JCSU earns $1 million grant from US Homeland Security

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

Johnson C. Smith University College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics earned a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop professionals in cybersecurity and disaster management.

Johnson C. Smith University has received a $1 million federal grant to develop STEM professionals in cybersecurity and disaster management.

JCSU College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics professors Suryadip Chakraborty and Awatif Amin applied for the five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is one of the largest government-funded academic grants in school history. JCSU’s Government Sponsored Programs and Research team will oversee grant management.

“I’m deeply humbled and grateful that DHS selected our institution to receive this grant,” Chakraborty said in a statement. “Historically, they only accept about five to 10 proposals each year. This is considered one of the most prestigious grants that faculty can earn in their career.”

Chakraborty and Amin will share responsibilities of principal investigators of the grant, titled “Building a Next-Generation STEM Workforce to Engage, Prepare and Develop Skills in Studying a Comprehensive Education in Natural Disasters at Minority Serving Institutions.”

JCSU has collaborated with DHS previously and began work on the grant proposal in 2022 while partnering with UNC Chapel Hill and Stanly Community College. The grant encompasses undergraduate research mentorship, summer undergraduate research, scholarships, boot camps to strengthen programming languages and networking opportunities for students. The funding also covers reconstruction of the school’s cybersecurity minor curriculum, faculty training, CISCO Networking Academy and a research lab for student training.

“This award brings a wealth of benefits to our current students while leveraging collaborations to recruit motivated and talented future Golden Bulls,” Patrick Martin, dean of the College of STEM said. “The additions to the curriculum and experience this award provides JCSU students will ensure our students are well prepared and competitive for sought-after careers in cyber security and natural disaster management.”

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