The Computer Science program in the College of Business and Social Sciences at ULM received a grant of $219,332 from the Cybersecurity Education Management Council of the Louisiana Board of Regents. The grant is going towards associate professor Prasanthi Sreekumari’s project titled “AI-Powered Cybersecurity Education to Address the Industry Skills Gap.”
Sreekumari cited a 2024 ISC2 cyber security workforce study explaining the skills gap formed by a lack of education.
“The study reveals that 90% of organizations report skills gaps within their teams,” Sreekumari said. “These skill shortages make organizations vulnerable to emerging threats, highlighting the pressing requirement for professionals trained in AI-driven cybersecurity and cloud security frameworks.”
The study also showed that the areas of AI/machine learning, cloud computing security, zero trust implementation and application security had many reported skill gaps. The two largest reported gaps were AI/machine learning and cloud computing with 34% and 30% respectively. The project will consist of specialized cybersecurity training that focuses on these areas while providing experience and skills that prepare students to enter the workforce
“The initiative consists of four key components… AI-Driven Cybersecurity Education and Training, Ethical AI and Cybersecurity Governance, Undergraduate Research in AI Security, Cloud & AI Certification Pathway,” Sreekumari said. “These elements will provide students with hands-on learning, ethical awareness, research opportunities, and industry-recognized credentials strategically equipping them to meet workforce demands.”
Integration of AI training and cloud certifications with the other key components will create an initiative fitting for ULM students looking for experience that prepares them for work.
“The initiative aligns with industry needs and enhances employability. ULM graduates will be workforce-ready,” Sreekumari said. “Supporting Louisiana’s growing cybersecurity sector and contributing to regional and statewide economic advancement.”
Sreekumari’s project targets skill gaps seen in the workforce and works to strengthen ULM students in those areas, ensuring they have workplace-ready cybersecurity skills.
