Center for Cyber Operations Research and Education (CORE)

Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity Professionals

Mercer University’s Center for Cyber Operations Research and Education (CORE) is a dynamic hub at the intersection of education, research, and community service. Aligned in our institution’s values, CORE is dedicated to shaping the future of cybersecurity professionals and providing strategic guidance to local businesses, government entities, and stakeholders.

Focused on key domains such as information assurance, computer network security, digital forensics, cryptography, risk assessment, disaster recovery, security regulations, and compliance, CORE serves as a premier educational and research center. Our commitment extends to fostering individual growth and community enrichment through exceptional education and research.

Located within the Department of Computer Science at the Willet Science Center on Mercer University’s Macon campus, CORE is poised to lead in advancing cybersecurity knowledge, awareness, and practices.

NSA Centers of Academic Excellence

The National Security Agency (NSA) Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) program is a prestigious initiative recognizing institutions that excel in cybersecurity education. Mercer University’s Center for Cyber Operations Research and Education (CORE) is proud to be part of this program. It signifies our commitment to delivering exceptional cybersecurity education, producing skilled professionals, and contributing to national cybersecurity efforts.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is a validated program of study through the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense program within the National Security Agency.

Learn more about what is a CAE in cybersecurity.

CyBears Cybersecurity Competition Team

The CyBears are Mercer’s cybersecurity competition team. The CyBears’ aim is to compete against skilled cybersecurity teams across the world in defensive, offensive, and policy-based cybersecurity competitions.

Past competitions include:

• Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition
• Southeastern – Global Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition
• National Cyber League
• picoCTF – Carnegie Mellon University Cybersecurity Competition

Student Resources

• AWS Academy
• Azure Developer Tools and Software for Schools
• CERT at Carnegie Mellon
• Cisco Networking Academy
• CompTIA Marketplace Academic
• MU Information Technology
• MU Security Overview
• National CyberWatch Center
• National Security Agency

News

Internal

• CyBears team advances in competition while teaching students cybersecurity skills
• Federal laws needed to protect users from confusing privacy policies, research shows

External

• Security Weekly
• The Hacker News
• We Live Security

Advisory Board

• Leslie Brown, Stratford Academy
• Tommy Chambers, Leidos
• John Cozart, Robins Financial Credit Union
• Eli Fripp, Silvervine Software
• Saeed Garner, Christian Care Ministry
• Amy Glore, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)
• Joseph Locker, U.S. Air Force
• Derek Munday, CACI International, Inc.
• Kerri Oedel, nCino, Inc.
• Jimmy Puckett, Specialized Information Environments, Inc. (SPINEN)
• Phillip Rowan, U.S. Air Force
• Brian Woods, U.S. Air Force