NJIT Students Manage Cybersecurity Operations Center
The New Jersey Institute of Technology integrates computer science students into its active security workflow.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Scholarships
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The New Jersey Institute of Technology maintains a security operations center that is staffed by computer science students. This initiative is designed to provide practical experience for a new generation of cyber analysts.
Why it matters
By placing students in real-world security roles, the university bridges the gap between academic theory and practical cybersecurity defense needs. The program aims to train future professionals through direct, hands-on operational experience.
The security operations center utilizes Splunk software to support student cyber analysts in their daily monitoring tasks. The initiative creates a pipeline of trained personnel within the university's internal defense infrastructure.
The players
New Jersey Institute of Technology
This public research university located in Newark offers various degree programs and hosts the student-run security operations center.
Sharon Kelley
She serves as the chief information security officer at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and previously worked in law enforcement and the financial services sector.
The details
Computer science students at the New Jersey Institute of Technology are integrated into the university's operational security workflow. The program is overseen by Chief Information Security Officer Sharon Kelley, who brings experience from the financial services, law enforcement, and retail security sectors.
Culture Shift
The integration of students into professional security workflows reflects a broader transition toward experiential learning in technical higher education. This shift positions universities to meet the growing demand for workforce-ready cyber talent by moving beyond simulated environments.
Students at the university gain tangible professional experience that enhances their career prospects in the competitive cybersecurity field. For the local community, this partnership strengthens the regional pipeline of qualified tech talent available to area employers.
The takeaway
Students looking to enter the cyber defense field should prioritize universities that integrate commercial software tools into their active security operations. Practical experience with platforms like Splunk can significantly improve employability upon graduation.
Further reading
Discover more about academic funding and educational opportunities in the Scholarships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Computer Weekly.
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Should universities allow students to manage live campus network security operations?
