KING GEORGE, Va. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) hosted its Collegiate Cyber Resiliency and Measurement Innovation Challenge. The competition encourages students to develop advanced algorithms and models to enhance naval systems’ cyber defense capabilities.
Eleven teams from colleges and universities across the nation competed in the challenge, aiming to address real-world cybersecurity problems faced by the Navy while gaining valuable knowledge and skills essential for tackling complex cyber threats in the future.
The participating teams represented Tennessee Tech, the University of Florida, the University of Mary Washington, the University of South Florida, Rochester Institute of Technology, Marymount University, George Mason University, Western Governors University, the United States Naval Academy, the University of South Alabama and The Catholic University of America.
After intense competition, George Mason University claimed the first-place prize of $60,000, followed by the University of South Florida, which earned $40,000 for second place. The United States Naval Academy secured third place and took home $25,000.
Tommy Chin, a PhD student in computer science, reflected on the experience: “I am always looking for problems to solve and new research ideas,” he said. “At this competition, I gained a lot of new angles of research. I got some new tricks out of participating.”
His teammate Noah Korzak, a cybersecurity engineering student, shared similar enthusiasm, stating, “I really enjoyed the competition, and I would come back. It was a great learning experience.”
Samuel Best, the third teammate, added, “I didn't really expect to come out with anything, but I'm glad we did, and the other plus side is I learned so much.”
NSWCDD’s focus on innovation was evident throughout the event. Katie Young, Senior Scientific Technical Manager and Distinguished Scientist for Combat Systems Cybersecurity at NSWCDD, highlighted the importance of the challenge in promoting forward-thinking solutions.
“One of NSWCDD’s priorities is to develop innovative solutions that strengthen our nation’s cyber defenses and enhance naval weapon systems’ resiliency against cyber threats,” Young said. “This challenge aims to foster innovative thinking and collaboration and excite future generations to think big.”
The challenge at the University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus was part of NSWCDD’s broader mission to engage non-traditional partners and involve the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Michael Clark, NSWCDD's Potomac Tech Bridge director, emphasized the role these competitions play in bringing fresh perspectives to the Navy’s challenges.
“These innovation challenges set the best minds from industry and academia in motion with the goal of offering unique solutions to naval problems. Often, the novel approaches we see challenge the ‘status quo’ and the traditional way of attacking these problems,” said Clark. “The end result is getting more players on the field with new and creative ideas and concepts.”
The competition featured several distinguished speakers. Dr. Ryan Craven, program officer for Applied Cyber Resiliency at the Office of Naval Research, addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of innovation in cyber defense and the growing need for resilient systems in today's technology-driven world.
Randy Sharo, chief technology officer at Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. TENTH Fleet, also spoke at the event, sharing insights into the challenges and opportunities in the military’s approach to cyber resiliency.
NSWCDD Technical Director Dale Sisson Jr., P.E., SES, and Commanding Officer Joe Oravec praised the students’ enthusiasm and potential to shape cybersecurity’s future. They highlighted NSWCDD’s commitment to advancing cyber technologies and the critical role academia plays in fostering innovation in the field.
Brooke Bowler, NSWCDD recruiting lead, underscored the opportunities for future collaboration and career development for the students.
NSWCDD continues to prioritize innovation through challenges like this one, providing opportunities for creative thinking and problem-solving beyond traditional military circles. As Clark and Young explained, these events drive technological advancements, broaden the talent pool and raise awareness of career opportunities within the Navy’s ecosystem.