EMU Today

YPSILANTI — The Eastern Michigan University Information Assurance Student Association is celebrating consecutive wins in the spring 2024 National Cyber League competition. This time, two EMU teams competed and placed seventh nationally and first in Michigan.

EMU placed No. 7 out of more than 500 participating colleges and universities, moving up from No. 11 in fall 2023 while maintaining its position as the top institution in Michigan. This cements its position as a leading institution in cybersecurity education and training. Among universities designated as Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, EMU placed No.3 in the competition.

“Our Information Assurance Student Association has showcased excellence in the Cyber League competition,” said Mohamed Qatu, dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. “Their achievements show their dedication, skill, and enthusiasm for cybersecurity. Their triumph is a testament to the caliber of cybersecurity education EMU provides.”

Students compete across nine categories: open source intelligence, cryptography, password cracking, log analysis, network traffic analysis, forensics, scanning and reconnaissance, web application exploitation, enumeration, and exploitation.

Ciana Holloway, a recent graduate from the information assurance and cyber defense program and student association member, is enthusiastic about her experience from competing in the cyber league.

“The National Cyber League games have taught me to be resourceful and resilient. When your first approach does not work, you're forced to find another method or strategy,” said Holloway. “By participating in the games, I have been able to apply what I have learned in my coursework to real-world challenges. The challenges have helped me identify my areas of strength and areas where I could improve.”

EMU’s performance in the National Cyber League competition highlights the University’s and the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the cybersecurity landscape. The student association provides hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and professional development resources to foster their growth as future cybersecurity leaders.

For more information about the Information Assurance Student Association, visit the IASA website. To learn more about the programs within EMU’s School of Information Security and Applied Computing, visit the website.  

About the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology
The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology provides world-class experiences in engineering, cybersecurity, aviation, construction management, autonomous vehicles, drone technology, aviation, and other areas of study in high-demand career fields in engineering and technology. It is within the college’s mission to cultivate individuals' intellectual and personal growth through research-informed education and diverse programs that emphasize the practical application of scientific knowledge. For more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, visit the college’s website at gameabove.emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.