Ribbon Cutting Ceremony August 16th - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/ribbon-cutting-ceremony-august-16th
www.CapTechU.edu

It’s official! As promised and right on schedule, Capitol’s most recent construction project will be complete this August. And we’re inviting you to come out and see it!
               
On August 16^th at 10:00 a.m. we will officially open Innovator’s Hall, our stunning new residential housing facility with apartment style room blocks. Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony, tour the new building, and enjoy light refreshments as we show you around the place that many of our students will come to call home.

Innovator’s Hall features a laundry room for every floor and beautiful views of the campus and surrounding forest. With dedicated study rooms on each floor, a central gaming center, mailboxes right downstairs, and plenty of space in each apartment for students to hang out, we want to move in ourselves!

Construction on Innovator’s Hall began last July as part of Capitol’s master campus plan to provide more and greater opportunities to our students. The new residential hall will house 220 students, allowing Capitol to expand and grow to meet rising enrollment.

Expanding the residential facilities on campus is part of a broad strategic plan that also includes renovated labs and classroom facilities, enhanced online learning platforms, continued partnerships with industry, federal agencies and other educational institutions, and a higher international profile.

Brandi McKee, director of student life and residential services, said she can’t wait for students to start moving in, in the fall. “To have everyone under one roof is going to provide us with some amazing new opportunities to bring our students together. The RA’s and I are already talking about having more on-campus events and even doing floor by floor activities. It’s going to be the place to be.”

“We are so excited to declare Innovator’s Hall officially open,” said Melinda Bunnell-Rhyne, vice president of student engagement and university development. “We hope you can join us on August 16^th to come and see it for yourself!”

Cyber Analytics Careers: Who’s Hiring? - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/cyber-analytics-careers-whos-hiring
www.CapTechU.edu


Cyber Analytics: it’s a swiftly growing field that melds cybersecurity with sophisticated data analysis tools and skills, allowing threats to a company’s digital assets to be sealed off with greater precision and effectiveness. It brings a crucial new dimension to the fight against hackers and other information-age adversaries.

But who is hiring Cyber Analysts? With a degree in this area, where should you be sending your resume and looking for available openings?

The Big Players
Major defense contractors with divisions spanning multiple industries have been ramping up their cyber analytical edge. Boeing Intelligence and Analytics, a division of the aerospace giant, primarily serves the U.S. intelligence community, helping its customers “understand the strengths and vulnerabilities of potential adversaries.” BI&A is located in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, near the Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) airport.

Lockheed Martin recently established a new Cyber Works Centre in the United Kingdom, with a mission of fighting cyber crime and supporting the British government’s National Cyber Security Strategy. But you don’t need to move to the U.K. to be part of Lockheed’s cyber operations: the contracting giant has made cyber operations a mainstay at home as well, with cyber analyst positions offered nationwide. Desired skills vary by position, and can include proficiency in data modeling, familiarity with cybersecurity principles, understanding of computer hardware and software, and experience with encryption, malware analysis, and computer forensics.

Based in Linthicum, MD, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) boasts nearly 30,000 employees, with offices in 50 states and more than 20 countries. Its activities cover everything from “creating a citywide wireless network for our first responders, to protecting our nation from cyber threats, to building software-defined radios that change how our military communicates.” One of four Northrop Grumman business sectors, NGMS has a Cyber Analytics Division that is pioneering new ways to strengthen the company’s mandate of helping to defend the United States and its global allies.

Other major companies that hire cyber analysts include Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics Information Technology/CSRA, and SAIC.

Local Subcontractors
Landing a job at one of the big contractors can be a challenge for new cyber analytics graduates, as these companies are often looking for candidates with significant professional experience. So how does a new entrant in the field looking to build a career get that expertise?

According to Sarah Alspaw, Director of Career Development and Student Success at Capitol Technology University, the big players are supported by hundreds of smaller subcontractors, and many of these provide an excellent way to get a foot in the door.

“You don’t hear their names so often, compared to the primary contractors, but a lot of the best opportunities are with these smaller organizations.  Many of them are based in Howard County, Maryland, not far from our campus here at Capitol Technology University,” Alspaw said. “These subcontractors will often seek out a candidate who has one very specific set of skills – for example, systems analyst skills. That’s because the subcontractors need to show the primary contractor that they are able to meet specific requirements in the contract.”

How to connect with these smaller companies? “The local chamber of commerce is a good place to start,” Alspaw said. “Also, tech councils – such as the Chesapeake Tech Council and Howard Tech Council  -- can be especially valuable in linking you up with local companies that aren’t household names.”

Interested in building a cyber analytics career, or adding analytics to your existing computer science or cybersecurity skill sets? Capitol offers a bachelor’s degree in cyber analytics, as well as an online master’s program tailored for working professionals. Contact admissions@captechu.edu to learn more!

Purple Heart Day Commemorates Oldest US Military Decoration - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/purple-heart-day-commemorates-oldest-us-military-decoration
www.CapTechU.edu

It is an occasion to reflect on service and sacrifice, and to honor those who have given their lives or sustained injuries while defending the United States. Each year, on August 7, Purple Heart Day is commemorated.

On this day in 1782, General George Washington issued a historic order from his headquarters in Newburgh, New York.

“The General…directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding,” Washington commanded.

“Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward,” he wrote.

Today, the Badge of Military Merit established by Washington is known as the Purple Heart. Revived in 1931, on the 200^th anniversary of Washington’s birth, the decoration is awarded to those who have died or been wounded while serving.

“Most Americans know what the Purple Heart is, but not everyone is familiar with the history of this decoration,” said Dr. Bradford L. Sims, president of Capitol Technology University. “This is a tradition that goes all the way back to the founding of our country.”

Gratitude to the nation’s servicemen and women is keenly felt at Capitol, Sims said. “One of the things I am proudest of is our repeat designation as a military-friendly university,” he said. “Supporting our soldiers and veterans and providing them with avenues of opportunity in higher education is very much what we’re about.”

An estimated 1.8 million people have been awarded the Purple Heart since its re-establishment. The youngest recipient in history was 12-year-old Calvin Graham, who died in the Pearl Harbor attack.

As for the original Badge of Military Merit, one of the three known cloth-and-silk decorations bestowed by Washington can be seen at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, in New Windsor, N.Y.

The branches of the armed services each took to social media to issue statements commemorating Purple Heart Day and commenting on its significance.

“Today is Purple Heart Day, which recognizes not only the merit but more importantly the men and women killed and wounded in combat who have earned the badge of honor,” the US Army wrote.

Privacy as Limits - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/privacy-limits
www.CapTechU.edu

By Jason M. Pittman, Sc. D.

So far we have explored two constructs that help us understand what privacy is: non-intrusion and seclusion. That is, we want information to be free from intrusion and thus have privacy. Further, we seclude information to keep such information private. Privacy is not always a binary mechanism, however, and neither seclusion nor non-intrusion seem to operate within a continuum or range of privacy. Perhaps the concept of limits, as a form of privacy, is better suited to aiding us in developing such understanding.

To some, privacy is a limit or set of limits. Such limits are characteristics of information insofar as the limits exist as qualities or properties. Limitation does not exist independently of information, although information can be free from limitation (e.g., open and equal access). Yes, in this manner limitation is binary -- there is a limit or there is not a limit. Yet, in the affirmative case there appears to be an infinite scale across which limitations can exist.

Moreover, as far as I can reason, privacy does not have a minimal limit. In other words, there is no minimum limit that must be reached to have privacy. Whereas the maximal limit feels like the very definition of limitation as a construct of privacy because it defines the boundary past which privacy is intruded upon, and thus rendered non-private.

A circle of friends serves well as an example for this explanation of what privacy is. For any given group of friends, some of these friends will be best, some will be close, and some will be acquaintances. While these may not be the most appropriate labels, or even the appropriate number of labels, they are sufficient to illustrate the analogy I am making. I think that we universally recognize that best friends can access information that acquaintances should not. Close friends enjoy a level of access that is somewhere between the other two groups. Facebook, as a practical implementation of privacy as limitations, is entirely built upon such a model.

There is a flaw with privacy as limitation, though. As individuals move between these friend groups, the limitations themselves do not change relative to our information. There is a tight coupling between maximal limit, the information holding this limit, and the external entity associated with the limit and information. That being so, the flaw is apparent when we attempt to downgrade the external entity or upgrade the limit characteristic of specific information.

Thus, if we have a limit whereby only an individual in the best friend group can access our home address, and after accessing such we downgrade the individual to close, we have no mechanism to remove the information from the individual. Likewise, if we once permitted acquiaintances to access our phone number but now wish to upgrade the information to a close limitation, we cannot cause acquaintances to suddenly not know our phone number.

This flaw points to what I feel is important facet of limitation to note: the construct is not self-enforcing. In other words, a limit does not itself prevent an external entity from exceeding the limit. Limitation requires an overarching governor to detect, prevent, or otherwise act if a limit is exceeded. Could privacy as a control serve such as purpose?

Samantha Van Sant: What I Love About Capitol - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/samantha-van-sant-what-i-love-about-capitol
www.CapTechU.edu

As part of a regular series, we’re talking with students, faculty, and staff about the things that make Capitol a great place to learn, build, and succeed. Today, we spoke with Samantha Van Sant, associate director of admissions. Samantha has been with Capitol since 2015, working with prospective students, managing open houses, and traveling across the country – and even across the globe -- to get the word out about the university and its programs. Outside of her professional life, Sam is active in improv theater and performs around the area with her indie group, Topiary.

I like the fact that Capitol embraces its identity and its geek culture so unapologetically. That makes our students feel empowered to do the same. At the end of the day, they can make a successful living, doing what they love to do. I think that’s amazing, and it’s also rare among higher education institutions. I particularly appreciate the fact that we seek out and admit students from traditionally underserved communities.

Geek culture is a culture of innovation. Our students tend to share a lot of the same interests. They love to tinker with robots, machines, or any sort of technology. They want to take things apart, learn how how they work, and put them back together. They all love gaming – both video and tabletop. Capitol appeals to students because we embrace that culture. It’s who we are.

At Capitol summer camp, high schoolers harness the power of coding - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/capitol-summer-camp-high-schoolers-harness-power-of-coding
www.CapTechU.edu

You can see the level of concentration in their expressions. It’s intense

Danny Ortiz-Neira (left) and Dr. Sandy Antunes troubleshoot a program.

At Capitol’s summer coding camp, which kicked off on July 30^th, aspiring programmers are unlocking tools they can use for anything from programming a game to managing their expenses.

These are serious programming skills – and the participants are clearly intent on mastering them. Lights are dimmed. Voices are kept low. The mentors, Capitol professor Alexander “Sandy” Antunes and teaching assistants Chris Finch and Jonathan Liao, work one on one with these young coders, assisting then with the inevitable conundrums – a syntax glitch here, an undefined variable there.

“It’s essentially a one-week boot camp,” Antunes says. “Last year, when we ran this camp for the first time, we had great students. This year, they’re double-awesome. They keep asking for more – we burned through three days of material in the first two days. In fact, I had to prepare additional material in order to keep up with them!”

“The general principle behind the camp is for high school students with an interest in coding to come in and do hands-on,” he said.

Over the course of five days, the participants went from learning about variables and loops to designing their own games and animations, complete with real-time controls and multiplayer capabilities.

Participants have also been experimenting with other applications, such as writing a budget-tracking program to help manage monthly expenses, Antunes said. And more than a few have shown a keen interest in cybersecurity.

“This group is really intent on diving in, and we’re giving them the environment to do that,” he said.
The advanced coding camp is one of several programs Capitol has offered this summer. Two cyber camps – basic and advanced – took place earlier in the summer, and a gaming camp will be held from August 6 through 13.

Mark Your Calendars for Capitol’s Scholarship Golf Tournament on October 15 - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/mark-your-calendars-capitols-scholarship-golf-tournament-october-15
www.CapTechU.edu

The rolling hills and forest scenery of central Maryland are at their most spectacular in October – and what better time to enjoy a golf outing with friends or colleagues?

Continuing a much-loved tradition now in its 11^th year, Capitol Technology University is again inviting golf enthusiasts at any skill level to enjoy a day on the links in support of a great cause. The annual Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on October 15 at The Woodlands, and registration is now open!

Each year, the tournament brings together alumni, benefactors, and other members of the wider Capitol community in an enjoyable day of golf and camaraderie, with proceeds going towards supporting students financially as they strive to realize their academic goals.

“The intention is to draw together alumni and friends of the college for a fun day of golf while also raising funds for scholarship support,” says Vice President for Student Engagement and University Development Melinda Bunnell-Rhyne, whose office is organizing the event.

 “The fund has supported two to four students each year since the tournament started, and allows students who have merit to receive additional support as sophomores, juniors or seniors.”

Bunnell-Rhyne said the annual tournament is always a memorable occasion – not only because of the opportunity golfers have to test their skills, but because of the friendships that are built and the connections that are made.

“It’s a lot of fun for the players, and also for the non-players that come out and have lunch with us. The tournament sponsors really enjoy seeing people out on the course and supporting scholarships. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow alumni or to meet organizations that support Capitol and talk about how your interests align with their interests,” she said.

This year’s tournament location, The Woodlands, has been hailed by Washington Golf Monthly as “the best public course in the Baltimore suburbs.”  Lindsay Ervin, a leading golf course architect, designed the course, which opened in 1998. According to Ervin, The Woodlands “truly ranks as my best design.”

The scholarship funds raised by the tournament help students with academic merit realize their full potential while being less constrained by the financial burden of higher education, Bunnell-Rhyne said.

“Scholarships are vital to students,” she said. “They help students to control the cost and lower their debt leaving college. That enables them to be on a stronger financial footing when they go out and start their careers and raise families.”

Registration costs cover not only the greens fees and equipment, but also a continental breakfast, lunch, and beverages on course. Each participant will receive a golf shirt marking the occasion, along with a sleeve of golf balls bearing the name of the university. An awards ceremony will be held after play is concluded. Follow this link for a printable registration form. To become a tournament sponsor, click here. For more information about the event, send an e-mail to golf@CapTechU.edu.

Capitol Technology University is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to engineering, computer science, information technology and business. Founded in 1927, Capitol is an accredited institution offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a doctorate in information assurance, as well as professional development training and certificates, and partnerships with government and industry.

Capitol is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The college is located in Laurel, MD, a suburban setting midway between Washington, DC and Baltimore. Capitol is committed to providing a quality education that is technology-driven, accessible, affordable and practical.

Astronautical Engineering Course Spotlight – Ground Systems Engineering - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/ground-systems-engineering-for-astronautical-bachelors-students
www.CapTechU.edu

Flight Ops Engineer: Ground Station, we are ready for acquisition of signal.

Ground Station: Copy! We see the bird and a sweep is under way.

Flight Ops Engineer: Roger!

Ground station: The sweep is complete. You are go for command!

Flight OPS Engineer: Copy! We have acquisition of data. We’re receiving telemetry, Wait! What is that? Two reaction wheels just failed and the spacecraft has started to tumble.  The spacecraft has initiated an RTS for entry to safe-mode. Start the investigation and prepare a recovery procedure.

As an astronautical engineering bachelor’s student at Capitol Technology University, this could be a scenario you encounter when you command and control a simulated satellite in real time in Capitol’s Space Flight Operations Training Center (SFOTC).

Made possible by technology developed and donated to Capitol Technology University by the Hammers Company, the SFOTC is a mission control center-like environment equipped with a spacecraft ground system (known as the Galaxy Telemetry and Commanding System) that is used on various NASA and commercial missions. It also houses spacecraft simulators, a spacecraft station contact clock, and software for orbit determination and analysis. Together, these resources enable students to experience what it’s really like to run a mission.

Unique to Capitol’s program, working and learning in the SFOTC is a part of the required coursework for all astronautical engineering majors, so no student misses the opportunity to experience applying their education to the center’s real-life inspired scenarios.

Although there are plans to expand the offered courses in the SFOTC, bachelor’s students can currently take up to a total of four courses being taught in the center: AE-150 Introduction Into Space, AE-250 Ground Systems Engineering, AE-350 Autonomous Ground Systems (or as students call it "advance spacecraft operations training") and AE-454 Spacecraft Dynamics and Control.
Professor Marcel Mabson and Professor Rishabh Maharaja, who founded the center along with Professor and Astronautical Engineering Chair Angela Walters, are excited about the opportunities available to students through the center. “Capitol has a unique program with the SFOTC,” says Mabson. “There aren’t a whole lot of schools that have this. Unless you have a real control center with a real spacecraft mission, your students are just reading out of books. And you can teach it out of a book, but you don’t really see it and you don’t experience it.”

“By the time you become a senior student, you not only have a subsystems level of experience, but you also have operations and anomaly related experience,” adds Maharaja. “It’s like a flight school. From day 1 you have to understand what happens when anything goes wrong as well as all of the systems in that aircraft. Satellites are very similar to that when it comes to operations.”

Wanting to know more about just what we could learn in the Space Flight Operations Training Center, we asked the professors to tell us about one of the classes they teach, AE 250: Ground Systems Engineering.

Professor Maharaja explains, “The class has four major learning goals: Real time command and control, mission planning, flight dynamics, and telemetry trending analysis. AE 250 provides a good overview of ground systems that are within what is called a mission operations center or a MOC. The MOC is analogous to what we have at the SFOTC in the McGowan building, but it also extends into a little bit of the ground systems side of things, like the antenna centers that actually receive a lot of this satellite data. We’re talking about what is going on in the space network as well as the ground network side of the various different segments.”

Students can expect to learn how telemetry, or data, comes down to a satellite, how to read and interpret that data to predict what the satellite will do, and how to send commands to the satellite. “AE 250 provides a great intro to the situational awareness of various different satellite systems,” says Maharaja.

“There’s the mission planning aspect,” he continues, “where we are able to show students how to, in a very generic way, build these mission sequences and upload them to the spacecraft. And then viewing the telemetry to make sure that you know your spacecraft did that action.”

These mission sequences are like instructions that you send to the satellite. Professor Maharaja encourages students to, “think of a satellite as a big fancy robot that we threw up in space. So it’s no different from a Roomba, it’s just a lot more complex.  A Roomba has to be told which room to go to and where to vacuum clean, similarly a satellite has a set of mission sequences that it needs to do something.”

“For the 250 final they actually do what we call a week in the life” says Mabson. “Rishabh and I present the students with a schedule we call passes. - Passes is when the satellite is in view of a ground station. - For 7 days we say here’s a contact for all your spacecrafts and each team - teams of 2 - has to schedule when they are going to be on console, and they have to upload the commands, download data, and make sure everything is okay. So they are getting those hours.”

It’s a class built around inspiring confidence in our students. The professors explain that many of the students who come into 250 have never done anything like this before and are often nervous to command a satellite.

“Think of AE 150 as getting your feet wet, and one thing I like about 250 is that initially you bombard them with a lot of theory, and then when students start doing the live it’s almost like pushing them into the water. Lightbulbs start going off – oh I remember this from class! So initially there’s a bombardment of information and then when they get into the lab it’s like OH!” says Maharaja.

“My favorite thing is the end of the semester,” adds Mabson. “They’re at their final week, they are doing their day in the life and it all starts to click in their minds. Oh, this is what telemetry looks like, oh I understand how to transmit a command to the spacecraft, oh the spacecraft did A, B, C, D, oh I can check on my checklist. To see them all start to work together and have it all become familiar and second nature. The whole point of this is that they can get on a console and it’s second nature and they know what they’re doing.”

Capitol alumni working in the field are encouraged to reach out to the SFOTC. If you have any great anomaly experience that you would like to share with us, our professors love using your content to build scenarios for Capitol classes. To reach out to us, please email SFOTC@captechu.edu.
Interested in learning more? Additional information about the center can be found here.

How Can We Communicate with Synthetic Intelligence? - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/how-can-we-communicate-synthetic-intelligence
www.CapTechU.edu

By Jason M. Pittman, Sc.D.

So far in this series, I have talked at length about what synthetic intelligence is as well as various aspects of synthetic intelligence such as consciousness, agency, and whether we can even detect it. If we assume that synthetic intelligence will demonstrate consciousness in a way that we can detect, the next rational step would be to communicate with it. Is communication something we'll be able to have with synthetic intelligence? I think so, yes.

Forms of Communication
Foremost, we know that forms of communication besides words and body language exist. While those two modalities are common through the animal kingdom, we have to look outside of the normative worldview to understand how to communicate with synthetic intelligence. For example, communication can take place solely through electrical signals. The mammalian nervous system works in this way. Further, plants have demonstrated the ability to communicate with each other using electrical signals. Lower forms of life such as bacteria can use chemical signals (quorum signaling) as can higher order life such as plants. Chemicals also are used as the basis for pheromones. Moreover, chemicals represent a primary communication mechanism between cells within higher order organisms.

The point is, life communicates. Life communicates both within itself as well as between itself and others. So: why can't we just create a speech-to-chemical converter so to say? Well, because modality is not the only factor. That is, if communicating with synthetic intelligence were just a matter of tuning to the correct channel with a radio then we'd already be able to do so.

Time of Communication
To communicate with a synthetic intelligence, we need to be able to act outside of our own time scale. Sure, we are seemingly bound to a linear sense of time (distinct past, present, and future) with the capacity to understand non-linear time (past, present, and future occurring simultaneously). Thus, getting the form of time correct is paramount. Still, the pace of time is also important. In other words, synthetic intelligence may be experiencing much faster or slower than us. Thus, our radio needs to scan through modalities but also time phrasings.

Nature of Communication
Furthermore, we ought to consider the underlying nature of communication. Communication for us is a means of expressing an internal abstraction. The classic model is linking of logic, grammar, and rhetoric or what is known as the trivium. As a model, the trivium provides a means to understand how human consciousness seems to function with respect to communication. Yet we have no guarantee that a synthetic consciousness will manifest its form of communication in the same manner. Accordingly, our radio needs to parse both trivium-based communication as well as communication without as basis in logic or grammar.

Thus, Communicating
We have to start somewhere, and I think starting with time and grammar gives us the best chance for communicating with a synthetic intelligence. Moreover, I would suggest that we begin with listening rather than speaking. Life- natural, artificial, and synthetic- is communicating. We simply need to tune in.

Cybersecurity programs at Capitol ranked best, most affordable - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/cybersecurity-programs-capitol-ranked-best-most-affordable
www.CapTechU.edu

Looking for an online cybersecurity program that delivers the best mix of quality and affordability? A new report sets out to identify the top-value programs in a crowded field.

The results? Capitol Technology University stands out from the pack.

The report, produced by cybersecuritydegrees.com, not only ranks Capitol’s online master’s program in cybersecurity as the best in the nation, but also deems it the most affordable.

The online doctoral program at Capitol, meanwhile, also ranks high -- #2 nationwide, behind Dakota State.

In addition, Capitol is designated one of the five best cybersecurity education providers in Maryland.
“These awards confirm that a Capitol education prepares our graduates to defend the nation’s critical infrastructure, while also remaining affordable,” said Dr. William Butler, chair of cybersecurity at the Maryland-based university.

“Capitol differentiates itself by offering very practical, hands-on programs that prepare our graduates for technical and leadership positions within the US Government and the private sector,” Butler said. “Capitol has been designated several times by DHS/NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE)."

Dr. Nayef Abu-Ageel, dean of academics, said the rankings show that Capitol, which was one of the first colleges in the world to offer degree programs in cybersecurity, continues to set the bar high.
"Here at Capitol, we have one of the most innovative cybersecurity programs in the nation. I'm proud of the progress that we have made in this field under the leadership of Dr. Butler and his team," he said.

The rankings are based on data from the US Department of Education as well as the schools surveyed. Cybersecuritydegrees.com says its report is designed specifically with working, non-traditional, and adult learners in mind, with the aim of identifying programs that are most likely to meet their needs.

Affordability rankings were based on in-state and out-of-state tuition as well as the percentage of students receiving financial aid. The best programs were selected based on academic quality, affordability, return on investment, and student satisfaction.

“Our ranking methodology distinguishes itself from more generalized rankings by focusing on a specific set of metrics that measure the success of online cybersecurity degrees more accurately,” said Josh R Jackson, contributing writer for the site.

“Our metrics have been honed from years of experience in higher education journalism and research, and they seek to provide a balance between the traditional academic prestige of an institution with a cyber security program, and other concerns that particularly non-traditional or working students may express. Namely, that affordability and support in online learning environments is crucial for successful outcomes among non-traditional, working, and adult students,” he said.

Capitol, based in Laurel, MD, offers cybersecurity programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The master’s program is 100% online, while the doctoral program features online courses plus an annual residency. Interested in learning more? Contact gradmit@captechu.edu for more information.

New Capitol degree program trains construction managers – and adds critical infrastructure expertise - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/new-capitol-degree-program-trains-construction-managers-and-adds-critical-infrastructure
www.CapTechU.edu

Want to become a construction manager? Do you want to understand and protect the nation’s critical infrastructure? Consider learning the project management needed skills to be a manager in the construction industry while learning what and how infrastructure projects operate and the cybersecurity behind protecting these facilities.

Construction is a top industry both in the United States and worldwide, with new projects continually in the works. Those in charge of building new facilities must also think about how to secure them – not only against physical intruders, but against attacks launched through computer networks. And that requires an understanding of how hackers operate, and how to defend against them.

You won’t find critical infrastructure and cybersecurity skills taught in most construction management programs, however. And that’s why Capitol Technology University has launched a brand new bachelor’s degree program in construction management and critical infrastructure, providing a unique blend for the next generation of students going into the construction industry.

“I believe this is the time to bring these fields closer together,” says Dr. Bradford L. Sims, Capitol’s president. Dr. Sims holds bachelors and master’s degrees in construction management and has worked coast-to-coast in industrial construction, often drawing from his own computer background to solve digital-era problems.

Capitol’s program covers three specific areas, Sims says. “The first and largest is the standard construction project management core, preparing students for the field or home office positions. The second is the critical infrastructure area, covering what the many infrastructure projects sectors are and how they function from a component and systems viewpoint.”

“The third is an understanding of cybersecurity, taking advantage of Capitol’s role as a leading provider of cyber education,” Sims said. “We were one of the first schools to be designated a National Center of Academic Excellence-Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) in 2003, and have been successfully re-designated two times.”

With a combination of construction management and cybersecurity industry, students graduating from the program will be well-positioned for career growth, data suggests.

There is intense demand for cybersecurity professionals, including in the construction industry. As Greg Davis notes in an article for Construction Executive, “the construction sector is a prime example of an industry that possesses large amounts of private information that would be desirable to a hacker.”

“Construction companies have proprietary information that requires protecting, including bid data, designs, materials pricing, profit/loss data, employee information, banking records and other highly confidential information,” Davis noted.

Department of Homeland Security has identified 16 critical infrastructure sectors “whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof.”

The 16 sectors include commercial facilities, communications, dams, critical manufacturing, dams, government facilities, nuclear reactors, transportation systems, and wastewater systems, among others.

Marianne Meins is vice president for critical infrastructure protection strategy at Parsons, a Capitol Tech corporate partner and digitally enabled solutions provider focused on the defense, security, and infrastructure markets. “Estimates suggest 3.5 million cybersecurity positions will be open by 2021. Building a relationship with Capitol Tech will serve to benefit both Parsons and Capitol students, meeting not only current industry needs but also those of the future,” says Meins.

At the same time, construction continues to boom. According to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), “construction is a major contributor to the U.S. economy. The industry has more than 650,000 employers with over 6 million employees and creates nearly $1 trillion worth of structures each year. Construction is one of the largest customers for manufacturing, mining and a variety of services.”

A recent report from the Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation (MCCEI) shows that that by 2020, in Maryland alone, there will be a need for 9,715 construction managers with bachelor’s degrees – but current projections show the state producing only 1,020 by that time.
Bob Aydukovic, the president of MCCEI, says Capitol’s new degree program is a significant step towards closing the gap.

 “MCCEI is very supportive of this new bachelor’s degree program being launched in our state.  The industry is going through rapid technological advances with robotics, drones, 3d printing and the internet of things, and Capitol’s unique technology focus gives Maryland’s companies a strong option to hire in-state,” Aydukovic said.

“The construction industry in Maryland is red-hot and our companies have a tremendous demand for people with construction management degrees,” he said. “Capitol Tech’s new program could not have come at a better time.  The focus on construction fundamentals and technology will, without a doubt, be highly desirable to Maryland employers.”

Interested students are encouraged to apply now for the program, which will begin in August 2019 at Capitol Tech’s campus in Laurel, MD. For more information, email admissions@captechu.edu.

Companies or associations looking to more closely partner in the construction management and critical infrastructure area can email Dr. Sims directly at president@captechu.edu.

Why Early STEM Education Matters - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/why-early-stem-education-matters
www.CapTechU.edu

Science. Technology. Engineering. Math. Together, these fields are often referred to by the acronym STEM.

Some find STEM subjects exciting and inspiring. Others find them daunting. Few, though, can afford to overlook them. It is no exaggeration to say that every job, in today's world, is a technology job. Preparing young people for success in such a world depends, many agree, on educating them in STEM fields -- and overcoming the fear factor.

“I think the biggest problem with STEM in high school is somehow it is seen as 'hard',” says Dr. Alexander ‘Sandy’ Antunes, an astronautical engineering professor at Capitol Tech. “It’s a myth I wish we could retire.  Elementary school kids find science and engineering fascinating and engaging, but as they get older, somehow STEM gets put into an ivory tower for 'only the most brilliant'. I feel persistence is worth more than smarts, but a lot of kids get told (often by family members) they aren't 'smart' enough to be a scientist or engineer (and movies reinforce this, as all scientists wear glasses, etc).”

Early exposure is key, say many experts. According to the Department of Education, “research shows that early exposure to STEM has positive impacts across the entire spectrum of learning. For example, early math knowledge not only predicts later math success, it also predicts later reading achievement (National Research Council, 2012)."

That's good news. But it comes with a warning: too many children are not, in fact, being taught STEM at an early age.

"Despite these powerful findings, our schools and early childhood programs often lack knowledge, resources, and capacity to focus on early STEM learning in developmentally appropriate ways.”

The deficit continues through later stages of education, too. According to the Center for Childhood Creativity, “Data shows that young people are not graduating with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly-evolving, technologically-driven workforce.”

Capitol Technology University holds summer camps every year that help provide fun, STEM-based education for high school students, giving them an opportunity to see just how intriguing these fields can be -- and helping them to build confidence. In 2018, camps have focused on cyber, coding (both basic and advanced). and gaming.

Dr. Antunes, who runs the coding and gaming camps says, “Capitol's summer camps for STEM have two easy benefits.  For kids interested in STEM, it's a hands-on interaction with 'the real work' in contrast to the rigid lecture-style of K12 education.  It's kind of like being in elementary school again when dinosaurs and space and building stuff was cool and easy and computers were neat hacking things that could do anything.  Because it turns out dinosaurs and space and building stuff is cool and easy and computers are neat hacking things that can do anything.”

“As a kicker,” he continues, “for our college students, being camp Teaching Assistants is a great way for them to get experience and decide if they want to be the next generation of STEM teachers.  Plus they’re not so far out of high school so they can relate to what our camp students want on a personal level, increasing the connection we provide in camp.”

Want to learn more? Check out our summer camps page, or read more about the types of fun activities we incorporate into our summer camps from Dr. Antunes, here.

Privacy as Seclusion - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/privacy-seclusion
www.CapTechU.edu

By Jason M. Pittman, Sc.D.

I think privacy needs to end. To end it, we first must know what privacy is. Recall that we started with non-intrusion as a possible interpretation. Now, we examine seclusion of information as the second of five constructs that may explain what privacy is.

Seclusion is an interesting construct. First, seclusion is the only construct to be a direct synonym for privacy. In contrast, the other four constructs are characteristics of information. Moreover, seclusion is the only construct that implies something done to or with information. That is, we seclude information. We can place information into seclusion which implies a state of being.

Seclusion can also be a state of mind. Here, we can imagine the form of seclusion experienced when one is physically in a group but not part of that group. I suspect that simply ignoring the group is not always a mechanism of seclusion. More so, ignoring does not meaningfully explain how. Further, particularly in modern life, the distractions are too severe to achieve seclusion in this manner.

Seclusion is something that requires premeditation, focus, energy, and effort. The individual must be active in maintaining seclusion; he or she must continually choose to remain secluded. More specifically, the individual engaging in mental seclusion resists the attempts of the group to engage to the point of seemingly not being present. At the same time, such an individual does not engage with the group or another individual in the group in any manner. In effect, the individual is mentally distant in much the same way that one is physically distant in our camping explanation earlier.

Certainly this mind-state form of seclusion is more applicable to information privacy. That is, information, as a mental construct, is made private through seclusion in the same way that the individual makes himself secluded mentally. Thus, not only is privacy (as seclusion) a decision but an ongoing decision to resist externalized intrusion. Privacy in this case is not affected by moving information into seclusion as much as it is affected by not allowing information to be moved.

There are three points here that I wish to raise. First, we seem unable to make information private from the self. There is nothing we can do to seclude information away from our own mind. Second, we equally seem incapable of secluding information possessed by another individual or group. A third point, which I find particularly interesting, is that a secluded state of mind can be enforced by the group on the individual, as opposed to self-selected. Social groups behave in this manner by shunning the outcast for example. Likewise, a group locked in status quo will naturally resist the outsider seeking to unbalance the homeostatic social contract.

Overall, seclusion feels more complete as an explanation of privacy than just non-intrusion. Still, the two constructs combined are more consistent than either singularly. Moreover, there seems to be a direction to the relationship between non-intrusion and seclusion. Perhaps the remaining three constructs will illuminate such a relationship further.

Capitol, NSA sign agreement on degree opportunities - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/capitol-nsa-sign-agreement-degree-opportunities
www.CapTechU.edu

Capitol Technology University formally launched an agreement with the National Security Agency (NSA) on Wednesday (July 18) that enables NSA employees to apply agency-provided training towards completion of a degree.

Many NSA employees receive training in cybersecurity and other specialized areas through the agency's National Cryptologic School (NCS). With Wednesday’s agreement, they will now be able to transfer NCS credits to Capitol and earn an undergraduate or graduate degree.

The formal signing took place during a ceremony at the National Cryptologic Museum, located at the NSA headquarters in Fort Meade.

“We are very excited – and feel immensely honored – to be able to support the NSA in this endeavor,” said Dr. Bradford L. Sims, president of Capitol Technology University. “It is an endeavor that closely aligns with our own mandate as a university, and with our history as an institution, going back all the way to our origins as a radio engineering school founded by a Navy veteran, Eugene Rietzke. We have been providing education and training opportunities to NSA personnel through various programs since the 1980s, and continuing into the present decade.”

Capitol, Sims noted, has earned repeat designations by the DHS and NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence (Cyber-Defense). The Laurel-based university is also one of only two institutions – the other being the Navy Post-Graduate School – authorized to offer coursework to NSA personnel as part of the Security Engineering and Enrichment Development (SEEDS) program, which leads to Information System Security Engineer certification.

Dr. Sharon Fratta-Hill, assistant provost at NCS, and Dr. Leonard T. Reinsfelder, NCS training director and NSA/CSS commandant, also spoke at the ceremony.

“Capitol provides an exceptional education for students who want to focus on cyber, computer science, or engineering,” Fratta-Hill said. “They have had a focus for decades on educating the military as well as federal employees and they truly understand the needs of our employees.”
“These classes are going to be great for our entire enterprise.  All the classes will be online, so not only will those of us in the Fort Meade area be able to take them, but we’ll be able to use these courses enterprise-wide.

Leonard spoke of the value the agreement would bring to NSA personnel who have been educated in critical fields via the NCS, and can now apply their hard work towards completion of a degree.
“Our employees – your students, our graduates – will make you proud,” he said.

Are you an NCS graduate interested in completing your degree at Capitol? For more information about AAS and BS degrees please email admission@captechu.edu  or phone 301-369-3629. For information regarding MS and PhD degrees, e-mail gradadmit@captechu.edu  or phone: 301-369-3629.

To Make the Most of Big Data…Visualize it! - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/data-visualization-tools-and-resources
www.CapTechU.edu

Where there is data, there is a need for visual aids that can help us readily make sense of it. Consider the following examples:

• Transportation officials use dashboards, live mapping, or data-based simulations to identify hazards to pedestrians and cyclists, accident-heavy intersections, or areas prone to rush hour congestion.
• With the help of Google Analytics and social media metrics, business owners gain at-a-glance information about how many potential customers visit the company website – and how many of those visits result in a purchase.
• In 2016, the Office of Management and Budget unveils an interactive tool that allows citizens to make clearer sense of the federal budget. Visitors can use the tool to “explore where your tax dollars would go and what portion of the federal budget is dedicated to different program areas.”
• For sports enthusiasts, a tool created by Column Five Media assesses the longevity and success of top franchises across multiple sports. Viewers can instantly gauge franchise value (indicated by circle size), the number of championships won, and the number of years the team has competed.
• An animated .gif created by the Pew Research Center shows the aging of the US population – with the traditional “pyramid” (more younger people, fewer older ones) becoming a rectangle (growing numbers of elderly).

In all these cases, a graphic or animation provides a way to quickly and effectively convey the significance of gathered data. While data visualization tools have always been important to business analysts, they are arguably becoming even more so in the era of high-volume, high-velocity information, sometimes referred to as Big Data.

Business analytics at Capitol is expressly focused on preparing students to thrive in data-driven environments. Through the university’s programs, students have access to visual analytics software developed by industry leader SAS.

With the help of these data visualization tools and resources, students can become experts not only at accurately interpreting large volumes of data, but also at presenting it – in ways that will convey key information to executives and decision-makers.

“Visualization tools give us the power to quickly pull out the relevant data points and identify the trends we are most interested in,” notes Dr. Helen G. Barker, chief academic officer at Capitol Technology University and one of the architects of the school’s business analytics programs. “It might even help us identify and grasp more difficult concepts or identify new patterns we may not have otherwise been able to identify as relevant.”

“With visualization we create more opportunities to turn data insights into action.”
Interested in learning to use data visualization tools to create compelling, data-based narratives? As a business analytics student at Capitol Technology University, you’ll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art software and resources for visualizing Big Data. For more information, contact admissions@CapTechU.edu.

Interview: Haden Land - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/interview-haden-land
www.CapTechU.edu

Haden Land, a cyber security and IT senior executive consultant who provides support to government agencies, allied nations, and regulated commercial industries, became chairman of the Capitol Technology University Board of Trustees on July 1. He takes the helm during a time of rapid transition at the university, which has moved swiftly to establish new programs, expand enrollment, increase Capitol’s visibility in the higher education marketplace, and build out the university campus.

Mr. Land retired in 2015 after a long career as an executive at Lockheed Martin. As Vice President of Research and Technology for the technology giant’s Information Systems and Global Solutions division, Land was responsible for technical solutions, strategic partnerships, global innovation centers, research and development, and emerging technology planning.

A highly sought-after global speaker and active philanthropist, Mr. Land has been selected eight times as one of the Top Hispanics in Business and Technology by Hispanic Engineer and Information Technology magazine; thrice named a Most Influential Hispanic by the Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council; received the prestigious Global CIO Executive Top 10 Breakaway Leader award; and received the Minerva Award for professional lifetime achievement. He holds an honorary doctoral degree in Science from Potsdam University, and received an honorary doctor degree in Humane Letters from Capitol Technology University.

In the following interview, Mr. Land shares some of his priorities as board chairman and talks about the road ahead for Capitol as the university positions itself to meet the needs of a quickly evolving, tech-driven global economy.

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

My educational background is in computer science and mathematics, including undergraduate and graduate degrees; I also have some education in psychology. Professionally, my career spans thirty-five years of professional experience, half of that as chief engineer, chief scientist, or chief architect, and then in the latter half being an executive – an engineering executive, CIO, CTO and the like. I’ve worked for Lockheed Martin, IBM, and Loral.

I’ve served on numerous boards: technical boards, academic boards, and diversity boards.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your chosen field?

I’ve had the opportunity to help solve some of the most challenging problems faced by our country and allies, whether in government operations or military-related situations. I’ve been very active as a senior leader, working very hands-on at the highest levels on very complex problems, and this has been extremely rewarding.

Other work includes the rollout of new concepts and ideas, and influencing education trends, both through my professional work and through my private work in support of boards and various institutions.

In my spare time, I enjoy family and friends.  I’m a sports memorabilia collector, I play golf, play chess, and love going to professional sporting events.

You’re taking the helm as Board of Trustees chairman at a time of accelerated growth and transformation at Capitol. What are some of your priorities?

I will answer that question in two parts. One is from the perspective of the board itself, and secondly from the perspective of the university.

From the board’s perspective, I’m really focused on our adherence to effective governance and consistent membership guidelines and expectations. We are rolling out, effective this month, membership guidelines that all trustees will sign and follow. I also have a high interest in expanding the board’s size by roughly 25% so that we have fully operational committees, so they can do their work effectively. As part of that process, we’ll be seeking candidates who are consistent with the newer markets that we’re positioning for, and also making a focused effort on looking at diversity – bringing more minorities and women onto the board, and also having some representation by Millennials down the stream.

Lastly, I’d like to see us leverage and highlight the board members’ backgrounds and successes more, to better promote the university through our networks.

From the university perspective, I believe we need to grow our assets through more aggressive and creative fundraising. We need to increase our student enrollment; there are a number of positioning exercises and activities that we’ve taken this year, and we should start to see a growing enrollment trend starting next year. I’d like for us to be more creative in establishing strategies and partnerships with corporations. We definitely want to increase our asynchronous course offerings, so we can better position ourselves for the military market, in particular.

We have a new residence hall that is opening in the fall of 2018. Beyond that, I’d like to see us continue with a methodical, well-planned campus expansion, where appropriate.

I’m really pleased with the new leadership team we now have at Capitol. I ran the presidential search that got us Dr. Brad Sims, and he’s doing a great job. Dr. Sims brings an excellent balance of business and academia to the thought processes and decisions that go into leading a university. His background includes professional and business experience as well as increasing roles in academia. He’s also demonstrated a solid understanding of process improvement, performance management, and risk management, all of which are critical, and he’s a very good listener. Since the start of his tenure at Capitol, he’s shown that he can build and lead a high-performance team.

What do you see as Capitol’s distinctive strengths? What is our differentiator in the crowded, competitive higher education arena?

We have one of the better professor-student ratios within the programs and offerings that are in our portfolio. Most of our peer institutions have fewer professors and more students. Our location, in the Washington, DC metro area, is a plus. The degrees and programs that are our bread and butter are very relevant to the markets in this region. We have a high-performing, new leadership team. I’m really pleased with their aggressive, performance-based work ethic. That is a distinct advantage compared to some other institutions. In addition, we’ve been able to remain affordable in the markets we serve. We’re somewhere in the middle of that band and we’ve kept a diligent eye on the cost.

Where do you see us going? How should Capitol best position itself in this rapidly changing economy?

We’ve got to stay relevant. Over the next two years, you’re going to see a dozen or more new degrees and programs being rolled out. A number have already received authorization to proceed, while others are in the cycle. We’re also looking at enhancing existing programs and, of course, halting underperforming programs. Optimizing Capitol’s portfolio is key to where we’re headed.

While we need to stay focused and position ourselves well for on-campus education, we also really need to be ahead of the competition in terms of getting the most out of online education. That’s a trend that we see out there, and it’s driven by the way people’s lives are changing. We have a number of course already that are being converted to an online, asynchronous format. There are a number of initiatives under way to better position ourselves in new markets as well as existing markets that we haven’t been able to tap into as well in the past.

You have earned public recognition for your efforts to promote diversity in STEM fields. Do you see things going in the right direction?

I have seen the needle move in terms of executive placement. I do see more minority students attending STEM degree programs; however, I think we still need to do more to encourage women to enter these fields.

You’re also known as an advocate for the concept of STEAM. What does this mean and why is it important?

The “A” in STEAM refers to arts and humanities. These fields are characterized by divergent thinking, a process in which students are presented with a concept and then asked to explore or expand on the concept.  Conversely, STEM (without the A) fields have historically been characterized by convergent thinking, where students are given a problem and they apply a set of known concepts to produce the correct answer. I’ve done a lot of work in adaptive sciences, in evolving fields like neuromorphic architecture, biomimicry, quantum computing and machine learning, and data science, and all of these fields require someone who can do both convergent and divergent thinking.

Capitol, NSA’s National Cryptologic School team up to provide cyber education - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/capitol-nsas-national-cryptologic-school-team-provide-cyber-education
www.CapTechU.edu

The National Security Agency is opening up new educational opportunities for its employees through a new agreement with Capitol Technology University in Laurel, Maryland, to be officially signed Wednesday (July 18).

Capitol’s president, Dr. Bradford L. Sims, and representatives of the National Cryptologic School (NCS), a school within the NSA that provides education and training in critical national security areas, including foreign language, cryptology, and cyber, will be on hand for the signing ceremony at the National Cryptologic Museum in Annapolis Junction, Maryland.

Under the agreement with Capitol, NSA employees who have completed courses sponsored by the NCS will be able to apply a substantial amount of that coursework towards bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at Capitol, an independent, non-profit university that has long supported the education and training needs of federal agencies and the military. The school originated in 1927 as a training institute for radio engineers and, in subsequent decades, expanded to cover a broad range of technology and business fields.

NCS deputy commandant and provost Diane Janosek highlighted NSA’s academic relationships as an advantage for the entire country. “The NSA, through the NCS, partners with leading academic institutions to advance the nation’s posture in STEM education and proficiency,” said Janosek, referring to the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines central to NSA mission success. “This agreement with Capitol significantly expands the ability for our civilian and military workforce to leverage NSA courses for college credit through the innovative Accelerated Degree program, and is a major win-win for the Agency and the nation.”

Capitol’s vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer, Dr. Helen G. Barker, said the university is working to build a technology education pipeline in the region, and that the agreement reflects that mission.

“We’re excited about building a relationship with the NCS and its students, both civilian and military,” Barker said. “Capitol has a long legacy of educating students to meet the demand of federal agencies for specialized technology skills, including cybersecurity, and this agreement builds on that tradition.”

“What this agreement does is provide NSA employees with further opportunities to complete a degree – whether because of personal aspirations, or to advance on their career paths,” Barker said. “We’re accomplishing this by offering significant transfer options, not only into our undergraduate programs, but also our master’s and doctorates. In other words, we’re offering degree completion for all levels of individuals.”

According to an official document, the agreement reflects the “complementary nature of the NSA and Capitol programs.”

Programs of particular interest to NCS students, according to Barker, include Capitol’s bachelor degree program in cyber and information technology, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in cyber analytics, master of science in cyber and information security, technical master of business administration in cybersecurity, and doctorates in business analytics and decision sciences, cybersecurity, and technology.

Providing more avenues for building cybersecurity skills is a high priority across many federal agencies, given increased concern about protecting sensitive information, assets, and infrastructure,” Barker noted.

“There are tremendous opportunities right now in cyber, both within and outside the federal government, and also in analytics,” she said. “Data is a critical asset, and more and more organizations recognize that securing it is absolutely essential.”

Capitol was among the first universities in the world to offer degree programs in cyber and information security, and the first to launch a doctorate in the field. The quality of its programs has been recognized with repeat designations by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence. The university is based in Laurel, Maryland, between the NSA and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Does Synthetic Intelligence have an Embodiment Problem? - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/does-synthetic-intelligence-have-embodiment-problem
www.CapTechU.edu

By Jason M. Pittman, Sc. D.

In my last post, I mentioned that an intelligent, non-carbon-based lifeform might be able to embody its consciousness in the world.
However, in previous work I have argued that plants present as a likely candidate for synthetic intelligence.

Embodiment

Embodiment is a tricky concept to nail down. First, things can embody ideas. That is, things can render intangible concepts tangible. Second, and specific to consciousness, embodiment seems to be how we humans iteratively frame our cognition. In other words, we use our bodies to create, participate in, and filter experiences so that the ideas of those experiences can be made real.

This should make us wonder: can a mind have consciousness without a body (or the equivalent of a body)?

Therein lies the destruction of dualism, made famous by Descartes. That is to say, the mind (and thus consciousness) is not disembodied from the physical substrate (i.e., a brain) but rather tightly coupled with it. Brains can exist without minds but minds cannot exist without brains.

Simple enough, right?

Well, no. As it turns out, embodiment is a bit more complex in resolution. It is not enough to say that minds depend on brains to exist. Rather, we need to understand that the ability to think itself, to form cognition itself, depends on a body beyond just the brain!

This notion exists at the heart of what is known as the Embodiment Problem in AI. Stated simply, AI cannot achieve human levels of intelligence because it lacks a body with which to generate situated experiences. For example, an AI can trivially play games (Chess, Go, DOTA2) but such an AI cannot describe what it is like to play those games. The reason the AI lacks this ability is because it cannot embody what it is like to play a game.

You would think the most straightforward resolution would be to create a body for our game-playing AI, right? Maybe. I say that's wrong, however.

Embodiment Redux

If we presuppose the need for a body and a brain, we don't need to necessarily assume that such bodies and brains need to be like ours. In other words, a synthetic consciousness does not have to look like us. Okay, let's ask a few probing questions then.

First, what is necessary for something to be considered as having a body? Second, what is necessary for something to be considered as having a brain? We want to avoid the trappings of bottom-down deconstruction of biological assemblies. Rather, we want to understand how much a synthetic body or brain can vary from the biological assemblies we readily know before not being a body or brain.

Once again, we can look at plants as a paradigm. Plants, after all, follow a decidedly non-animal model both in their local assembly as individuals and in their collective assemblies (plants tend not to grow as solitary individuals). Yet, plants do have both bodies and brains, so to speak.

Thus, I would suggest that while artificial intelligence indubitably has a serious embodiment problem, synthetic intelligence can avoid such because it is not confined to imitating the human version of embodiment.

Life Should Be Like Summer Camp! - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/life-should-be-summer-camp
www.CapTechU.edu

By Dr. Sandy Antunes
Professor, Astronautical Engineering
Imagine this workday. Your boss greets you at 9 am and you get a short talk on a totally new task you have to do.  You get together with your co-workers to work on it, and you make good progress over the course of the morning.

At lunchtime, you have the option of working on the project more that afternoon, or switching to a new project in a new area. You make your choice, as do your co-workers. At the end of the day, you have either (a) completed a project in depth or (b) started two projects and brought them halfway.

Also, you got served snacks.

So why can't life be more like summer camps?  We're running several summer camps here at Capitol. All are week-long day camps (9am-4pm) at about the $400-450/week rate.  The Cyber camps just wrapped up, and I have a Coding Camp (Python & Pi) from July 30-Aug 3, as well as a Game Design Camp from Aug 6-10.

As an adult, I've gone to a Dude Ranch to ride horses and play ping-pong-- summer camp for adults.  But I've also done more serious efforts and gone to professional workshops and conferences, which are really three-day camps for adults.  I just wrapped up a two-day trip to Morehead State University to test our upcoming CubeSat payload for launch.  First, it passed the environment tests!  Second-- yep, it was like summer camp. I got to learn about new things I didn't know about, while in the hands of experts who knew what they were doing.

So why don't we restructure both school and work to be more like summer camps?  At Capitol we (the professors) love the hands-on we can do in the classroom, and all colleges use a camp-like structure where you only have 1-3 classes per day, each maybe 90 minutes, with a gap in between to recharge yourself. We should use this model for K12 (kindergarten through high school) education, and for work.

Most engineering level jobs (other than operations) involve a fair amount of learning new things and task switching.  Taking a camp approach means that, instead of seeing it as 'more work', you tackle your job like getting Boy Scout merit badges or Girl Scout Try-Its.  Got a chance to learn a new computer system, switch to new software, or deliver results on a new project? *Ding* You've just gotten a new Achievement Unlocked!

Part of a good camp attitude is taking a clue from Choose-Your-Own-Adventure games.  "You have a deadline!  Do you put in extra hours (go to page 5), ask the boss for a one-day extension (go to page 7), or call in that favor from your co-worker to get their help (go to page 9)?"

A big thing that differentiates life from college (or high school) might not just be the workload-- my college students regularly tell me that while college <em>material</em> is harder than high school, the "work" is easier because it's less artificially scheduled, more applied.  And work is the ultimate in applied effort

So yes, I am running two camps for high schoolers this summer (and those of you caring for kids are welcome to send them over for an awesome time!)  But really, can't life just be a series of summer camp experiences, if you choose the right perspective?
Happy summer,
Dr. Sandy Antunes

Unmanned and Autonomous Systems: The Future is Now - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/unmanned-and-autonomous-systems-future-now
www.CapTechU.edu

A farmer examines images taken from an unmanned aircraft and detects nitrogen deficiencies in this year’s corn crop. A regulatory agency uses a drone to assist to help determine whether an industrial facility is in compliance. Emergency personnel responding to a natural disaster quickly locate people in need...without risking further lives by conducting a manned search. A patient being examined for a possible health condition swallows a capsule equipped with a tiny camera. These are just a few examples of the ways in which unmanned and autonomous systems (UAS) can deliver benefits to people while reducing human risk. It’s an area of rapidly growing interest, and one that involves specialized knowledge and skills. Only a few universities, at present, offer an opportunity to learn those skills. Capitol Technology University is among them.

“An unmanned system is any electromechanical system which has the ability to carry out a predetermined or described task, or a portion of that task, and do it automatically with limited or no human intervention,” explains Dr. Richard Baker, a Capitol professor who is spearheading Capitol’s degree programs in the field as well as the establishment of a lab. “In the future we will absolutely be seeing more of these systems.”

Efficiency is one reason: think of retail giant Amazon’s ambition to get packages to customers in less time than it takes to drive to the store. Another motivation is human safety: many tasks that provide societal benefit also happen to be hazardous. An environmental catastrophe, for example, requires inspection and cleanup. Those responsible wear protective gear. A robot might not need to wear gear at all.

If an earthquake strikes, or a tornado levels a town, first responders must be able to locate people in need. They must make swift, accurate decisions about deploying resources -- the wrong call can mean lives lost. Sending out a crew of personnel can be dangerous. An unmanned system equipped with the right capabilities can help the team make sound decisions within a shorter time frame. “Unmanned systems are typically deployed to do things that people either can’t do or shouldn’t do,” Baker says. “Putting an unmanned system in a dangerous position, or someplace that we can substitute it for people doing something that’s a repetitive or dull job is ideal. Using unmanned systems to do things that are dirty because it’s a hazardous environment is another good use of them.”

While the potential is immense, the UAS field also brings with it a host of related challenges -- whether legal, ethical, economic, organizational, or technological. Many aspects of the regulatory framework governing these systems are undetermined or in need of an update. Privacy concerns -- along with legislation that proposes to address them -- are a subject of hot debate. Companies must weigh the value to be gained from UAS technology against the cost of equipment and trained personnel. A farmer may be enthusiastic about “precision agriculture” but not have the knowhow or the revenue needed to carry it out. In order to do what we want it to do, a UAS must be programmed. That means a need for UAS-specific programming skills. And because that which can be programmed can also be hacked, it also means a need for cybersecurity expertise.

Capitol is offering a variety of degree programs, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, that reflect this range of concerns. Students enrolled in the Unmanned and Autonomous Systems bachelor’s degree program, slated to start in Fall 2019, will become well-versed in the different UAS types, the uses of each, the flight approval and authorization process, and the proper safety procedures. With the help of the university’s unmanned systems lab, they will gain experience in designing, constructing, and flying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The core courses will provide the prep needed to pass the Federal Aviation Administration test and become a certified UAV pilot.

At the master’s degree level, students with an interest in the policy side of the field, whether in a commercial or governmental context, can earn an MS in Unmanned and Autonomous Policy and Risk Management. Students in the program will also be able to take an optional course that prepares them for FAA certification. As in any new field, research is needed to flesh out the promise of UAS technology and demonstrate its use in various sectors. For example, many potential applications in agriculture still need to be confirmed with hard data. As reported by agriculture.com1, a solid body of research does not exist yet on the use of UAS to monitor herd breeding habits, insect damage, and the effects of crop rotation. Agriculture is only one of the many areas that need further study.

Capitol’s newly-launched PhD program in UAS Applications allows students to conduct UAS-related research in practically any area they might choose. All Capitol’s programs in the field will be taught by qualified professionals and supported by a partnership with Textron Corporation. The bottom line: a large and growing array of human activity in the future is likely to involve or be impacted by UAS technologies. For those wanting to get a head start on that future, Capitol offers the opportunity.

What will synthetic intelligence be made of? - Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.)

Direct Link: https://www.captechu.edu/blog/what-will-synthetic-intelligence-be-made-of
www.CapTechU.edu

Photo: NASA's Curiosity Mars rover at the Quela drilling location in the Murray Buttes area on lower Mount Sharp. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS 
By Jason M. Pittman, Sc.D.

Recently, my colleague Dr. Antunes discussed the NASA discovery of organic molecules on Mars. In reading his post, I started to think about the biochemical construction of intelligence.

Specifically, I asked myself, "Self, what might a synthetic intelligence be made of?"

As it stands, our methods and instruments are calibrated towards organic molecules, particularly carbon. At least terrestrially, carbon is the dominant element in what we define as biochemistry. Furthermore, carbon seems to be the only element that exists as the foundation for intelligence and consciousness of all types. We must ask, though: is carbon the only biochemical foundation possible? Moreover, if alternatives to carbon exist, might those possess the ability to assemble into the structures necessary for life, intelligence, and, at the extreme, consciousness?

What is the right non-carbon stuff
For all intents and purposes, the biochemistry that gives rise to consciousness seems to be universal.  It is universal in the sense that biochemistry as a precursor to life follows the same properties anywhere in the universe, as far as we know (we mustn't forget that caveat). Furthermore, life is a precursor to intelligence and consciousness and thus both must be universal too. From these propositions, we can infer that non-carbon stuff materializing a biochemistry ought to share some properties with carbon.

Silicon is such a potential alternative. Far-fetched you say? Work on developing silicon-based hydrocarbons has been under way for years. Such work has demonstrated methods to assemble simple building blocks but not full-blown lifeforms. We shouldn't be dissuaded from pursuing the goal, though. In the worst case, while falling short, we still may gain some insights into what a non-carbon-based life, and by extension intelligence, may be like.

What would a silicon-based synthetic intelligence be like?

The big question, the fun question, is how might an intelligent, non-carbon-based lifeform embody its consciousness in the world? Frankly, the concept feels as to me foreign as the concept of paranormal entities. That's not to say that neither are possible. Rather, I'm openly stating that I haven't the faintest idea what such a consciousness would be like. I'm not discouraged though as we can leverage the universality of biochemistry and consciousness to infer some clues.

Here again, as in some of my previous arguments, I think plants can impart powerful insights to us. While plants are carbon-based, and the biochemistry of plants is not altogether foreign to our animal-mammalian senses, we lack the ability to interact with any possible plant intelligence. However, if we can bootstrap a means of communication that works for plant intelligence, my hunch is that the same mechanisms will work for non-carbon-based intelligence as well.

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that such communication mechanisms will not manifest in the form of rhetoric. Not in the form we're used to anyway. Plants and silicon-based life won't express themselves in words. Yet, I do think synthetic intelligence has an underlying intelligence engine of sorts, something akin to our EEG.

Thus, I'm left wondering what potential role technology may place in mediating a shared reality with non-carbon-based life. In other words, what technology exists that may allow us to establish even a unidirectional mediator such that we can at least listen to a non-carbon-based intelligence?