Augusta University students took part in a two-day hands-on experience designed to introduce them to careers in cybersecurity, according to a March 30 announcement from the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. The event was part of the Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) program.
The initiative aims to help students connect their classroom learning with real-world job opportunities in the growing field of cybersecurity. There are currently an estimated 17,254 cybersecurity job openings in Georgia, highlighting significant demand across both government and industry sectors.
The VICEROY program was established under the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act to accelerate development of critical cyber operational skills for future civilian and military leaders. In 2021, Augusta University partnered with Clark Atlanta University and Mississippi State University after receiving a $2 million award to create the Southeastern VICEROY Cyber Institute.
During the event, students visited Fort Gordon where they toured facilities such as the U.S. Army Cyber and Signal School, met professionals working in cyber operations, and explored secure data centers supporting cyber missions. They also attended panel discussions featuring Augusta University alumni Lauren Wheeler, Joshua Grant, and Bryanna Jones—each former VICEROY Scholars now working at Fort Gordon—who discussed mentorship opportunities and career pathways available through the program.
Michael Nowatkowski, PhD, head of the Cyber Programs of Study at Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences and principal investigator for the VICEROY award said: “The VICEROY award enables our students access to the Department of Defense community that they would not normally have. This has led to internship and employment opportunities for our students.”
Kaleb Worku, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Information Security Management who participated as a VICEROY scholar said: “It expanded my horizon as to the opportunities within the Department of Defense… Being able to go to Fort Gordon… was something you would never experience inside the classroom at AU.” Worku added that learning about programs like Cyber Warrant Officer opened up new possibilities for his future career path.
On their second day, participants returned to Augusta University’s Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center for additional experiential learning activities including tours of state-level digital investigation centers like Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crime Center; visits with SIEGE (the university’s Security Operations Center); exploring innovation spaces; attending industry panels; and engaging directly with employers—including some alumni now working at agencies such as FBI.
Thomas Culbertson, a second-year cybersecurity student who won a Cookie Monster-themed Capture The Flag competition held during this event said: “It gave me a lot of information about career paths I hadn’t considered and strengthened my confidence about finding a job after college.”
The experience exposed participants not only to technical skills but also diverse professional environments ranging from military operations through research innovation.
