Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2016 Secretary’s Honors Program Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative for current undergraduate and graduate college students. The initiative is a part of the Department’s efforts to build a cybersecurity talent pipeline by working with secondary, post-secondary institutions and other key partners in academia and the private sector. Through the Secretary’s Honors Program Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative, students are able to learn about the DHS cybersecurity mission by completing hands-on cybersecurity work and building technical experience in key areas such as digital forensics, network diagnostics, and incident response.

In the 2016 Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative program cycle, over 80 student volunteer assignments are available at over 40 local DHS field offices across the country. Participating DHS Components include Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), Office of Policy/Cyber, Infrastructure and Resilience Policy, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and United States Coast Guard (USCG).

The Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative application period is open from December 29, 2015, to January 29, 2016 through the USAJOBS portal https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425296700.  

We would greatly appreciate if you encourage your students to apply. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the CyberSkills Management Support Initiative at cmsi@hq.dhs.gov.

Positions are available in Helena Montana.

Posted on behalf of the

CyberSkills Management Support Initiative | U.S. Department of Homeland Security

First Call Scholarships Available

Scholarships for students enrolled in Information Technology, Computer Support, CyberSecurity, and Health Information Technology are available for Spring Term 2016. The First Call Scholar Program is a partnership between Missoula College and long-time industry supporter, First Call Computer Solutions. The focus of this competitive scholarship is to attract more students into the high demand, high wage career field of Information Technology. Graduates from these programs of study are needed to support a flourishing high-tech industry sector for the Missoula economy. January 29 is the deadline of applications to be awarded for Spring Semester 2016. A second round of applications for Autumn Term 2016 will follow. Further detail is available by contacting Professor Tom Gallagher Thomas.Gallagher@umontana.edu

Hour of Code Week: December 7-13

The Hour of Code is a global movement by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries through a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming.

Please join in recognizing this event by writing an Hour of Code. Further detail on activities are available at the Computer Science Education or Khan Academy hour of code websites.

CompTIA A+ Certified Computer Support Professionals

Congratulations to the twenty-three (23) Missoula College IT Students that successfully completed the CompTIA A+ Computer Support Professional certification exam during the 2015 Academic Year. A+ certification demonstrates an individual's competence in the skills and knowledge necessary in providing excellent IT Support. Additionally three students completed CompTIA Network+, while one student completed Security+.

The Applied Computing and Engineering Technology Department at Missoula College is a Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Authorized Academy.

From the CompTIA Website:
A+ is comprehensive and vendor-neutral
A+ certified professionals have mastered the technologies found in today’s extensive and varied IT environments, from mobile to traditional devices and operating systems. They can confidently handle the most challenging technology problems more efficiently.
A+ validates foundational skills
A+ establishes best practices in troubleshooting, networking and security across a variety of devices to set the stage for IT careers. The certification also matches professional tech skills with communication skills.
A+ is trusted by employers
As businesses and governments worldwide continue to adopt mobile and cloud technology, they trust A+ certified professionals to keep their devices running and organizations working smoothly.
A+ is globally recognized and accredited
A+ carries ISO/ANSI accreditation status. You can trust that the rigorous development process of the A+ certification objectives and exams follows international standards of quality assurance.
A+ is industry supported
A+ is developed and maintained by leading IT experts. Content for the exams stems from a combination of industry-wide survey feedback and contributions from our team of subject matter experts. Learn more about the people behind the CompTIA A+ exam development and the CompTIA A+ Advisory Committee.

First Annual STEMfest 2015 Videos Available

The first annual STEMfest 2015 videos of Montana researchers and educators reaching out to Montana high school students are now available to view here. 

Missoula College Energy Technology Program Looks to MIT for Leadership on Climate Change Policy

Missoula College Energy Technology Program looks to MIT for leadership on climate change policy. Associate Professor Bradley Layton, who directs Missoula College’s Energy Technology Program is always seeking ways to enable colleagues to see the “big picture” on climate change. Now with help from his alma mater, he has a new avenue for pursuing this goal.

MIT is launching a multifaceted five-year plan aimed at fighting climate change, representing a new phase in the Institute’s commitment to an issue that, the plan says, “demands society’s urgent attention.”

Read more about MIT's announcement for a five-year action plan on Climate Change here.  

Career Opportunities - Broadcast Engineers

Montana PBS Director and General Manager Eric Hyyppa recently joined students on campus to discuss career opportunities in the radio and television broadcast industry. Eric discussed the operations at Montana PBS and the changes taking place in this industry. Most notably, the broadcast industry has experienced a technology renaissance spurred by an increased reliance on information technology. Montana PBS now has the largest storage network in the State. The Montana Broadcasters Association continues to struggle with filling technical positions in radio and television. Qualifications for these positions include IP networking, IT, and communications electronics.

Montana High Tech Business Alliance

Christina Henderson from the Montana High Tech Business Alliance recently provided students a presentation on career opportunities with Alliance member businesses. In her presentation, Christina praised  IT students in their choice of majors. She reiterated the importance of IT as a "marketable degree" for high demand, high paying careers.

Presentation: Consumer Direct CIO Jeff Harriott

Jeff Harriott from Consumer Direct Information was recently on campus to present to a group of Information Technology students. Jeff is a technology guru with a wealth of experience at Microsoft. He currently serves as Chief Information Officer at Consumer Direct Management Solutions. Consumer Direct, Missoula-grown, nationally-recognized leader in home- and community-based physical and mental health care services, provides back office program development and support to service providers embracing client-centered planning, direction and control of services.

Missoula Federal Credit Union Pledges over $50,000 to the Energy Technology Lab

Missoula Federal Credit Union recently pledged over $50,000 to the Missoula Federal Credit Union Energy Technology Lab in the new Missoula College building on East Broadway. MFCU has a history of supporting innovative green construction and renewable energy projects, including their own Russell Street Branch location, the first Platinum LEED Certified building in Missoula. Missoula College's new East Campus is on schedule to open in the summer of 2017.

Read the CU Insight article here.

Professor Bradley Layton Receives Montana Energy Innovator Award Presented by Governor Bullock

Visit this link here to view the award ceremony. 

This month Governor Bullock honored clean energy leaders for their innovative approaches to job creation. Award celebrations in Bozeman and Missoula were hosted by Montanans for Good Jobs and Clean Air, a coalition of Montana organizations and businesses including MREA. Among the recipients of the Innovator Awards was Dr. Bradley Layton the Sustainable Energy Technology Program Director here at the Missoula College. 

Please click here to read related article in the Missoulian. 

Energy Technology Alum Andrew Machain `11 powers through the storms

When the 70+ mph storms ripped through the Five Valleys on Monday evening, Energy Technology alum, Andrew Machain `11 was prepared with his own dynamic duo of technologies. Pictured below are Andrew's custom-made solar generator, and his recently trademarked My Solar Chest.

 

2015 Practicum: Great Projects, Great Weather, Great Teamwork

This year's Practicum was a huge success. With assistance from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education Division, twenty students and eight instructors came together in Missoula for the annual two-week hands-on course.

 Pictured from left to right are the Solar Thermal Water System, Photovoltaic System Trainer, Micro-hydroelectric Power, and Solar Thermal Air System. Students from the University of Montana Energy Technology Program, Browning Community College, Blackfeet Community College, Big Sky High School, and Sentinel High School attended.

Students Receive the President's Outstanding Senior Recognition Award

Information Technology students Sean Langley and Naomi Branson and Energy Technology student Reeve Tinnel received the 2015 President's Outstanding Senior Recognition Award presented by the UM Penetralia Chapter of Mortar Board for their outstanding academic achievement and service to the community and the university.

Information Technology – Information Systems Management AAS Degree
Naomi Branson graduated with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology with a specialization in Information Systems Management, Associate of Art in General Education, and her Certificate of Applied Science in Computer Support in December. She has a 4.0 in her field of study and has successfully completed industry certification as a CompTIA A+ Computer Support Specialist. Naomi is a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Honor Society for two-year colleges, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and the All Nations Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. She has demonstrated outstanding service to her classmates by providing tutoring services to Missoula College students for several semesters. According to her supervisor at the Missoula College Academic Support Center, “Naomi is a person other students actively seek out when looking for assistance with their studies”. Naomi Branson will continue her education toward a Bachelor of Applied Science and can be found on the Missoula College campus as the Administrative Associate for the Department of Applied Computing & Engineering Technology.

Information Technology – Network Management AAS Degree
Sean Langley is graduating with an AAS degree in Information Technology with a specialization in Network Management and his CAS in Computer Support in May. He has a cumulative GPA of 4.0, and has successfully completed industry certification as a CompTIA A+ Computer Support Specialist and Network+ Networking Professional. Sean  is a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Honor Society for two-year colleges. Sean has demonstrated an outstanding service through his field work in providing general computing support service to both the general community and his fellow students.

Energy Technology - AAS Degree
Reeve Tinnell achieved a 4.0 GPA over the course of earning his associates degree in energy technology with a concentration in biomaterials, bioenergy, and renewable fuels. Reeve also led the University of Montana's Shell Eco-Marathon team with its entry in the 2014 Urban Concept event. Through his Energy Technology internship at Blue Marble Biomaterials, Reeve earned a position at the innovative local company.

IT Professor Recognized for Student Service

The UM Division of Student Affairs recognized IT Professor Tom Gallagher this week for his service to the students at the University of Montana. Professor Gallagher was one of a handful of faculty members to receive this annual award during the 2015 academic year. The Division of Student Affairs recognizes faculty and staff members across the University of Montana for exception service to students. Professor Gallagher received commendations for his work in advising students and assisting veterans.

Congratulations to Professor Tom Gallagher!

                               

Interested in Cybersecurity? See our course offerings for Fall 2015!

ITS 275.50 Border / Perimeter Network Security
ITS 277.50 Software Assurance & File System Internals
August 26—December 13 (Online)

Click Here For a Better View

If you would like to know more about our Network & Information Security Program and our Cybersecurity Certification click here!

New Course Offering This Autumn Semester: Energy and Climate

If you are seeking an integrative look into the relationship between technological energy production and its effect on earth's climate, please consider registering for NRGY 291: Energy and Climate.

For more information about this course please view our flyer here.

Energy Technology Student Wins the "Verizon Employee Environmental Excellence Award"

William Stahlman, Energy Technology student, wins the Verizon Employee Environmental Excellence Award in recognition of his 2014 sustainable efforts in the office and in his community. 

Nomination Excerpt:

From the onset of our department, William has spearheaded our group’s green initiative. He proactively sought resources within Verizon to establish a recycling program and procure recycling containers for our office. William has created recycling signs that he has placed in our kitchen area to educate fellow employees on the benefits of recycling and the types of materials that can be recycled. 

His dedication and contribution to the environment extends beyond Verizon. William is a small business owner who operates an outdoor recreational business that allows people to experience the benefits of biking, boating, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Over the past several years William has also dedicated much of his personal time to pursuing a college degree in renewable energy.

As the supervisor of Verizon’s Video Hub Office in Harrisburg, PA I am extremely appreciative that William has championed our group’s green initiative and brought awareness to recycling, energy savings, and other green initiatives to our employees. It is people like William Stahlman who will work vigorously to ensure our Earth’s natural resources will remain for future generations. I can’t thank him enough for all of his efforts.

Cybersecurity DDoS Student Research

IT student José Antonio Rodríguez Fernández presented results of his research project at the University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UM-CUR). His presentation entitled Analysis of Recent DDoS Attacks: An Application of Mirkovic and Peng Taxonomies provides a methodology for categorizing DDoS attacks. Jose is an international student from Spain visiting the Applied Computing and Engineering Technology department. Professor Tom Gallagher is serving as Jose's research mentor.

Abstract
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) is a threat for all companies. Every second that the company is offline, a tremendous amount of money is lost. Since the introduction of the Internet, DDoS attacks have been a common occurrence, yet solutions to counter them have been limited. This research project analyzes the recent DDoS attacks based upon the financial, societal and technical impact. Besides that, the taxonomies of Mirkovic and Peng will be used to classify details of recent DDoS attacks with the goal of identifying common characteristics. Mirkovic's taxonomy analyzes in a very technical depth the DDoS attacks meanwhile Peng's taxonomy is more generic. Both these taxonomies are quoted by several authors although nobody has used them to create a classification of attacks. This research project is useful to individuals interested in developing solutions for computer network and information security since there is no classification made or any method for classifying them.

2nd Annual Montana Cyber Triathlon

The Montana Cyber Triathlon is a single-day competition open to Montana high school and college students.  The triathlon consists of a digital forensics puzzle, a data analytics puzzle, and a penetration testing puzzle. The goal of the competition is to find a “coin” hidden somewhere on the University of Montana campus. The answers to each of the three parts of the Cyber Triathlon will lead students to the Cyber Coin. The first team to solve all three parts of the Cyber Triathlon and find the Cyber Coin, wins. No technical experience necessary.

Read more about the 2nd Annual Montana Cyber Triathlon from our flyer here!

For information about the preparatory help session please visit the UM News page here.

If you would like to register click here.