Author Archives: Tawnya Persohn

2025 Upsilon Pi Epsilon Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to Jorge Pinzon and Kelson Bowman on being selected as the 2025 scholarship recipients for Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), the international honor society for the computing and information disciplines.  This is a prestigious honor with competition from applicants at universities across the country.

The UPE Scholarship Challenge: Annually, the Executive Council of Upsilon Pi Epsilon evaluates submissions from our most promising undergraduate and graduate students, nationwide. The application process is rigorous: candidates must present a clear vision for their long-term professional plans, showcase their impactful contributions to their UPE chapters, and document their college-level activities. Successful applicants will have also secured a key recommendation from their UPE faculty adviser and provided all official transcripts.

Please join us in congratulating Kelson and Jorge!

For more information on the Honor Society and the annual scholarship opportunity, click here: Upsilon Pi Epsilon

Cyber Workshop for RMU @ National Cyber Forensics & Training Alliance (NCFTA)

The CIS Department has organized a workshop for RMU students at the National Cyber Forensics & Training Alliance (NCFTA) in Pittsburgh.  The workshop will focus on areas of interest to cybersecurity students, but all computing students are welcome to attend.  However, the event will be limited to the first 20 students.  Transportation to/from the event and a light lunch will be provided by the CIS department.

Cyber Workshop for RMU @ National Cyber Forensics & Training Alliance (NCFTA)

Location: 2000 Technology Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Event Date: Wednesday, February 4th 2025

Event Time:  8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Agenda:
8:15 am Bus from Campus to NCFTA
9:00 am FBI Briefing on Current Events (unclassified) and Career Info
        Aaron Hays, FBI Special Agent 
9:45 am Industry CISO Panel
        John O'Rourke, Chief Information Security Officer, PPG
        Jim Mahony, Chief Information Security Officer, RMU
10:30 am Hands-On Cybersecurity Capture-the-Flag Exercise  
11:30 am NCFTA Facility Tour including Malware Lab
12:00 am Lunch with:
Emily Kerry, Intelligence Analyst at NCFTA; RMU Class of 2024
1:00 pm Bus returns to Campus

Sign-up Below

If you are interested in attending this event, please fill out the application below and submit to indicate your interest. 

Click here: Cyber Workshop Application

You will be notified in January if you have been selected to attend the event (limited to the first 20 students), and asked to confirm your attendance at that time.  (If you have class on Wednesdays, you will need to miss class to attend this event on February 4th.  You will have time to discuss with your professor(s) to ensure that this will be OK before confirming your attendance.)  

2025 Three Rivers Info Security Symposium (TRISS) Conference

The Three Rivers Information Security Symposium (TRISS) is an annual, single-day event featuring multiple presentation tracks. It serves as a vital meeting ground for Pittsburgh’s leading IT and security professionals, enabling them to exchange knowledge and foster collaborative partnerships.

This symposium is an entirely volunteer-driven effort, dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging cooperation, and strengthening expertise within the regional information security sector.

TRISS is proudly sponsored and organized by a coalition of influential local organizations, such as:

  • RMU’s Top Secret Colonials (TSC)
  • Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)
  • Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
  • Infragard Pittsburgh Members Alliance (IPMA)
  • Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

Furthermore, the symposium shows its commitment to the future of the field by offering a robust education and scholarship program.

RMU students and faculty at TRISS 2025

The conference attracts key experts and executives from major Pittsburgh institutions, including U.S. Steel, PNC, PPG, Wesco, UPMC, and others. A commitment to quality is upheld through a merit-based speaker selection process, guaranteeing a diverse and unbiased program.

This year, 30 students from RMU were in attendance! The symposium provided them with a truly great learning and networking opportunity, allowing them to immerse themselves in the latest industry trends, cutting-edge research, and practical defense strategies presented by leading security professionals.

TRISS 2025 was a fantastic success, underscoring the vital connection between local industry groups and the next generation of cybersecurity talent. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

TSC Sponsored – Industry Presentation from Nerds to Go

Join Top Secret Colonials for a Special Industry Presentation on Wednesday, November 12th at 4:30, following the TSC meeting in the Wheatley Atrium. 

Representatives from Nerds to Go, a division of True North, will be visiting campus to share insights into the technology driving their companies. Speakers include Zachary PrytashTrey Trucksis, and CEO Chuck Bailey, who will discuss their work and the exciting innovations shaping their field.

They’ll also be actively recruiting for internship and full-time job opportunities, so this is a great chance to connect and explore potential career paths.

RMU Ready Points will be awarded to attending students. Pizza will be served.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and network. 

Cybersecurity Engineer Position Available at Bayer

Job Description:

As an Associate Cybersecurity Engineer within Bayer’s Medical Device Cybersecurity group, you play a crucial role in securing Bayer Radiology medical devices and software against potential cyber threats. Your responsibilities include reviewing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, assessing their likelihood of exploitation, and evaluating potential impacts on the safety and effectiveness of Bayer Radiology medical devices. You will also design and develop solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with Bayer Radiology medical devices, software, and IT products. This position operates on a global scale, ensuring the security of Bayer’s medical devices worldwide.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Fulfill requirements defined by others;
  • Support the development of one design element at a time within a selected discipline;
  • Learn about the product and clinical applications;
  • Gain a guided understanding of direct interfaces (inputs/outputs) within relevant processes;
  • Participate in cybersecurity design reviews;
  • Receive clearly defined objectives and instructions from a more experienced lead engineer, cybersecurity engineer, or supervisor;
  • Accurately follow directions;
  • Communicate work activities effectively;
  • Contact and gather information from suppliers;
  • Communicate work activities effectively.
  • The primary location for this role is Indianola, PA (Pittsburgh, PA area).

For more information or to submit an application, click here: Cybersecurity Engineer

Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2025

Explore Innovation in the Robotics Capital of the World at Pittsburgh Robotics & AI Discovery Day!

This free and open event showcases cutting-edge robotics, automation, and AI solutions that are driving innovation across multiple industries.

From business leaders looking to innovate, to tech enthusiasts exploring the latest trends, to job seekers searching for emerging career opportunities, to those simply curious about how robotics and AI are reshaping our world – this event has something for everyone.

Be part of the action, engage with industry influencers, and witness firsthand the power of robotics and advanced technology in the heart of Western Pennsylvania. Your journey into the future starts here—mark your calendar and join the thousands attending Pittsburgh Robotics & AI Discovery Day!

For more information: Pittsburgh Robotics & AI Discovery Day

Need a ride? Fill out the form. If there is enough interest, RMU will provide transportation. Interest Form