From the Director – January 2016 Special Edition

The CIP Report this month offers a focus on and updates regarding developments in Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience education. We believe the development of dynamic education programs is essential in creating leaders equipped to address the multifaceted challenges of critical infrastructure systems. As threats multiply and critical infrastructure systems become more interdependent, there is an ever increasing need for a skilled workforce with the creativity to assess complex threats, develop innovative solutions, and achieve effective resilience.

In our first offering, Robert McCreight, CIP Fellow, discusses strategies for using the academic environment to examine the scope and scale of infrastructure gaps, vulnerabilities, and requirements. Emilee Harris from Idaho National Laboratory provides insights in the growing cyber threat to industrial control systems and the available approaches for preparing and training personnel to deal with these challenges. Professor Ryan Baggett of Eastern Kentucky University presents an overview of classroom approaches for teaching security and resilience that directly engage students through the use of active learning strategies, such as roleplay and team-based learning.

Finally, we offer overviews and updates of George Mason University’s MBA program with Critical Infrastructure Track, the Center’s own innovation in the education space, as well as the Center’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Critical Infrastructure Higher Education Initiative.

We welcome your comment and insights into critical infrastructure education that this issue stirs. The education business is truly a collaborative art, in which the innovation of many colleagues yields quality programs. Thank you for your partnership and valuable thoughts!