UAlbany and FIU Students Present Original Research at VICEROY Showcase
By Mike Nolan
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 6, 2025) — The University at Albany and Florida International University (FIU) recently held the third annual VICEROY research showcase. The event brought together students from both institutions to share their original research projects spanning artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) security and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.
The showcase was part of the Virtual Institute for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) initiative, a Department of Defense-led and congressionally funded initiative aimed at partnering with higher education institutions to prepare the next generation of cyber professionals for military, defense and civilian leadership roles.
In 2022, researchers at UAlbany and FIU together launched the Virtual Institute of Cyber Operation and Research, one of 13 virtual institutes funded through the VICEROY initiative. It is supported by the Griffiss Institute, a nonprofit talent and technology accelerator working for the Department of Defense and an international network of academic, government and industry partners.
The institute equips students with critical cyber operational skills through coursework, hands-on research and professional development opportunities. Students receive tuition support for cybersecurity courses, attend bi-weekly seminars with renowned cyber experts, participate in cyber competitions and field trips, and receive guidance in securing summer internships.
Each fall, students selected for the institute are matched with faculty mentors and collaborative research teams, allowing them to work on real-world challenges aligned with national security priorities.
“The showcase is a testament to what students can accomplish when given access to structured mentorship, practical experience and the freedom to explore complex cybersecurity challenges," said Unal Tatar, the project’s lead principal investigator and a professor in UAlbany's Department of Cybersecurity at the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC).
“Several of the student research projects featured in the showcase were also accepted for presentation at international conferences and national events, which speaks to the quality and relevance of the work being done. This year, we also welcomed two high school students from California into the program, further broadening the scope and impact of our collaborative research.”
Training Future Cyber Leaders
Student research topics addressed current and emerging threats in cyber defense and electromagnetic spectrum dominance. Projects included machine learning models for anomaly detection, policy frameworks for UAV security, and simulation-based risk analysis for battlefield IoT.
“Participating in VICEROY has strengthened my technical skills and taught me how to adapt my research presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences,” said Jason Ashong, a senior at CEHC who recently presented at the National VICEROY Annual Symposium.
UAlbany senior cybersecurity major Arun Venkitanarayanan, who also presented at the New York Celebration of Women in Computing Conference, emphasized how the program helped translate classroom learning into impactful research.
“VICEROY has helped me take the valuable knowledge I gained in the classroom and apply it in unique projects that have made me a better problem solver and collaborator.”
Nikolas Novikov, an ROTC cadet, VICEROY scholar and UAlbany cybersecurity major graduating this month, reflected on the program’s influence.
“The hands-on research experience I gained through VICEROY has been critical in preparing me for my future role in the Army Signal Corps. This program gave me not only technical training but also the strategic mindset needed to contribute meaningfully to our national security.”
National Defense Workforce Pipeline
The event also featured remarks from VICEROY National Director and Director of Cyber-Spectrum Academic Engagement in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Chester “CJ” Maciag.
“Initiatives like VICEROY allow us to engage students early — sometimes as early as high school — to help them understand how their skills can translate into a meaningful career in national security,” said Maciag. “We are preparing mission-capable students who can think critically, act decisively, and contribute to securing the global networks our nation depends on.”
“That is why we are here today and why we believe in this model — because of institutions like the University at Albany and Florida International University that have done such a tremendous job as partners,” he added. “Their professors and mentors understand the mission, and it shows in the quality of the work their students produce.”
As in previous years, the event drew attendance from government officials, academic leader and industry partners, providing a valuable platform for student researchers to receive feedback and expand their professional networks.
“The VICEROY program has delivered a transformative educational and personal experience to me,” said Sidra Khalid, a senior majoring in informatics at UAlbany. “It has enhanced my knowledge of cybersecurity while helping me develop stronger problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in diverse teams.”