Darrik Teller and his team of security operations center analysts figured something was up when they saw a Russian-based IP address pinging a system a couple hundred times over approximately a minute and a half.

The requests were made to the system of an Eastern Washington municipality that Teller and his team monitored earlier this year. After some more research into the IP address, Teller said the group brought their suspicions to higher authorities as a likely threat.

What ended up happening was the incident responders agreed with us that it was a little weird seeing a Russian IP address trying to find vulnerabilities in the system, Teller said, to which they then blacklisted that IP and sent it to other municipalities in the area.

All in a days work for entry-level security analysts working for a small local government except Teller and his team were not government employees.

Theyre Eastern Washington University students.

Their experience was a fruit of a Washington-based nonprofits effort to provide a level of protection to municipalities and government agencies in need while offering real-life experience to cybersecurity students.

The Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System (PISCES) collaborates with participating colleges and universities so cybersecurity students can monitor real web traffic from government organizations for potential attacks and anomalies. After evaluating the threat, students escalate the issues as needed to higher-level cybersecurity authorities with PISCES.

PISCES is partnered with the the Department of Homeland Security and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Members of the board include Dan Wordell, information security officer for the City of Spokane.

City, county, maritime port or any other type of small government organization with less than 150 employees are eligible for free PISCES services. Participating students sign a nondisclosure agreement.

Current participants include public organizations in Spokane Valley, Covington and Port Townsend, according to the Wall Street Journal. Spokane Valley officials did not immediately return a request for comment.

Its been really productive for the students, and we are doing a much-needed service for the municipalities that we cover, and we cover municipalities across the entire state of Washington, said Mark Neufville, the instructor for Spokane Falls Community Colleges PISCES coursework.

Michael Hamilton, a co-founder of PISCES, declined to publicly disclose the list of participating public-sector organizations. Hamilton said the staffing eligibility threshold ensures the nonprofit does not compete with private-sector companies.

Its metadata; we cant read email, we dont see your webpage, we dont see financial transactions or anything like that. We see who you talked to, what time it was, how long the conversation lasted, etc. Hamilton said. Collecting metadata and then using it as real-time curriculum for students we make practitioners that have operational experience.

Eastern, Western and Central Washington universities, SFCC, Green River College and Alabama A&M University are the current program participants. PISCES is in the process of expanding into at least Colorado and Idaho.

Originally, this was going to be the employee pipeline for my company, said Hamilton, chief information security officer for the Washington-based CI Security. Now, were in a fistfight with Boeing and General Electric. (Students) are getting snapped up like crazy.

Students arent paid; rather, they get class credit and can earn a certificate from PISCES after monitoring for a certain amount of hours, said Stu Steiner, assistant professor of computer science at EWU.

WWU, the first university to start the class, manages the curriculum with input from the other participating schools, said Erik Fretheim, the director of WWUs cybersecurity program.

We try to make it as easy as possible for the schools to do it, but it is a somewhat demanding class for schools to teach because the instructors have to really know their stuff well since theyre dealing with live information, said Freitheim, who sits on the PISCES board. They cant just hope to wing it and stay a chapter ahead of the students because they can get any type of question at any time.

After WWU, SFCC was among the first institutions to sign on for a PISCES curriculum to complement its degree programs in cybersecurity and information systems and technology, said Lenaya Hogan, SFCCs Bachelor of Applied Science program coordinator. As part of the program, SFCC students have put together reports on potential threats they have raised to higher authorities.

Hogan said the PISCES program offers students a reality check with what they might want to do later in life.

Its kind of like an internship or something like that nature that it gives you that real-life experience to build your confidence, she said.

EWU, meanwhile, ran through the program for the first time this past winter quarter from January through April. With the project, EWU juniors and seniors each worked 10 hours per week in teams, cooperating with other schools to cover shifts throughout the day without overlap.

For the 2022 winter quarter, Steiner said he hopes to ease students into the work with controlled practice runs, as the amount of data from the public-sector organizations can be pretty overwhelming at first.

For my students and for our Eastern students, just that hands-on experience, theres nothing like it in the world, Steiner said.

Teller, who will start at General Motors next month, can attest to that.

Graduating with a bachelors degree in computer science, Teller said he was told in his job offer that the real-life experience is part of what set him apart from other candidates.

The programs of those using the PISCES project are definitely something that was good for the students, good for the school and also good for the security of the municipalities that we were supporting, he said. Being able to have 50-60 students have eyes on this data, to which were providing monitoring almost 24/7, is very much something that is good for everyone involved in that process.

See the rest here:

How students at EWU, SFCC are helping local governments with cybersecurity protection - The Spokesman-Review

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The American job market has become increasingly difficult to gauge recently due to unprecedented dynamics in play during the last year. However, when assessing career options, it's clear that demand continues to expand in the competitive landscape of computer science and information technology.

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Launch your career in computer science or IT with help from this low-priced course bundle | TheHill - The Hill

(pic) Shivani Kumar, of West Boylston, graduated with her master's degree in civil engineering from WPI. She was student commencement speaker.

She earned her bachelor's in civil engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston.

She is now working for the IBI group in Boston as a transportation engineer.

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The following local students earned degrees recently from Holy Cross: Caroline Fital, of Bolton, cum laude; and Tiernan Naughton, of Clinton.

Fital, who received bachelor's degree, cum laude, majored in Russian studies and theater. She received The Robert Edmond Jones Medal Award for Excellence in Design and Technology in recognition of her achievements in theater as acknowledgement of her academic excellence and leadership of service.

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David Dray, of Lancaster, recently earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Grove City College.

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(pic) Worcester State Universitys Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Department announced that West Boylston native and student composer Julian Wagner, Class of 22, recently participated in a virtual showcase of original music compositions as part of VPAs Spring 2021 virtual Extreme Artery, an initiative that presented a variety of visual and performing work over the course of 15 consecutive days with a focus on making students art accessible to the community online.

Wagner, a visual and performing arts major and music composition and technology minor, participated by presenting original music titled Sketch for Brass Quartet, Score for Video: Spiders, Theme for a Villain, Score for Video: Driving in New Mexico and The Year Long March.

The music continues to be available online via the Visual and Performing Arts at Worcester State University channel on YouTube.com. On the channel, Wagners music is accessible in a May 4 presentation titled Spring 2021 Student Music Compositions.

Julian and his fellow student composers showcased exceptional technical skills and musicality in their Spring 2021 presentation of original compositions, and its an honor to be able to present this professional collection of work, said Worcester State Music Professor and Applied Music Coordinator Kyle Martin. Making the work of our students more accessible via online efforts has continued to inspire us through the unprecedented times.

Wagner also performed Jobims Sabia on guitar with VPA Professor and guitarist Carlos Odria in Extreme Arterys Mosaic of Music presentation. In addition, on May 19, Wagner presented an additional original composition The Disturbed Heros Plight. Both works are also accessible on VPAs YouTube Channel.

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Zachary Phillips, of West Boylston, graduated from Lasell University with a bachelor's in criminal justice.

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At WPI, all undergraduates are required to complete a research-driven, professional-level project that applies science and technology to addresses an important societal need or issue.

Jake Franklin, of Bolton, majoring in aerospace engineering, Class of 2022, completed the project titled "Documenting Change: The Nashoba Regional High School Mascot," with Mandi, India;

Justin Schoepke, of Bolton, majoring in aerospace engineering, Class of 2022, completed the project titled "Designing a Litter Tracking Method for Worcester," with Worcester Community Project Center; and

Alyssa Whitley, of West Boylston, majoring in chemical engineering, Class of 2022, completed the project titled "Designing a Weather Lab for Turn Back Time" with Farm Stay, Paxton.

Submit your Neighbor to Neighbor items to: clintonitem@yahoo.com or The Item, c/o Gannett, 100 Front St., fifth floor, Worcester, MA 01608.The following local students earned degrees:

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The Item shares its readers good news: Neighbor to Neighbor - Worcester Telegram

MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES 2021- 2022 TEACHERS OF THE YEARJune 4, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Lora Rakowski; lora.rakowski@maryland.gov

BALTIMORE, MD (June 4, 2021) Yesterday in a virtual summit, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D. joined the top 24 teachers across the State, named as the 2021-2022 Teachers of the Year representing each local school system. A highly competitive, prestigious designation, the teachers will form a cohort that will work together to support equity and excellence in education and address critical policy issues over the next year.

Congratulations to our Teachers of the Year you represent the great teachers of Maryland, who inspire, lead and support our children every day, said Governor Larry Hogan. Too often our teachers are unsung heroes, but our Teacher of the Year program provides an opportunity to celebrate their meaningful work and commitment. Our states dedicated educators have kept our students safe and learning during this difficult time, and Im especially proud of our teachers perseverance, ingenuity, and compassion.

The 24 educators were selected by their school systems for outstanding commitment to education, equity and community leadership. They represent grade levels from pre-kindergarten through high school and teach in a variety of subject areas including Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Computer Science and Visual Arts.

Our States teachers are passionate, highly-skilled and certified professionals who dedicate themselves to nurturing, mentoring and educating our children. Every day they make a difference and go above and beyond expectations, said State Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D. Our Maryland Teachers of the Year distinguish themselves by setting an unparalleled benchmark for public service, creativity and love of learning. As a cohort, they will help lead us forward as we bridge to the future and emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The local winners will compete for the title of Maryland Teacher of the Year to be announced virtually during a Maryland Public Television Special taking place on October 7, 2021.The individual selected Maryland Teacher of the Year will also compete with all the other state winners across the country for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

The mission of the Maryland Teacher of the Year Program is to honor, promote and celebrate excellence in the teaching profession. The program values the contributions of classroom teachers, who help Maryland children flourish. Teacher quality and effectiveness is the most important school-based factor impacting student learning.

Allegany County Public Schools Nicholas Amick, Allegany High School, English, Grade 9

Anne Arundel County Public SchoolsJing Dai, Meade High School, Chinese, Grades 9-12

Baltimore City Public SchoolsSidney Thomas, Holabird Academy, Social Studies, Grades 7-8

Baltimore County Public SchoolsBrianna Ross, Deer Park Middle Magnet School, Social Studies, Grade 6

Calvert County Public SchoolsJennifer Rachic, Calvert Career & Technology Academy, CTE/Academy of Health Professions, Grades 11-12

Caroline County Public SchoolsMichelle Foster, Colonel Richardson High School, English, Grades 9-12

Carroll County Public SchoolsDawnella Dill, Century High School, English, Grades 9-12

Cecil County Public SchoolsMary Spence, Elkton High School, English Language Arts, Grades 9-12

Charles County Public SchoolsAlexis Eaton, Dr. James Craik Elementary School, Grade 4

Dorchester Public SchoolsAmy Stoops, Hurlock Elementary School, Grade 2

Frederick County Public SchoolsJennifer Perez Ryan, West Frederick Middle School, English, Grades 6-8

Garrett County Public SchoolsLindsay Krisher, Southern Garrett High School, Computer Science, Grades 9-12

Harford County Public SchoolsLauren Byrd, Hickory Elementary School, Grade 1

Howard County Public SchoolsAmy Woolf, Oakland Mills Middle School, Science/Biology, Grade 7

Kent County Public SchoolsCaren R. B. Saunders, Kent County High School, Social Studies/Psychology/TAM CTE,Grades 10-12 (Teacher Academy of MD)

Montgomery County Public SchoolsJoseph D. Bostic, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, Math, Grade 8

Prince Georges County Public SchoolsAdrin Leak, DuVal High School, English, Grade 10

Queen Annes County Public SchoolsStephanie MacKenzie, Sudlersville Middle School, English, Grade 8

St. Marys County Public SchoolsApril Ryan, George Washington Carver Elementary School, Visual Art, Grades PreK-5

Somerset County Public SchoolsJon Logan Webster, Crisfield Academy & High School, Social Studies, Grades 10-12

Talbot County Public SchoolsLauren Greer, St. Michael Middle High School, CTE/Science, Grades 9-12

Washington County Public SchoolsCaroline Schlegel, Smithburg High School, Spanish, Grades 9-12

Wicomico County Public SchoolsDustin Thomas, Prince Street Elementary, Physical Education & Health, Grades PreK-5

Worcester County Public SchoolsAarti Sangwan, Worcester Technical High School, Physics, Pre-Engineering, Computer Science, Grades 9-12

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Maryland Teachers of the Year Recognition June 3 2021

Maryland Teachers of the Year Recognition 2020 2021

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MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES 2021- 2022 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR - maryland.gov

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This massive computer science bundle costs only $20 for a limited time - Cult of Mac