Event connects students with industry professionals to explore emerging cyber threats and career opportunities

As cyber threats grow increasingly complex, students preparing to enter the field need more than classroom knowledge. They need opportunities to learn from the professionals confronting those challenges every day.

That connection between education and professional practice was at the heart of the 2026 Kentucky Cybersecurity and Forensics Conference, hosted by Kentucky State University's College of Business, Engineering, and Technology on Oct. 30 at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm.

The conference drew approximately 140 registered participants, including high school and college students, faculty, government representatives, and industry professionals, for a day of presentations, discussions, and hands-on learning focused on the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear welcomed participants through a prerecorded video message, followed by opening remarks from Kentucky State President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo.

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Fourteen speakers representing government, industry, and academia addressed topics ranging from artificial intelligence and digital forensics to information security, cybercrime, privacy, and emerging threats. The program also featured a student poster competition, providing another opportunity for participants to engage with research and technical challenges.

One of the day's highlights was an industry panel that connected students directly with cybersecurity professionals. Students from high schools and colleges engaged panelists in discussions about emerging threats, workplace challenges, and the skills needed to pursue careers in the field.

For students, the exchange offered a perspective on cybersecurity that extends beyond technical expertise, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration in a profession shaped by rapidly changing technologies.

Beyond the day's presentations and discussions, the conference strengthened connections among education, government, and industry, advancing Kentucky State's commitment to hands-on learning and career-connected experiences.

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Dr. Chi Shen, dean of the College of Business, Engineering and Technology and conference chair, expressed appreciation for the University community's support and the contributions of speakers, sponsors, industry partners, student presenters, and volunteers. She also recognized conference committee members Dr. Xinxin Wu, Sandamala Hattigoda, and Dr. James Obielodan; Daniel Kelly of Information Technology; and Ann Miller, coordinator of development services and stewardship. Dr. Gyawali was recognized for support provided through Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Agriculture grants.

Through initiatives like the Kentucky Cybersecurity and Forensics Conference, Kentucky State University is building on 140 years of excellence and moving forward with purpose, connecting students with industry expertise, expanding opportunities for applied learning, and preparing graduates to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing economy.

The conference was supported in part by two federally funded initiatives: Geospatial-Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Curriculum for Minority Serving Institutions (GAEC-MSI), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (Award No. DOE-EM0005308); and Generating and Sustaining the Next Generation of the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences Workforce through International Experiential Learning, Outreach and Engagement, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Award No. 2023-70440-40145; Kentucky State subaward No. UMES/NEXTGEN/Kentucky-01-5208630).