The COVA CCI National Cybersecurity Education & Research Conference builds synergies between the academy and industry through a focus on experiential learning research and practice in cybersecurity. For these synergies to both develop and thrive, they must occur in areas that foster respectful engagement within and across myriad groups in the academy and industry. Therefore, we welcome colleges, universities, industries, and government agencies of all sizes that engage in, offer, or are interested in offering cyber-related experiential learning opportunities. We welcome researchers, professors/instructors, students, administrators and practitioners from various fields and disciplines, technical and non-technical, who design, develop, or deliver cyber-related experiential learning opportunities. We welcome researchers, professors/instructors, students, administrators and practitioners from all racial, ethnic, gender, religious, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds; disabled and nondisabled; veterans, career changers, and anyone else who has participated in or has an interest in cyber-related experiential learning opportunities, regardless of their level of expertise. There are a number of underrepresented groups and perspectives in cybersecurity, and we are creating a space where everyone can share, learn, and connect around experiential learning in cybersecurity. Building these experiential learning connections is paramount for the continued growth of cybersecurity research, practice, and employment opportunities. Tackling the complex cybersecurity challenges that lie ahead takes collective, inclusive, interdisciplinary, inter-agency approaches, and this conference provides a space for that critical work. In keeping with that emphasis, we welcome proposals from researchers and practitioners at colleges and universities, as well as proposals from representatives of non-profit, for-profit, or government organizations. We also welcome proposals from students whose work focuses on experiential learning research or practice in cybersecurity. Proposals are due July 31 at 11:59 pm (EST) and notifications regarding proposal submission status will be emailed August 5.
Understanding What Works: Metrics & Experiential Learning Proposals submitted to this area should focus on assessing or measuring the effectiveness of cyber-related experiential learning opportunities. Curricular Considerations: Designing Experiential Learning Proposals submitted to this area should focus on ways that cyber-related experiential learning opportunities are incorporated into coursework or focus on curricular industry/academy partnerships. Proposals could also discuss experiential learning programs that are initiated by or based at colleges/universities or ones that are initiated by or based in industries.