REU Site: Security for Emerging Networks in Energy and Intelligent Transportation Systems

About the REU site

With the advances in computing resources, sensing capabilities, and wireless technologies, traditional networks in different sectors in smart cities, e.g., energy and transportation, are being evolved into emerging networks to make smart cities a reality. These emerging networks will allow real-time flow of enormous amounts of data, and thus, these networks have the potential to open various vulnerabilities and threats.Motivated by addressing the security challenges in smart cities, the proposed project will serve the REU site titled “Security for Emerging Networks in Energy and Intelligent Transportation Systems” in the Department of Computer Science (CS) at the University of Alabama (UA). The primary focus of this project is to engage students with various research topics related to the security and privacy of smart cities. The students will learn from an expert group of faculty how to design, implement, and assess research projects in the areas that are becoming crucial for the safety and privacy of our lives. In addition, students will improve their skills by participating in technical workshops, presentations, and professional development activities.

Although the main emphasis of the proposed REU site is to improve research experience for undergraduates, we also aim to:

  1. improve enrollment in STEM areas with a cybersecurity focus;
  2. improve the percentage of female and underrepresented minority students;
  3. increase the enrollment into graduate programs; and
  4. support UA’s focus on cybersecurity, energy, transportation, and mobility.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The student should be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
  • Undergraduate students majoring in a computer science or engineering discipline.
  • A minimum of 3.25 GPA is required.

Activities

  • Crash Course – Applied Cryptography and Machine Learning
  • Professional development activities including preparation of research papers, posters and oral Presentations
  • Hands-on activities with real equipment
  • NSF GRFP preparation

Financial Support

  • Competitive Stipend ($7,000 for the entire 10 week period)
  • Travel Support to/from Alabama (up to $800)
  • Meal Support (Up to $1,500)
  • Free Housing on the UA campus