REU Site: Blockchain Technology for a Secure Data and Communication Future


June 1 - July 30, 2021

(will be held virtually)

Blockchain REU Site :: Overview

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way information is encoded, secured, and distributed. It is a technology that can improve safety and security of existing processes in society and enable development of systems that could not previously exist. Potential applications of blockchain are far-reaching, including how financial institutions exchange currency, governments protect the integrity of electronic voting, and medical providers secure health information systems. In this REU Site program, we will facilitate the growth of ten undergraduate students each year into researchers, by providing them with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to navigate the design, development, and implementation of blockchain technologies for securing critical information systems. The undergraduate students cohort will receive impactful and effective learning and research experiences that focus on blockchain theory and technology. They will be mentored in individual and collaborative learning and research environments to promote future study and career selection.

Blockchain REU Site :: Features

Participants of the Blockchain REU Site will:

  • Receive research experiences in blockchain technology and applications for 9 weeks to build their knowledge, skills, and expertise to become the future leaders in blockchain.

  • Perform research in a collaborative setting in support of their professional development.

  • Each receive a stipend of $7,788, which includes traineeship, housing and meals.

  • Participate in the Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research (ICUR).

  • Possibly present research findings in a national conference.

Blockchain REU Site :: Mentors

Dr. Gaby Dagher (Director, PI)

Assistant professor, Computer Science, Boise State. His research interest is in cybersecurity, with emphases on applied crypto, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, data privacy and cloud computing.

Dr. Min Long (Co-PI)

Assistant professor, Computer Science, Boise State. His primary interest is in the application of computer science and computational science to fundamental sciences such as physics and materials science.

Dr. Donald Winiecki

Professor, Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OWPL), Boise State University.

Dr. Steven Cutchin

Associate professor, Computer Science, Boise State. His research interest is in effective visualizations for understanding and explaining the runtime blockchain ecosystem and use patterns.

Dr. Nader Rafla

Professor (Chair), Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boise State University.

Dr. Tim Andersen

Professor, Computer Science, Boise State University.

Praneeth Marella

Senior Cyber Threat Analyst, Accenture Security and Graduate Student – Information Security, George Mason University.

Golam Bashar

PhD Candidate in the Cybersecurity Emphasis, PhD of Computing, Boise State University.

Participation Eligibility

To be eligible for the REU Site program in the summer of 2021, you must be:

  • An undergraduate student in computer science or related fields.

  • A U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.

  • Available to remotely attend the 9-week summer program full-time.

<<< Students from underrepresented groups and/or schools with limited STEM research capacity are highly encouraged to apply. >>>

Admission & How to Apply

Application deadline is Sunday, April 11, 2021. Applications will be reviewed and assessed on a first come, first serve basis, until all fellowship positions are fulfilled. Due to the limited number of fellowships, you are encouraged to apply ASAP.

To apply:

  1. Prepare your application:

    • Your undergraduate transcripts

    • Your curriculum vitae (CV)

    • A statement of purpose

    • A reference who is willing to provide a support letter for you. You will need to enter their name and contact information in the application form and then they will be notified automatically about how to submit their support letter.

  2. Apply by clicking on the "Apply Now" button below and complete the application form. (the application deadline has passed)

Contact

If you have any question, please contact:

Dr. Gaby Dagher, REU Site Director
Department of Computer Science
Boise State University
REU-Blockchain@boisestate.edu

Dr. Gaby Dagher
Site Director