Carnegie Mellon’s Information Networking Institute Receives Fellowships and Internships From Lockheed Martin

February 15, 2010

Contact: Chriss Swaney
Carnegie Mellon University
412.268.5776

PITTSBURGH-Carnegie Mellon University's Information Networking Institute (INI) has received five new fellowships from Lockheed Martin to help train cybersecurity experts.

               
The fellowships are part of Lockheed Martin's new workforce development initiative designed to fill the critical need for a certified and trained cybersecurity workforce.

           
"It is exciting and gratifying to see an industry leader recognize the INI as being in the forefront of information security education by supporting the unique talents of our students," said Dena Haritos Tsamitis, director of the Information Networking Institute and director of education, training and outreach for Carnegie Mellon CyLab. "Public-private partnerships like our collaboration with Lockheed Martin can better equip professionals with essential skill sets to face critical cybersecurity challenges."

           
Vamsee Kandimalla, one of five INI students to receive an industry fellowship, said this Lockheed Martin initiative is a great opportunity for awardees to explore the security aspect of engineering.

           
"Along with a substantial scholarship, they have been generous to offer us internships so that we may apply ourselves directly in a hands-on role. As an engineer, I feel that you are engaged in a discipline where you must have this thirst to continually learn, and a platform like this is a perfect way to jump start your career," said Kandimalla, a San Jose, Calif., native majoring in information technology-software mobility (MSIT-MOB) at the INI.

                
Other INI students receiving the Lockheed Martin fellowships include: Gen Kazama of New York, N.Y., who is majoring in information technology-software management (MSIT-SM); Arik Misler of Johnstown, Pa., who is majoring in MSIT-SM; Bryan Thiry of Winchester, Ky., who is majoring in information technology-information security (MSIT-IS); and Rich Yueh of St. Louis, Mo., who is majoring in MSIT-SM.

               
"Cybersecurity is embedded in everything that Lockheed Martin delivers and our people are critical to ensuring mission resilience for our customers. The company recognizes the significance of its cyber workforce and has invested more than $1 million in university recruiting, scholarships and training," said Rick Johnson, vice president and chief technology officer, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services.

                
Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,00 people worldwide, and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

                
In addition to Carnegie Mellon, fellowships were awarded to Purdue University and the University of Maryland.