Jacob Brue is making waves as a Cyber Fellow, a University of Tulsa initiative designed to cultivate doctoral students as the next generation of leaders in cybersecurity.
The Cyber Fellows program immerses top-tier students in cutting-edge research and hands-on experiences, preparing them to tackle the most pressing challenges in critical infrastructure and cyber defense. Fellows work closely with faculty experts, engage in internships, and participate in unique training opportunities that sharpen their technical skills and leadership abilities. With a focus on innovation and real-world impact, the Cyber Fellows program sets its graduates apart as pioneers in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Brue’s journey into the fellowship began with a recommendation from his adviser, Sandip Sen, professor of computer science. Intrigued by the Cyber Fellows’ focus on connecting scholarship with entrepreneurial opportunities, especially as Tulsa’s tech industry expands, Brue saw a chance to align his research in machine learning with potential business solutions.
“Jacob has a remarkable ability to bridge complex academic research with practical, real-world applications,” said Sen, Ph.D. “This ambition to explore both machine learning and its entrepreneurial potential sets him apart as a forward-thinking scholar.”
Brue said the Cyber Fellow program is an opportunity to consider not only the intricacies of cutting-edge technology but also the challenge of delivering innovative solutions to the marketplace.
Recently, Brue received the award for Best Poster in Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity at the 2024 Intern Poster Session and Awards Ceremony at Idaho National Labs. This competition brought together 621 university interns from 163 institutions across 44 states, Washington, D.C., and four overseas universities. The event, hosted at the Energy Innovation Laboratory Meeting Center, showcased more than 200 poster submissions across five categories, setting a record for the annual session.
“This experience has been incredible, and winning this award feels like a culmination of all the hard work I’ve put into my studies and my passion for cybersecurity,” he said.
Brue’s academic journey at UTulsa has been rigorous and rewarding. After completing his undergraduate studies in computer science in 2022, he earned a master’s degree while simultaneously pursuing his doctorate. His summer experiences have been pivotal in shaping his career path as he plans to spend next summer at a major tech company, giving him the breadth of knowledge he needs to make an informed decision about his future.
The Cyber Fellows program is making a difference in the lives of students and their communities. Find out more!