Director and Founder of Oakland University's Center for Cybersecurity Huirong Fu, Ph.D., creates a spark in her students through scholarships and facilities at the forefront of technology. Dr. Fu has built two state-of-the-art teaching labs that are fully equipped with cutting-edge technology, training students with hands-on opportunities.

Director and Founder of Oakland University's Center for Cybersecurity Huirong Fu, Ph.D.

“Cybersecurity is ever-changing, and working with students keeps me energized as they bring fresh ideas and perspectives to solving complex challenges,” Fu says. “It's rewarding to help students build the skills and confidence needed to lead in a critical field.”

Her compassion for students stems into each facet of her research and service. She has mentored 12 graduate students and secured more than $6 million of federal funding to support research and outreach efforts.

The Center for Cybersecurity provides an immersive cyber-defense ecosystem for students, including research experiences and experiential learning opportunities.

Specifically, she helped pioneer the National Science Foundation CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) at Oakland University. This program sets students up for success in the field, designed to help students earn a degree and obtain a job in the government. Recipients are required to work after graduation for a period equal to the length of the scholarship, in a position related to cybersecurity within a federal, state or local government agency. This unique format supports students and scholars and the next generation of information technology professionals.

“Our SFS scholars have gotten amazing offers from more than ten federal agencies,” Fu says. “We are very proud.”

Balancing prestige and Fu’s passion, the center has been identified as the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Her influence propels the cybersecurity industry in its practices and budding professionals.

“I am excited about the future contributions we will make in the field of cybersecurity,” Fu says.