San Antonio university emerges as cybersecurity hub with federal grants and industry partnerships - The Business Journals

Last summer, eight Texas A&M University-San Antonio students traveled to Las Vegas to participate in Black Hat USA, one of the world’s most influential cybersecurity conferences, where global experts unveil cutting-edge research, technologies, and emerging threat intelligence. Over three days, students met directly with industry leaders, gained exposure to real-world security challenges, and developed valuable professional connections. The experience underscored A&M-San Antonio’s rising prominence as a regional cybersecurity hub and reflected the University’s commitment to preparing students for careers in one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields. As demand for cybersecurity talent accelerates, the University continues to invest in academic programs, workforce partnerships, and hands-on research opportunities that position students for success. Mallory Sorola, a junior majoring in computer science, was one of the students who attended the Black Hat conference. “It was really cool to see all these cybersecurity pros from around the world in action,” she said. Before coming to A&M–San Antonio in 2023, Sorola served as a signals analyst in the U.S. Navy, using sophisticated computer equipment to analyze, intercept and report on foreign communications. She said her military experience inspired her passion for cybersecurity, and after she graduates, she hopes to work for a “three-letter agency” like the National Security Agency (NSA). “When I was in the Navy, I fell in love with computer science and cybersecurity,” she said. “I realized how much growth there is, and now I’m really excited about what the future holds.” Ahead of the conference, computer science major Adrian Cisneros, led hands-on “capture the flag” cybersecurity training sessions to prepare fellow students for the event. Cisneros, who transferred from a nearby community college, hopes to pursue a Ph.D. and eventually secure a career in artificial intelligence (AI) with a major technology company. “There’s so much potential with AI and cybersecurity,” Cisneros said. “All it takes is just one person to have a breakthrough that changes everything.” expand The eight students who attended Black Hat are all VICEROY scholars, a program created by the Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense) to identify and cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. VICEROY is funded by the DoW’s Air Force Research Laboratory and the Griffiss Institute. The program prepares students for careers in federal agencies and military branches tasked with protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure. A&M-San Antonio, Texas A&M, and Prairie View A&M University applied jointly for VICEROY funding in 2023 and were awarded a $1.75 million grant. To date, A&M-San Antonio has utilized roughly $320,000 to support computer science and cybersecurity students through scholarships, research experiences and professional development. Beyond the Black Hat participants, 23 students have received stipends ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 for completing cybersecurity coursework, and the DoW has selected 14 new VICEROY scholars from A&M-San Antonio for the 2025-26 academic year. A&M-San Antonio students have also participated in the DoW’s MAVEN internship cybersecurity program, which is part of the VICEROY program. Last summer, computer science student Musong Kwon spent two months in Rome, New York, working at the Air Force Research Laboratory. The facility explores warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces. Kwon and his team developed AI guidance models for a mini-rover robot designed to navigate obstacles and avoid the color red, which represented danger. “Eventually, it learned to avoid red the way a baby learns not to touch something hot,” Kwon said. “The idea is to apply this AI technology to larger DoW projects, like controlling drones. I also thought the technology would be good for rovers we send to Mars and the Moon.” Building the Future Cyber Workforce Through Innovation While A&M-San Antonio’s new cybersecurity initiatives are quickly accelerating, the University has been building its program for more than a decade. In 2012, A&M-San Antonio was designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance by the Department of Homeland Security. Around that time, the University launched the Cyber Defense Education (CDE) certificate using support from an NSA grant. Later, in 2021, the University launched its first cybersecurity-focused bachelor's program, followed by a master's program two years later. As of fall 2025, there were 169 B.S. Cybersecurity majors and 18 M.S. Cybersecurity majors. About 20 students have graduated from the cybersecurity program, including Jayden Bou-Quraiss, a VICEROY scholar who has secured a job as an engineer with Apple in California. “A&M-San Antonio is one of the region’s leaders in cyber education and research, with innovative and affordable undergraduate and graduate programs, and sought-after certifications,” said Dr. Jeong Yang, who joined the faculty in 2016 and was named director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity in 2024. In September 2025, the University’s Computer Science program earned accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the global accreditor of programs in computing, engineering and science. The program is the only ABET-accredited Computer Science degree in San Antonio—a distinction that Dr. Yang helped secure. By aligning its curriculum with ABET standards, the University ensures that graduates are prepared to contribute immediately to the region’s expanding tech workforce—enhancing opportunities for employment, licensure and professional certifications. “This is a significant achievement for both the Computer Science program and the University,” Yang said. “Accreditation means the program has met rigorous standards, equipping graduates with a solid educational foundation and preparing them to lead in emerging industries like cybersecurity.” Critical Collaborations As part of its efforts to bolster its cybersecurity program, A&M-San Antonio has established strong community connections with industry and government agencies. In 2023, the University hosted the Intelligent Cybersecurity Conference, welcoming industry professionals from around the world. The following year, A&M–San Antonio hosted the White House Office of the National Cyber Director. Jake Braun, acting principal deputy national cyber director, joined industry leaders, educators and representatives from the FBI and NSA for discussions on national workforce needs and cybersecurity talent development. expand “The event demonstrated the University’s growing role in the cybersecurity industry and how we are not just educating students but also strengthening the region’s cyber workforce with ready-to-hire graduates,” said Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. The University has also joined the Sixteenth Air Force Academic Research Exchange Program, along with several other universities, including Texas A&M University. Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio, the Sixteenth Air Force focuses on information warfare in the modern age. Through the exchange program, A&M-San Antonio collaborates with partners on cybersecurity and other emerging technologies. As part of this initiative, A&M-San Antonio will host on-campus capture-the-flag cybersecurity competitions. As A&M-San Antonio continues to expand its academic offerings, scholarships and industry partnerships, the University is solidifying its reputation as a leader in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity and computing professionals. With cutting-edge research opportunities, nationally competitive internships and ABET-accredited programs, students are gaining the hands-on experience and professional network needed to shape the future of the cyber workforce. “Our students are ready to take on the rapidly evolving challenges of cybersecurity,” Yang said. “We are building a pipeline of highly skilled professionals who will protect our nation’s digital infrastructure and strengthen technological innovation for years to come.” Join A&M–San Antonio in shaping the future of cybersecurity, where hands-on training, industry partnerships and innovative research empower students to become tomorrow’s cyber defenders. Visit our website to learn more about the cybersecurity program. Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a leading comprehensive public university, deeply rooted in the vibrant South San Antonio culture. Spanning almost 700 acres, the University serves over 7,600 students with 39 undergraduate and 23 graduate degree options.