Gisele Galoustian – Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University is recognized as the National Center for Academic Excellence at Cyber Security Agency (NSA) and the National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Security (NCAE-C). This honorable designation, awarded throughout the 2030 academic year, confirms the university’s leadership and innovation in the field of cybersecurity research at the doctoral level.
This recognition places the FAU among elite groups across the country that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to cutting-edge research in cyber defense and security. The CAE-R designation is awarded to universities where programs that meet strict academic and research criteria set by the NSA are consistent with the national strategic priorities in cybersecurity.
“This designation is a strong affirmation of the strength and impact of research and academic programs in cybersecurity,” said Dr. Valery E. Forbes, dean of the Fau Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “It highlights the dedication of faculty to pushing the boundaries of cyberscience and the students’ ability to directly address some of the most pressing national security challenges of the time. We are equipped with the next generation of thought leaders and innovators who will not only advance in the field of cybersecurity, but will serve as architects of tomorrow’s digital infrastructure.”
As a designated CAE-R agency, FAU is positioned to expand its role in shaping the future of cyber research through deeper collaboration with federal agencies, increased access to research funding, cyber threat intelligence, critical infrastructure protection, and emerging digital technologies. This designation not only reflects the strength of university faculty and doctoral studies, but also enhances the opportunities for students to engage in federal-related research and pursue careers in defense and cybersecurity.
“I am proud of this designation and deeply humble,” said Dr. Edoardo Persichetti, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and director of the Centre for Cryptography and Information Security within the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “This perception reflects years of collaboration between faculty, researchers and students who are passionately committed to advance cybersecurity knowledge and practice, which affirms the national impact of trust that contributes to our research and to us to meaningfully contribute to our country’s cyber defense capabilities.
The NCAE-C program is managed by the NSA’s National Cryptody School and develops close partnerships with several major federal agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Program Office is also working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through the National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer Office (DOD-CIO), and the US Cyber Command (Cybercom).
The mission of the NCAE-C program is to build and maintain a framework for joint cybersecurity education across community colleges and universities across the nation. The initiative aims to establish strict standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence, promote the development of both student and faculty capabilities, promote community outreach and leadership in professional development, and integrate cybersecurity practices across institutional disciplines. Additionally, the program encourages active involvement in addressing the complex challenges facing today’s cybersecurity education.
