Two Georgia Universities Launch Joint Initiative To Support Tech Industry

Historically black college Clark Atlanta University has launched a groundbreaking partnership with Augusta University to boost diversity, innovation, and research in Georgia’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

The joint endeavor between CAU’s Department of Cyber-Physical Systems and the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta was announced at a media event at Atlanta’s Farm Accelerator earlier this week. The partnership between the two institutions ignites collaboration in research, training, and other educational endeavors in the areas of cyber-security and cyber-physical systems.

“Clark Atlanta University is excited about the possibilities of this unique partnership with Augusta University,” said CAU President, George T. French Jr., Ph.D. “Together we will drive the diversity of ideas, talents, and opportunities that will ensure a successful and more inclusive ecosystem for innovation.”

PHOTO:-(l-r)- Roy George, PhD, Chair of the CAU Department of Cyber-Physical Systems; Danille K. Taylor, Dean, PhD, CAU School of Arts & Sciences; CAU COO, Alex Schwarzmann, PhD, Dean at the Augusta University School of Computer and Cyber Sciences; CAU President, George T. French Jr., PhD; CAU COO, Lucille H. Maugé; and Dr. Michael Nowatkowski, Associate Professor, Augusta School of Computer and Cyber Sciences (photo: courtesy Clark Atlanta University)

Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, as designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Clark Atlanta University is the only private historically black institution of higher learning with a Department of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), with plans underway to launch a Global CPS Emerging Center of Excellence.

“The growth of our degree programs and research in Computer Science and Cyber-Security at Augusta University is effectively complemented by Clark Atlanta’s innovative focus on Cyber-Physical Systems,” said Alex Schwarzmann, Ph.D., Dean at the Augusta University School of Computer and Cyber Sciences.

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“The new partnership will promote cooperative research on making complex cyber-physical systems efficient, reliable, and secure,” he added. Both universities also aim to increase the participation of undergraduates in research, and together we have already made steps in this direction.”

Georgia is fast becoming a hotspot for the Internet of Things and CPS, which are transforming everything we do via smart networked systems designed to sense and interact with the physical world. The state also serves as one of America’s elite cybersecurity hubs, ranking No. 3 in the nation and generating over $4.7 billion in revenue every year.

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“I know the importance of education in STEM and in STEAM and really in a growing and burgeoning economy,” said Burunda Prince-Jones, Managing Director, of  The Farm, whose parents both attended Clark Atlanta. “I’m really excited about this partnership because I know it’s going to lead to great things. I l know it’s going to lead to supporting not only technology and innovation but supporting lives and differences.” 

“Security is vital in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), given its role in critical infrastructure, government and everyday life,” said Roy George, PhD, Chair of the Department of Cyber-Physical Systems at Clark Atlanta University. “Our partnership will enable both institutions to lead and innovate in the field.”