives like the cybersecurity clinic that will allow faculty, law enforcement, and industry mentors to work together to provide students with hands-on experience that will also serve the community.

“We are deeply grateful to Attorney General Tim Griffin for this significant investment,” said Dr. Philip Huff, associate professor of cybersecurity at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “This funding enables us to establish a dedicated, secure space that provides students with hands-on learning opportunities, protects our communities, and enhances the educational experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and our university and community college partners across Arkansas. Through this support, we will help make Arkansas safer and foster meaningful, long-lasting careers that contribute to the protection of our nation and its critical infrastructure.”

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Cybersecurity program is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) with a Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation and is a member of the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics to support community needs in cybersecurity. The program supports collaboration with community colleges and partners across Arkansas, particularly focusing on minority and underrepresented student populations.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock also serves as the hub for the National Cyber Teaching Coalition, which has prepared more than 100 high school teachers to instruct cybersecurity and artificial intelligence courses in concurrent credit high school courses. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has plans to expand that initiative with a goal to provide this training for teachers in every school district throughout the state.

“Cybersecurity has become an indispensable part of our national infrastructure, and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is committed to leading in this field. In recent years, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has also become a hub for high-impact research in cybersecurity,” Huff said. “For example, through support from multiple grants, our research addresses critical needs such as protecting the energy sector’s infrastructure, utilizing advanced AI and cryptographic techniques to secure critical systems. Over the past few years, our program has expanded to meet the growing demand for cyber expertise across Arkansas. Today, we have over 100 students majoring in cybersecurity, with our graduates filling critical roles across local businesses and industries.”

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Cyberspace Operations Research and Education Center - News - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches Statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network with $1 Million Google.org Funding

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Inducted Into Arkansas Research Alliance Academy

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Secures $12.75 Million in Federal Funding to Advance Veterans Services, Nanotechnology, Cybersecurity, and National Defense Research