Virginia State University Awarded $800,000 From DOD For State-Of-The-Art Lab Equipment

The new equipment will allow VSU faculty and students to conduct groundbreaking research to address some of today’s most pressing technological challenges.

Virginia State University is proud to announce that the Department of Computer Science has been awarded $800,000 from the US Department of Defense (DOD) to acquire advanced heterogeneous computing instrumentation. The equipment will significantly enhance the department's research capabilities in Generative AI and Industrial Cybersecurity, and advance the University's NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

“This award represents a pivotal advancement for our department,” said Dr. Joon Lee, Chair of the Department of Computer Science. “The new set of instrumentation will greatly enhance our research capabilities and offer our students invaluable hands-on experience with the latest technologies. We are deeply grateful for the support from the Department of Defense and the collaborative efforts of our faculty, which have been instrumental in achieving these significant milestones."

This grant from the DOD, combined with the high-performance computing GPU cluster secured in 2021, positions the College of Engineering and Technology at the forefront of research in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Deep Learning. The new equipment will allow faculty and students to undertake groundbreaking research and develop innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing technological challenges.

"This grant is a testament to our commitment to excellence in research and education,” said Dr. Dawit Haile, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology. “It strengthens our ability to provide cutting-edge resources and opportunities for students and faculty, and we are excited about the possibilities this new equipment will bring in the fields of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence."

The acquisition of this cutting-edge computing equipment is a testament to the University’s dedication to fostering an environment of academic excellence and research innovation. Prospective students interested in learning more about the VSU Department of Computer Science are encouraged to visit https://www.vsu.edu/cet/departments/computer-science/.