Albuquerque – May 16, 2024 –
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Fullerton College student Dwight Groves gained invaluable experience in a prestigious Space Force cybersecurity internship. Selected from over 1,100 applicants, Groves worked with seasoned professionals, co-authoring research focused on identifying vulnerabilities in space systems. This experience reflects the growing impact of cybersecurity in national security, offering insights into space cyber resilience. For more on this topic, read on.
Fullerton College Student Soars in Space Force Internship, Co-Authors Research
Albuquerque, N.M. – Dwight Groves, a second-year cybersecurity major at Fullerton College, recently completed a prestigious internship with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program. the program, known for its competitive selection process, accepted Groves from a pool of 1,100 applicants, making him one of 117 undergraduates chosen for the stipend-paid chance. He collaborated with seasoned professionals on pioneering research, gaining invaluable experience in the STEM field.
Inside the SWORD Lab
After successfully navigating a rigorous background check for a secret-level security clearance, Groves was assigned too the Space Warfighting Operations Research and Advancement (SWORD) Lab on the military base. This placement immersed him in the world of space-related cybersecurity,a rapidly growing field with significant implications for national security.
research Focus: Securing Space Assets
The core of the internship involved a comprehensive research project culminating in a presentation at the space Force Internship Poster Session. Groves’ team focused on identifying cyberattacks targeting terrestrial systems and analyzing thier potential transferability to satellites and space vehicles. Their work specifically addressed command-and-control vulnerabilities.
did you know? GPS spoofing, a type of cyberattack on Earth-based systems, can be exploited to compromise space assets like satellites. This is a key area of concern for space cyber resilience.
the research aimed to bolster the space cyber resilience
of space systems, ensuring their protection against cyberattacks and identifying proactive solutions. This involved exploring vulnerabilities in Earth-based systems, such as GPS spoofing, that could be exploited to compromise space assets.
Real-World Impact
The internship provided Groves with hands-on experience and the chance to apply his theoretical knowledge in a professional setting. This exposure offered a glimpse into the daily life of a national security professional, an experience he values highly.
People don’t really work with space and having an introduction to that so early in my career opens up a lot of doors, especially since I want to go into the aerospace industry in the future.
Dwight Groves,Fullerton College Student
A Professor’s Insight
Groves discovered the AFRL Scholars Program through Anna Carlin,a professor of cybersecurity at Fullerton college.Carlin emphasized the program’s practical benefits:
The Space Force internship provided students with experience in addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges. With expert guidance from Sherry Neher, students conducted in-depth literature reviews that led to one article being published and another accepted for publication. This experience not only strengthened their technical and research skills but also prepared them to excel in high-impact cybersecurity careers.
Anna Carlin, Professor of Cybersecurity, fullerton College
Fullerton College Alumnus Gives Back
Sherry Neher, a Fullerton College cybersecurity program alumna, played a crucial role in making the AFRL Scholars Program accessible to students. After earning her master’s degree in cybersecurity from Dakota State University, Neher returned to Fullerton College to share her expertise. She collaborated with Carlin and President Cynthia Olivo to present internship opportunities to cybersecurity students.
From Internship to Publication
Groves’ internship experience significantly impacted his academic career, leading him to co-author two publications with Neher. Their work was recently presented at the IEEE Aerospace Conference, a testament to the quality and relevance of their research.
Explore Cybersecurity at Fullerton College
For more information about Fullerton College’s cybersecurity program, visit the Hornet Security Education Center’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Pro Tip: Cybersecurity internships, especially those with government agencies, often require a security clearance. Start the application process early, as background checks can take time.
