STEM Education for National Security
Expanding the STEM talent pipeline for national security
The U.S. Department of War is one of the nation’s largest employer of scientists and engineers, but routinely has trouble filling these important national security positions due to lack of qualified applicants. ACNSI seeks to expand the pipeline of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) talent interested in defense and security careers by providing novel educational experiences to learners — from primary school students to professionals seeking to develop new skill sets.
Focus areas
- Hands-on educational experiences like hackathons.
- High school internships in a university research lab.
- Workforce development programs for defense and national security employers.
- Unique educational experiences for middle and high school students, on topics such as cybersecurity and biotechnology.
Featured projects
Free biotech education for high school students
ASU researchers worked with Arizona teachers to develop biotechnology lesson plans that use virtual simulations and train teachers to use the materials. The team built an online platform called the BioSense Network to bring these materials to students across the state.
A primer on working with artificial intelligence
A professor in ASU’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence developed and delivered a primer course on artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science for warrant officers in the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (USAICoE). The seminar’s curriculum is a collaborative effort with the USAICoE and the Army Research Laboratory.
Introducing cybersecurity concepts into the classroom
In partnership with the Center for the Future of Arizona, ACNSI provided Arizona teachers and students with free access to the U.S. Cyber Range. By practicing cybersecurity skills firsthand in a safe virtual environment, students learn important lessons on what cyber criminals look for and how to protect themselves online. More than 440 high school students have participated in this effort.
Vets4Tech
Working closely with the Pat Tillman Veterans Center and the Fulton Schools of Engineering, ACNSI spearheaded an internship and employment program aimed at placing ASU students with military backgrounds in national laboratories.