Professor Jeff Pittges named Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Fellow

Professor of Information Technology Jeff Pittges, Ph.D. in Radford University’s Artis College of Science and Technology recently received distinction as a Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Fellow. 

CCI Fellows support a collaboration of research and experiential learning excellence across the CCI Network, a state-wide ecosystem of innovation and excellence in cyber physical systems (CPS) with an emphasis on trust and security, according to the organization’s website. CCI seeks to ensure Virginia is recognized as a global leader in secure CPS and in the digital economy more broadly for decades to come. The work of CCI is focused on supporting world-class research at the intersection of data, autonomy and security; promoting technology commercialization and entrepreneurship; and preparing future generations of innovators and research leaders. 

CCI is expected to build on Virginia’s strong base of research excellence through engagement with member institutions of higher education. Combined with the Commonwealth’s history of a vibrant ecosystem of venture capital investment and high-growth firms, the result should be an unparalleled density of cybersecurity talent, Pittges said.

Through a highly-connected network, CCI engages institutions of higher education, industry and government, along with non-governmental and economic development organizations. Regions across the Commonwealth are known as “nodes” and are vibrant centers of research, learning and innovation tailored to their local ecosystem.

Pittges represents the Southwest Virginia Node. His focus as a CCI Fellow will be to help prepare and guide students as they transition from Radford University into industry. The goal is to create “billable, job-ready graduates as they finish their degrees,” Pittges said.

Through experiential learning, students will conduct detailed internships, co-ops and apprenticeships while being supported by and engaged with a network of faculty committed to their success.

“This fellowship will help students successfully navigate employment opportunities and help Virginia organizations find team members who are ready to perform,” Pittges said.

CCI Fellows are selected annually by the CCI Leadership Council and serve two- year terms.