Our Highlanders are using their education to do extraordinary things. In this column, we highlight some notable mentions from local, regional, national and international news media. Whether our students, alumni, faculty and staff are featured as subject matter experts in high-profile stories or simply helping make the world a little better, we’ll feature their stories.
In search of “slopsquatting”
Just in case you’re in the market for yet another form of AI-related anxiety – or even if you’re not – consider the rising new cybersecurity hazard that’s known as “slopsquatting.”
In addition to giving “moist” some major competition in the category of words that make listeners cringe, “slopsquatting” is a software supply chain security threat that involves AI coding tools, fictitious package names and malicious software uploaded by attackers.
Associate Professor of Management Zach Collier is an expert on both technology and supply chains, and he recently broke down the complicated slopsquatting issue in his Oct. 15 article for the website Big Data Quarterly.
In his story, Collier provides an extensive explanation of exactly what slopsquatting is and how it works, and he also discusses four strategies for working around the problem.
“AI continues to make an impact across the economic landscape,” Collier writes in the piece. “In many cases, these impacts are mixed, and managers need to balance the pros and cons of AI implementation within their organization and across the supply chain.
“Implementing strong risk management practices will help organizations adopting AI coding tools – and AI tools more broadly – to capture the upside benefits while minimizing the negative impacts of slop.”
Collier is also the director of the university’s Center for Applied Analytics.
Closing one chapter and looking ahead to the next
Allie Payne is not a Highlander quite yet – she still must complete her senior year at Halifax County High School, in South Boston, Virginia – but she’s already made plans to attend Radford, where she’ll major in criminal justice.
On Oct. 20, Payne passed a milestone on her path to graduation as she and four other seniors on the varsity Lady Comets volleyball team faced off against the Bassett Bengals – prevailing 3-1 at the final.
That win marked the quintet’s last home court game, and South Boston’s Gazette-Virginian was there for a follow-up event as the five players were recognized for their accomplishments. Each took to the court flanked by family members, and each received a framed jersey.
“There were smiles, embraces and plenty of tears, the kind that come when a chapter that has meant so much begins to close,” the Gazette-Virginian wrote.
The story said Payne, the daughter of Tara and Toby Payne, also competes in swimming and softball and has been active in the National Honor Society among other organizations.
Payne at the event also thanked her sister Emma, whom she credited with introducing her to the sport of volleyball.
‘Students committed to serving’
On Oct. 21, Radford University and the Virginia State Police (VSP) signed an agreement that created a bridge for some seniors in the criminal justice program to more easily begin training in the VSP’s Basic Trooper School.
This contract made Radford the first public university in Virginia to establish such a partnership with the VSP.
“This partnership reflects the very best of what public higher education can do,” Radford University President Bret Danilowicz said at the event. “It gives our students a powerful experiential learning opportunity that connects classroom preparation with a clear professional pathway, and it helps the commonwealth develop well-trained, highly motivated law enforcement officers who are ready to serve.”
The following week, Radford’s agreement was covered by Roanoke’s WFXR, in an Oct. 27 spot that boiled down the process to its main prongs:
- A qualified Radford University senior majoring in criminal justice may begin the state police application and screening process during the first semester of their senior year. If accepted, the student may attend the academy during their second semester.
- Academy experience will count as a 15-credit-hour internship. Students benefit by finishing a significant part of their professional preparation before graduation.
- The result is a more direct route into public service, allowing students to move immediately from college to career.
“Radford University says the partnership is a strong example of the university’s commitment to experiential learning, career preparation and career outcomes,” the station said, adding, “VSP says the agreement helps create a supportive pipeline for students committed to serving.”