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91����’s Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Northern Virginia (NoVa) Node recently received a $150,793 grant from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority for “CCI Scholars – High School Experiential Learning Program FY26,” a seven-week high school summer internship program for rising seniors and recent graduates of Northern Virginia public high schools.

They train, compete, and perform at the highest levels—only their arena is cybersecurity. Like top athletes, George Mason’s cyber-focused students prove themselves when the pressure is on.

Knifey, a nature-inspired blimp based on the knifefish’s movement (with an added ferocious glare), is just one of junior Alexia De Costa’s projects combining art and robotics. “I love any way to get people interested in tech and also understand complicated things visually,” she says.

Guided by experts, students from George Mason and Howard University are delivering tailored cybersecurity solutions to the organizations that need them most—while shaping their own futures.

Mason Competitive Cyber teamwon first place at the ninth annual Commonwealth Cyber Fusion and Virginia Cyber Cup. The high‑intensity, four‑hour capture‑the‑flag competition showcased their skill, teamwork, and growing leadership in Virginia’s cybersecurity community.

Funded by a $3.9 million grant, the Scholarship for Service program supports students who commit to working in government cybersecurity roles after graduation.

George Mason graduate student Kevin Landry turned his passion for honeypots into a hands-on classroom project, leading his team to build a customized cyber trap that attracted real-world attackers and gave students an eye-opening look at cloud security.

When 91���� cyber security engineering student Noah Hinger interned at Surefire Cyber in summer 2023, his managers were so impressed with his work that they invited him back. Thanks to his previous experience, the Honors College student was able to take on more responsibility this summer at the computer security company and contribute to more projects.

Matthew Dalton joined 91���� as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in May, bringing more than 25 years of experience as a cybersecurity leader at R1 institutions. In his new role with Information Technology Services, he will provide vision and strategy for information security at Virginia’s largest public research university.

When cyber security engineering major Connor Wadlin learned about ransomware attacks on organizations, such as the one on the Health Service Executive in Ireland, in his CYSE 445 System Security and Resilience class, it confirmed his commitment to dedicating his educational and professional career to protecting and preserving human lives.