Key Takeaways
- The University has partnered with the Department of Defense’s Virtual Institute for Cybersecurity and Electromagnetic Spectrum and Employ Scholars program to provide students with hands-on experience in national security challenges
- The program, VICEROY, is one of 16 lead universities across the country and allows students to work directly with defense leaders to support military and national security efforts
- Students participating in VICEROY will learn software engineering, secure communications, cyber threat analysis, and mission assurance while working alongside defense personnel
- The program provides students with a $1,000 stipend and eligibility for fully paid summer internships
- The partnership aims to meet the high demand for cyber professionals in the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community
Introduction to the VICEROY Program
The University has recently partnered with the Department of Defense’s Virtual Institute for Cybersecurity and Electromagnetic Spectrum and Employ Scholars program, also known as VICEROY. This prestigious program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in national security challenges, and the University is one of 16 lead universities across the country to become a VICEROY Scholars Institution. The program is housed in WVU Cyber, and its primary goal is to meet the high demand for cyber professionals in the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. By participating in VICEROY, students will have the opportunity to work directly with defense leaders to support military and national security efforts, gaining valuable experience and skills in the process.
Benefits of the VICEROY Program
The VICEROY program offers a unique and valuable experience for students interested in cyber or defense careers. By working alongside defense personnel, students will learn the intricacies of software engineering, including secure communications, cyber threat analysis, and mission assurance. This hands-on experience will not only prepare students for a meaningful career in the defense of the nation but also provide them with a competitive edge in the job market. According to Bill Walker, executive director of WVU Cyber, "Participating in VICEROY takes our programs to the next level by creating hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students and exposing them to the DOD cyber-spectrum mission in a way that truly prepares them for a meaningful career in the defense of our nation."
Student Experiences with VICEROY
Two Mountaineers, Morgan Baker and Emily Le, have already had the opportunity to experience the value of the VICEROY program. Both students completed internships connected to Air Combat Command, where they worked on projects that had a direct impact on national security efforts. Baker, a dual major in data science and economics, worked on modernizing databases used by senior leaders, while Le, a dual major in management information systems and economics, focused on aviation safety initiatives. Both students reflected on their experiences, stating that the internship shaped their future goals and showed them the broader impact of cyber work. Baker noted that the experience made her think seriously about government employment, while Le stated that it showed her that cyber resilience is not just technical but a strategic necessity.
Faculty and Staff Involvement
The VICEROY partnership is not only beneficial for students but also provides faculty and staff with additional resources to support experiential learning, research collaboration, and student mentoring. According to Walker, "This new partnership adds to the work our faculty, staff, and students put into cyber every day. It is part of how we continue to innovate together and prepare Mountaineers for what comes next in the world of cyber." The partnership is expected to amplify the University’s efforts in cyber education and research, providing a competitive edge for students and faculty alike.
How to Become a VICEROY Scholar
Students interested in becoming a VICEROY Scholar can fill out the VICEROY Scholar application. All students who successfully complete the process will receive a $1,000 stipend and become eligible for fully paid summer internships. This is a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in national security challenges and prepare themselves for a meaningful career in the defense of the nation. With the University’s partnership with VICEROY, students will have access to a wide range of resources and opportunities that will help them succeed in the field of cyber and defense. By taking advantage of this opportunity, students can set themselves up for success and make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s security efforts.
