Faculty in the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have earned a $3 million grant to lead a network of Virginia universities, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Elections, in creating an innovative educational program to train future cybersecurity professionals to protect election infrastructure. The Virginia Cyber Navigator Program will consist of a new elections cybersecurity course to be offered to Virginia university students next spring, followed by internships that will give college students real-world experience in supporting information systems at Virginia localities, particularly critical infrastructure used in elections. The Virginia Department of Elections, with input from localities, will inform the course's curriculum to ensure alignment with industry-recommended system security standards. UVA will lead the rollout of the program across the network of partner universities and handle administrative duties associated with the grant. Daniel Persico, chief information officer of the Virginia Department of Elections, is managing the project for the commonwealth of Virginia. He has overseen technology and security for Virginia elections since 2019. “Virginia is leading the way in cybersecurity and elections. This program is a demonstration of innovation that not only solves real-world problems but also offers hands-on training to our future cybersecurity professionals,†said Persico. “The program will go a long way to support the communities where we live and work in the face of continually emerging threats. Staying a step ahead of cyber adversaries is our goal.†UVA Engineering's team includesJack Davidson, professor of computer science;Daniel G. Graham, assistant professor of computer science;Deborah G. Johnson, Anne Shirley Carter Olsson Professor emeritus of applied ethics and interim chair of the Department of Engineering and Society;Worthy Martin, associate professor of computer science; andAngela Orebaugh, assistant professor of computer science. The university network UVA is leading includes George Mason University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Tech.