REU Site: Cloud Computing Security and Privacy

CCSP REU Site Overview 

This REU site will offer a nine-week summer research program at Boise State University for ten undergraduate students each year to gain research experience. Cloud computing is a relatively new internet computing paradigm, having been developed and popularized only in the last decade. With the widespread applications deployed in the internet, both the volume and types of cyber-attacks continue to increase and target every internet user. National infrastructure, individuals, businesses, and agencies have fallen victim to cyber-attacks. Developing a secure cloud computing environment requires computer science and cybersecurity professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills of network security, system security, cryptography, risk analysis, ethics and human behaviors, security policies and laws, and many other security practices. 

In order to provide students a better research experience and scaffold their development as a researcher, in addition to the research training, weekly seminars, and professional talks in the field of cloud security and privacy, students will also have the chance to attend a variety of activities to enhance their research skills offered by the Boise State summer research community. These additional activities include: (1) seminars for discussing an array of topics, including responsible and ethical conduct of research, critical thinking, library research activity, poster presentation, and tips to presenting research to a public audience; and (2) a two-day Idaho Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR) that brings together undergraduate students of diverse disciplines to showcase their original work in poster presentations to public audience. At the end of the summer program, the faculty mentors will continue to work with students to publish their research results and advise them with graduate program applications or career planning as needed.

Student Eligibility

• Undergraduate students in Computer Science or related STEM fields, enrolled in a US University or college with at least one semester remaining in their undergraduate program. 

• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

• Students interested in the following topics are encouraged to apply: Cloud computing security and privacy, or more specifically network security, applied cryptography, human factors in cybersecurity, and privacy preserving computing. Students with AI/ML knowledge but interested in applying the AI/ML techniques to cybersecurity are also welcome to apply.

• There is no minimum GPA but applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic aptitude, and a strong interest and passion for research.

• Accepted students must complete the 9-weeks program and all requirements, including attending all seminars/meetings, project reports, presentations, etc.

• Women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Site Program Feature

• 9 week research experience in cloud computing security and privacy from 5/20/2024 - 7/19/2024.

• Receive $6,300 stipend plus $130/week allowance for meals. 

• Housing is provided for non-local students (i.e., students from other universities).

• Travel funds up to $700 for to/from the Cloud Computing Security and Privacy REU site. 

• Participate in professional development workshops/seminars/meetings to develop research and communication skills.

• Participate and present a poster in the Idaho Conference of Undergraduate Research (https://www.boisestate.edu/icur/).

• Possibly win a travel grant to present summer research outcomes at an academic conference.

Questions you want to know or Materials to prepare 

before applying

• A personal statement (cover page) including at least the following:

  •  Your educational background.

  • The reason you are applying to this specific REU Site.

  • The research topic(s) you are interested in and why? 

  • your career goals.

• CV/Resume: should not exceed two pages.

• Transcript(s) from your current and previous attended colleges/universities (if any).

• At least one letter of reference is required.

• Which of the following research topics are you interested in? Please rank your choices.

  • Network Security

  • Applied Cryptography

  • Human Factors (HCI) in Cybersecurity

  • Child-Centered Security Mechanisms

  • Privacy Preserving Computing

  • AI/ML for Cybersecurity

REU Mentor