Rome, NY; Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD; San Diego, CA – Tuesday, August 27, 2024 – The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering (OUSD (R&E)), and the Griffiss Institute (GI) are proud to announce the successful graduation of the VICEROY MAVEN Interns from the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI) in Rome, NY; the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD; and Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific in San Diego, CA. These promising young scholars have completed their rigorous academic and real-world simulated tech challenges, demonstrating their dedication and innovation in the realms of cyber and electromagnetic spectrums.
The VICEROY MAVEN Class of 2024 took on a wide range of research projects that addressed critical issues in defense and technology. These included developing secure Automatic Over the Air Updates for vital systems and modernizing Cross Domain Solutions for the Department of Defense. They also focused on Automated Rapid Verification and Validation of Software to enhance the maintenance of legacy codebases.
In cybersecurity, students conducted a Cyber Blue Book™ on Apple iPads to assess vulnerabilities for potential use in combat aircraft and explored Audio Steganography using VoIP traffic for secure communication. Another key project involved Machine Learning-based Radio Frequency (RF) Signal Recognition, where students worked to develop and refine ML models for detecting and classifying radio frequency signals, aiding in cybersecurity and intelligence operations.
Research groups also addressed broader challenges such as improving Power Grid Resiliency amid increasing renewable energy use and rising demand. They enhanced satellite mapping and debris detection accuracy for Low Earth Orbit through the Situational Awareness Satellite System (SASS) project and optimized drone software for real-time communication between operators and drone swarms. Lastly, their work on Simulating Associative Learning in autonomous robots advanced machine learning, paving the way for smarter autonomous systems. These projects underscore the technical expertise and innovative spirit of the VICEROY MAVEN.
Mr. Chester “CJ” Maciag, Director of Cyber Technologies and Academic Outreach at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E), emphasized the importance of this accomplishment by stating, “The graduation of the VICEROY MAVEN Class of 2024 marks a significant milestone in our mission to cultivate the next generation of cyber and EMS professionals for the Department of Defense (DoD). These student interns represent our top 5% of gifted scholars from academic programs across the nation with an average 3.7 GPA. In their Army, Navy, and Air Force research assignments they have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and citizenship to prepare them in tackling the complex challenges within the DoD.”
Dr. Patrice Collins, DEVCOM ARL Educational Outreach Branch Chief, commended the VICEROY MAVEN interns on their outstanding achievements. “We are immensely proud of the VICEROY MAVEN interns for their successful completion of this rigorous program. Their hard work, dedication, and innovative thinking have set them on a path to becoming the future leaders in cyber operations for the Department of Defense. The skills and experiences they have acquired will undoubtedly drive them to new heights in their careers, and we eagerly anticipate the significant contributions they will make in securing our nation’s cyber infrastructure.”
“The VICEROY program embodies the Griffiss Institute’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in cyber and spectrum operations, said Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute. “The graduation of these scholars marks a significant milestone, not just for the participants, but for the future of national security and defense. We are incredibly proud to see these talented individuals take their place as innovators and problem-solvers in critical areas that will define our future.”
“We are incredibly proud of the VICEROY MAVEN interns’ accomplishments and are thrilled to celebrate their successes. By completing this program, the interns have showcased a skillset that aligns with the DoD’s talent needs and the qualities required to become immediate assets within the defense workforce,” said Tim Thomas, Chief Academic Officer at the Griffiss Institute. “The magnitude of their achievements cannot be overstated. Our graduates have gained invaluable experience that has advanced their career development while making significant contributions to critical, mission-focused projects with lasting impacts on national security.”
VICEROY emphasizes operational readiness by providing hands-on learning experiences that tackle integrated cyber-spectrum challenges with authentic and hypothetical battlefield scenarios. This approach equips students with practical skills and knowledge, instilling confidence in their ability to contribute to national security and defense. Additionally, the program focuses on cultivating global security leadership by imparting knowledge on international strategies, security threats, and the structure and functions of the Department of Defense, thereby supporting U.S. global security priorities.
The need for cyber and electromagnetic spectrum expertise in the United States is critical due to the increasing complexity and frequency of cyber threats that target national security, economic stability, and public safety. As technology advances, so do the capabilities of adversaries, who can exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, defense systems, and communication networks. The Department of Defense (DoD) has recognized that the future of warfare and defense is increasingly dependent on mastering the cyber domain and electromagnetic spectrum, making it essential to develop a skilled workforce capable of addressing these challenges.
Moreover, the global landscape is marked by rising tensions and the growing potential for cyber warfare, espionage, and information operations conducted by state and non-state actors. The United States faces significant competition from countries like China and Russia, who have heavily invested in cyber capabilities. In response, the U.S. must not only maintain but also expand its cyber workforce to ensure that it remains at the forefront of this critical domain. The VICEROY Scholars Program, by training the next generation of cyber professionals, directly addresses this urgent need by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to defend against these evolving threats.
As the graduates embark on their next endeavors, they carry with them the skills, knowledge, and experiences gained through the VICEROY Program.
Funding for the VICEROY program is provided by The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and facilitated through the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY. The program, and its embedded internship initiatives, are designed to bolster national security and defense by addressing several key priorities. These include enhancing cybersecurity and spectrum expertise, developing a talent pipeline with essential skills and operational experience, and achieving technological superiority through research projects that advance cyber-spectrum technologies. The program maintains the U.S. global technological edge by engaging students in innovative projects, thus fostering workforce diversification by recruiting top talent from varied geographic, demographic, and academic backgrounds.