Sul Ross State University in Alpine and Lamar University in Beaumont will collaborate on a $3.4 million grant from the Department of Energy to establish and operate a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence focused on innovative research and education in Midstream Industry Cybersecurity.
The grant request was submitted by U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of the 23rd Congressional District, which includes Alpine.
The kickoff meeting was held on Oct. 3 with the participation of representatives from the Department of Energy, SRSU and LU.
As part of the three-year initiative, the research team from both universities will build a virtual and a physical testbed to facilitate real-time data collection. These testbeds will enable cutting-edge research and serve as platforms for generating data on cyber threats targeting the operational technology of the midstream industry. This real-time data will be used to develop threat detection and response techniques for midstream industrial control systems and cyber-physical systems technologies through machine learning and data analytics.
In addition, the project will develop comprehensive training modules for formal and continued education in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, cyber-forensics and criminal justice aimed at workforce development and educational outreach, benefiting K-12 students as well as undergraduate and graduate students.
The training materials are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
“As the research team, we want to thank the Department of Energy, Representative Gonzales, both Sul Ross State University and Lamar University administrations, and everyone who contributed effort to this project,” said Dr. Oguzhan Basibuyuk, chair of the Department of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice at SRSU. “This initiative not only strengthens our research capabilities but also provides vital educational opportunities for students of all ages. Most importantly, it helps build the skilled workforce needed to support the energy industry in our region.”
For more information, email oguzhan.basibuyuk@sulross.edu.