Collins Aerospace Visit Connects Cyber Security Workforce of the Present and Future

A team of faculty members and students from Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus recently visited the Collins Aerospace facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The late-October trip was hosted by the College of Business, Security and Intelligence’s Cyber Intelligence and Security (CIS) Department.

Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya and Professor Jesse Chiu traveled with 10 students from CIS, as well as three students from the Prescott Campus’ Aerospace Engineering, Aviation and Mechanical Engineering programs.

Nathan Johnson, a junior majoring in Cyber Intelligence and Security, described the trip as, “A unique opportunity to meet some amazing cybersecurity professionals within the aviation industry. We got a firsthand look at how commercial avionics are designed, developed and tested.”

The Embry-Riddle team also offered an aviation cybersecurity capture-the-flag experience to on-site Collins Aerospace employees. The experience was also available virtually to certain global Collins Aerospace staff.

The visiting students got a unique opportunity to engage and learn from several experts and leaders of Collins Aerospace. (Photo: Krishna Sampigethaya)

According to Patrick Morrissey, Senior Technical Fellow - Product Cybersecurity at Collins Aerospace, the event was an exciting first: “Thanks to all who came and participated to put on the first cyber-challenge to celebrate Cyber Awareness Month at Collins. It was such an incredible opportunity for avionics engineers at Collins to spend time with the students from Prescott showing them the kind of work we do, systems we develop, and learn about what they’ve been working on while trying to tackle the aviation cyber challenges.”

“Apart from offering our capture-the-flag activity, the students got a unique opportunity to engage and learn from several experts and leaders of Collins Aerospace, as well as visit their state-of-the-art labs, testing rigs and other facilities,” said Dr. Sampigethaya. “Such opportunities inspire and enable students into brighter futures. I cannot be more thankful to Collins for making it such a rewarding experience!”

CIS students Abigail Geiger (’25) and Maxwell Werner (’24) both echoed Dr. Sampigethaya’s sentiments, with Geiger explaining, “Our trip to Collins Aerospace was not just a presentation of our aviation-security capture-the-flag challenges but also a gateway to a meaningful exchange with industry leaders. During our trip, we not only shared insights but also gained valuable perspectives on the present and future direction of aviation and aviation security — a testament to the collaborative spirit shaping the future of our skies.”

“The Collins trip was a powerful trip for me to be able to see the relevance of the knowledge we learn here at Embry-Riddle and in the cyber program. We had the opportunity to understand the aviation industry, the cyber role within that, and be able to network with industry experts at a renowned company,” Werner said.

Students from Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus pose with faculty at the Collins Aerospace facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Photo: Krishna Sampigethaya)

For engineering students, the visit offered insight into cybersecurity’s relevance to their own work: “The trip to Collins for the capture-the-flag event was instrumental to deepening my understanding of cybersecurity. By prioritizing cybersecurity, organizations can effectively curb the risk of breaches, financial losses and reputational damage. The significance of security extends beyond the aerospace industry, encompassing various sectors and even personal domains,” said Kylee Bennett (’24, Aerospace Engineering).

Gracie Still, a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, added, “As an engineer, it was fascinating learning about the intersection of cybersecurity and the products I might work on in the future. I also had such a great time touring the facilities and networking with all the Collins employees!”

Jason Schoenbeck, Collins Aerospace’s Associate Director of Cybersecurity Engineering, noted, “It was a mutually beneficial experience hosting the Embry-Riddle Prescott students. We were able to showcase what we do at Collins Aerospace, while the students, with their unique cybersecurity challenges, helped promote aviation cybersecurity awareness.”

Collins Aerospace’s Vice President of Avionics Engineering & Technology Clay Lindwall said: “Had a great time celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month with Krishna Sampigethaya and his students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. Thanks for coming to Cedar Rapids and leading this fun cybersecurity capture-the-flag event. We appreciate your knowledge, and my team enjoyed sharing the Collins Aerospace story with you through the facility tour and great conversation.”

Other students on the trip included James Chandler, Samuel DeKemper, Michael Doolan, Jesse Hix, Justin La Zare, Julian Romano, Rachel Supergan and Bryant Vazquez.