OHIO receives Ohio Department of Higher Education grant for cybersecurity awareness, new courses

Ohio University recently was awarded a $255,161 grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) to focus on cybersecurity initiatives. 

Dr. Avinash Karanth, professor of electrical engineering and computer science and lead researcher for the grant, is looking forward to the educational opportunities the grant will bring.

“There is a big gap in the workforce where not everybody is aware of the dangers, or the problems, that are posed with cybersecurity. Today, we live in a digital world. Everyone either has a cell phone or a computer drive – we are all connected,” he said. “It is important that we become aware of our role as key defenders against all types of cyberattacks.”

The ODHE grant will help fund cybersecurity educational initiatives, including developing awareness in courses and curriculum. This will be showcased in three different areas: a short course for K-12 teachers, a more in-depth course for industry and IT practitioners, and enhanced curriculum for Ohio University undergraduate and graduate students. 

The K-12 courses are designed to give people basic knowledge about cybersecurity, while the advanced course will help practitioners develop and enhance their skillsets, Karanth said. Both courses will offer hands-on experiences for learners. 

“We are developing these courses so that people become more aware, so that they understand what are the threats -- how they can make a difference, and how to make computing systems more secure for all, from hardware as well as software perspective,” Karanth said. “Our goal is to develop that workforce.” 

Ohio University students will benefit from expanded courses featuring basic constructs of cybersecurity, as well as a new class about cybersecurity. 

Karanth is working alongside other Russ College of Engineering and Technology faculty members to develop cybersecurity curriculum, including Dr. David Juedes, department chair and professor of electrical engineering and computer science; Dr. Savas Kaya, professor of electrical engineering and computer science; Dr. Harsha Chenji, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science; and Dr. Gordon Stewart, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science. 

“This is going to become critical in the future for the state of Ohio, as well as the world. We all want to be more proficient and aware of the problems and issues with cybersecurity,” Karanth said.