The McCrary Institute's focus is on optimizing the protection and security of essential resources necessary for day-to-day survival.
Anthony Skelljum, cybersecurity and information assurance professor and Auburn Cyber Research Center director, said the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is doing this because it is "a pillar and core area" of the college and to “take on the mission of critical infrastructure and security.”
“The Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering is taking on the mission," Skelljum said. "No one is giving us this we are taking on that challenge.”
Skelljum said he came in to build the engineering technical side of the venture.
“McCrary Institute is a gift from Alabama power foundation for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection and natural resource protection," Skelljum said.
Skelljum said the goal in mind is to “keep our society going-electrical and computer systems."
Skelljum said he hopes to have “successful students that go on to be successful in those areas” as a direct result of their work done with the McCrary Institute.
“[The goals is to] establish a national program that graduates excellent scientists and engineers," Skelljum said. "Make improvements to security safety of critical systems in the U.S."
“[The McCrary Institute] goes beyond engineering," Skellhum said. “There is strong participation from the College of Forestry and Wildlife as well as social sciences to go beyond these borders."
The program is active from freshman to PhD students, Skelljum said.
“Half a dozen students working on cyber research projects in the area and alongside other professors," Skelljum said. “The department is really active and growing."
Skelljum] said he's already had to add sections for next year due to the growth.
“Cyber security...is a neat area where you use your brain power and keep learning," Skelljum said. “Graduates find really good jobs that are rewarding all over the private and public sector."
Lieutenant general Ronald Lee Burgess spoke during the University's Speaker Series about cybersecurity and it's relation to national security.
“I would like for the McCrary Institute to become the preeminent center in the nation that focuses on safeguarding the nation's power grid while optimizing power distribution," Burgess said. "We want to leverage Auburn University’s expertise in cyber technology, information assurance, network security, wireless technology, as well as mechanical, electrical and civil systems to develop next generation infrastructure protection strategies."
Burgess said the University could help optimize security.
"Bringing Auburn University’s capabilities, along with industry and other academic partners, will go a long way in addressing national needs for optimized power distribution and a secure power grid thus serving our national interests," Burgess said.
Burgess said he was asked to serve as the Chairman of the Charles D. McCrary Institute Advisory Council by the University Board of Trustees and the Deans of the Colleges of Engineering and the College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.
"I think my background in the cyber domain played an integral role in the advancement of the idea for the Institute," Burgess said.
Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the College of Forestry and Wildlife, said the institute will be supporting the college.
“The McCrary Institute’s support of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences serves to advance its state-of-the-art peer-reviewed research and outreach relating to wildlife and forestry conservation and management," Alavalapati said.
Alavalapati said it's crucial for coming generations to understand the importance of sustainability.
“Given the economic importance of forests, wildlife and other natural resources in Alabama and elsewhere, it is critical that we gain a deeper understanding of the sustainable use of our resources to advance the wellbeing of current and future generations," Alavalapati said.
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