Two Longwood students who want to serve their country in the critical field of cybersecurity have attracted the attention and support of the commonwealth of Virginia—to the tune of $20,000 annually for up to two years.
Tyler Chuba ’18 and Michael Moore ’18 are among 25 students (10 graduate students, 15 undergraduates) across Virginia selected for the newly created Virginia Cyber Security Public Service Scholarship. The commonwealth’s return on its investment? Recipients commit to work for a state agency or institution for as many years as they receive the scholarship.
“This scholarship program fits well with our citizen leader model,” said Dr. Darrell Carpenter, director of Longwood’s Center for Cyber Security. “What better way to be a citizen leader than to serve your state? You’ll also be paid well while doing it.” Chuba, majoring in information systems and cyber security, wants to work for the FBI on cyber-related crimes, or possibly pursue a career in secure web development.
“Fighting cybercrimes requires constant education due to an ever-changing technology landscape, but I enjoy the constant learning component of the field. It keeps things less mundane,” said Chuba, who is from Woodbridge. “There’s been a huge increase in cyberwarfare between nations, and it is a vital piece of national security.”
Moore, of Richmond, also is majoring in information systems and cyber security. Even before he was chosen for the scholarship, he was planning a career in digital forensics and-or IT, likely with the FBI, CIA or Department of Defense.
“This is my way of serving my country. I want to give back to the people of this country one way or another,” he said. “Going to college and seeing what this country has to offer has made me an even bigger patriot.”
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