Virginia Integrative Experiential Workforce for Power System Communication and Cybersecurity (VIEW)

Principal Investigator: 
Ali Mehrizi-Sani, associate professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech

Co-Principal Investigators: 
Chen-Ching Liu, American Electric Power Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech

Project Description: 
The national power system’s growing dependence on information and communication technology significantly increases its vulnerability to cyberattacks, potentially leading to power outages, costing as much as $33 billion annually. This program is designed to create a sustainable and scalable workforce training program in cybersecurity for the electric power system. Hands-on training at Virginia Tech’s cyber-power system security testbed and online instructional modules will be key components of this program. The project will include internships, with a goal of 7-10 a year, and field trips hosted by such industry partners as Dominion Energy. Students will meet industry leaders at the annual meeting of the Virginia Tech Power and Energy Center (PEC). Students will also work with industry partners to align their senior design projects with industry needs in cybersecurity.