CHMPR Distinguished Lecturers Series

The Need for Speed

Dr. Phyllis A. Schneck

Deputy Under Secretary of Cybersecurity
Department of Homeland Security

3:30pm Thursday, 1 December 2016, UC 310
3:00pm Coffee, tea, and cookies

As computers get faster, they change the world. Processors get smaller, the number of devices with processors gets bigger, and the amount of information that can be produced and transported grows exponentially. Everything on the planet, unless one can eat it, is likely to have electronic logic within – and, most recently, to be connected to other devices. Our way of life and critical infrastructures, from power and water to finance is enabled by this ability to process light, and transport information at that speed. The speed of computing is enabling new conveniences and capabilities, and furthering science in directions never before imagined from DNA studies to particle physics. This amazingly connected world, however, introduces new vulnerabilities as many connected devices were not designed to be safe from unauthorized access and use. We must pay special attention to protecting infrastructure components such as information and the intricate signaling systems that generate and distribute electricity. This requires specialized algorithms to mine the masses of data to recognize normal internet activity from potential threat indicators. The goal is to create a more self-healing network, accomplishing with information what nature does with biological responses – creating an electronic immune system. Cognitive computing can provide groundbreaking results in data mining and analysis that will enhance the Cybersecurity to protect the other applications such as genomic and physics research. Software and hardware developers need to work together to create the algorithms and custom hardware to minimize heat, maximize computation and, finally, create a secure design.

We can use the speed of computing to enhance Cybersecurity as well – thus the paradox of the need for speed to protect itself.

Dr. Phyllis Schneck is the Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity & Communications with the Department of Homeland Security, where she is also the Chief Cybersecurity Official. Previously held positions include Chief Technology Officer for Global Public Sector, McAfee, Inc.; VP of Enterprise Services, eCommSecurity; and VP of Corporate Strategy for SecureWorks, Inc. Schneck earned her Ph.D. in computer science from Georgia Tech and pioneered the field of info security and security-based high-performance computing at Georgia Tech. She holds seven information security patents and has six research publications in the areas of info security, real-time systems, telecom and software engineering.

If you plan on attending, please RSVP to Michelle Bobovych at *protected email* to ensure we have a sufficient number of chairs.

The post talk: Dr. Phyllis Schneck (DHS) on The Need for Speed in Cybersecurity appeared first on Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

Meet Maniraj,

He is an Interdisciplinary Studies major and an URA Scholar. He also received the La Noue Scholarship to attend the 2016 Association of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) conference in University of Ottawa, where he presented his interdisciplinary research; a board game that teaches cardiovascular health. His future interests includes medical anthropology and social entrepreneurship, his final goal is to become a physician.

Maniraj's research will explore the leading cause of death worldwide, cardiovascular disease. Understanding the sociocultural construction of this non-communicable disease would advance our knowledge of how to improve care to vulnerable populations. Focused on a specific district in India, the purpose this study is to identify cultural beliefs and attitudes towards cardiovascular health among adolescents. His project was an organic transformation of his extracurricular project in educational health games.

Read more about his research here…

Interested in graduate school and/or a summer research experience in beautiful coastal Southern California?

Come to an information session with the UC Irvine Graduate Dean Dr. Frances Leslie and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Thomas Parham who will talk about UC Irvine graduate programs as well as our summer research programs.

DATE:  Monday, December 5th from 12-1pm in Commons 329

Founded in 1965, the University of California, Irvine combines the strengths of a major research university with the bounty of an incomparable Southern California location. UC Irvine is ranked in the top 10 public schools by US News and World Reports. Over 5,000 graduate students come to UC Irvine from around the world with unique perspectives and backgrounds, but together they comprise the core of our top-rated research enterprise and an unparalleled campus culture.

With a commitment to cutting edge research, teaching, learning and creativity, UC Irvine is a driving force for innovation and discovery. Three Nobel Prize winning researchers — two in chemistry and one in physics — have helped solidify UC Irvine as a center for quality education that fosters the passionate and enthusiastic expansion of knowledge. Our robust graduate programs create the brainpower needed to make an impact on our local, national and global communities.

SURF:  The 2016 Summer Research Program application for UC Irvine is available here.
UC Irvine’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program offers undergraduate and master’s diversity students an opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects and provides an intense course of graduate preparation workshops. The program, which is designed for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. or M.F.A. degree and enter academic careers, provides the tools needed to facilitate application, admission, and enrollment to graduate school. The SURF program is open to virtually all academic fields at UC Irvine. Qualified students with interest in pursuing their graduate program at UC Irvine are especially encouraged to apply.

The University of Chicago is providing up to FOUR current UMBC undergraduates an opportunity to apply for a deep immersive experience in research activities in economics.  The program is designed for undergraduate students with strong quantitative and analytical backgrounds of ALL majors. Substantial coursework in not required.

Program Elements include:

• Students will attend workshops given by Booth faculty as part of the "Economics Undergraduate Research Experience" beginning the end of June of 2016 and extending into July of 2016.  Information about this program can be found below: https://bfi.uchicago.edu/feature-story/research-for-undergraduates
• Depending on interest and background students will be matched with research professionals, graduate students or professors to work on a specific research project in economics.  This activity will start in June of 2017 and extend until the end of August 2017.  Last year’s research activities included work in Microeconomic Theory, Operations Research, Decision-Making Under Uncertainty, International Trade and Finance and Labor Economics.
• Additional classroom instruction will be provided for those students without substantial formal exposure to economics.
• See UMBC STUDENT PROFILE FROM SUMMER 2016 HERE

Support:

• All living expenses will be covered by the Booth School and the Becker Friedman Institute
• Housing will be provided in undergraduate dormitories at the University of Chicago.
• Travel expenses will also be covered.
• Successful applicants will be offered a stipend of $10,000.

Qualifications to Apply:
We seek applicants with an interest in research and willing to work hard for the summer in a stimulating environment!
3.2 cumulative GPA or above.
Open to all analytical backgrounds including economics, finance, engineering, mathematics, physics, etc.
A strong quantitative background is a plus but is not required.

Application process:
Required materials:  
- Current Resume or Curriculum vitae
- Personal Statement: Two page discussion of the candidate's objective for the summer and future research goals.  Include why you are interested in the program.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Unofficial Transcript

Please send these materials via e-mail to:      
Christine Routzahn, Director
UMBC Career Center
routzahn@umbc.edu, 410-455-3671

Deadline to Apply:  Rolling Admission, Absolute deadline to apply is Friday, December 9, 2016

For additional details, contact Christine Routzahn at 410-455-3671 or routzahn@umbc.edu