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A graphic showing the regional footprint of Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Southwest Virginia (CCI SWVA) and its 18 member institutions.

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Cybersecurity investigation, innovation, & impact

Anchored in deep, cross-disciplinary research, the Southwest node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI SWVA) stimulates and strengthens cybersecurity research, innovation, and workforce development across Southwest Virginia, the greater Commonwealth, and beyond.

CCI SWVA is one of the four regional nodes of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), which was founded in 2019 to establish Virginia as a global center of excellence at the intersection of cybersecurity, autonomy, and intelligence. CCI marshals a network of researchers from institutions of higher education across Virginia to partner with industry and regional collaborators with the goal of advancing the cybsecurity ecosystem.

Regional focus, collaborative approach

CCI SWVA leverages regional strengths and resources to achieve the following goals:

  • Build world-leading Cyber Physical Systems Security (CPSS) research capabilities that address the security challenges of emerging technologies to improve the safety and reliability of applications like autonomous vehicles, intelligent agriculture, and the smart power grid.
  • Accelerate cyber startup creation and technology commercialization by growing cyber training opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs, and connecting Southwest Virginia’s innovation community.
  • Grow workforce-ready cybersecurity and CPSS talent to meet today's demands and fuel tomorrow's economy.
  • Build a collaborative network that fosters ties with the greater CCI community and strengthens regional connections. 

CCI SWVA Team

CCI SWVA is administratively housed at the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech. Dr. Gretchen Matthews heads CCI SWVA as the node director, supported by program manager Mr. Madison Boswell. Dr. Alan Michaels serves as Associate Director of Research & Innovation, while Mr. Mark Mondry serves as Assistant Director for Partnerships & Engagement.

Stakeholders board

CCI SWVA stakeholder board members bring a deep wealth of knowledge and expertise to CCI SWVA, advising the initiative on key strategic directions to elevate cybersecurity efforts in Southwest Virginia. The board consists of the representatives shown below in addition to the director and assistant directors.