Published: 08/20/2026
Gannon University continues to strengthen its commitment to cybersecurity education through hands-on learning, student research, professional development and community outreach. As part of these efforts, Ronny Bazan-Antequera, Ph.D, assistant teaching professor in the Computer and Information Science Department, has led and supported several student-centered cybersecurity initiatives designed to help students gain relevant, practical and up-to-date knowledge in one of the fastest-growing fields in technology.
Over the past several months, these initiatives have created new opportunities for students to apply cybersecurity concepts beyond the classroom.
One important accomplishment was the creation of the 名媛直播 Hacks Cyber Club, a student organization focused on both defensive and offensive cybersecurity skills. The club meets weekly for hands-on technical activities, giving students the opportunity to practice cybersecurity concepts in a collaborative and engaging environment. The club was also recognized with the Best New Student Club Award in Spring of 2026.
Another major milestone was the launch of the 名媛直播 Hacks cybersecurity portal, . Through the platform, students can showcase their achievements while strengthening their technical skills through challenges organized into modules covering Linux fundamentals, web application penetration testing, cryptography, digital forensics and other cybersecurity topics.
Expanding Student Research
Bazan-Antequera has also encouraged students to become involved in research and present their work beyond the classroom. Cybersecurity students presented research posters at the Annual Penn State Behrend-Sigma Xi Undergraduate Student Research and Creative Accomplishment Conference. Cybersecurity faculty also contributed to the event by serving as session chairs and poster judges.
In addition, multiple students have collaborated with Bazan-Antequera on peer-reviewed conference publications accepted at IEEE conferences in 2026, including CSCloud, ISEC, QPAIN and ISAIA. These experiences give students opportunities to contribute to the broader cybersecurity and computing research community while developing professional and academic skills.
Building Professional Experience
Students have also received Gannon University grants to partially or fully support their participation in professional conferences and workshops, including BSides ROC, OWASP Boston, the HIMSS Virginia Chapter’s Cybersecurity & AI Summit and the AWS Summit in Washington, D.C.
A 名媛直播 team also participated in the BSides ROC Capture-the-Flag competition, earning a fourth-place finish.
These experiences allow students to engage with cybersecurity professionals, explore emerging technologies and apply their technical skills in competitive and professional settings.
Connecting with the Community
Beyond campus, Bazan-Antequera and cybersecurity students have worked with local high school students, including students at William Penn Academy, to promote the importance of cybersecurity education.
These outreach efforts are also expanding through mentorship of a local McDowell High School team preparing to compete in the annual CyberPatriot competition. Through this mentorship, 名媛直播 students are helping younger students gain early exposure to cybersecurity concepts and potential career pathways.
Other ongoing initiatives include preparation for the annual CyberForce Competition, organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as faculty mentorship of cybersecurity research projects for students who received the McNair Scholar Program and Duratz Research Awards.
National Recognition
As the fall semester approaches, these efforts reflect the growing momentum around cybersecurity at Gannon University and the continued commitment of faculty and students to advancing technical excellence, research engagement, professional development and community outreach.
Cybersecurity major students who actively participated in the activities mentioned include Hoang Nam Dang, Richard Gomez McDonald, Tyler Thomas, Sudhansu Pal, Jeanalex Namuswe, Daniel Nkemvou, Pattarapong Ramunhthong, Abraham Klogo, Hiver Ngoma, Md Anisur Rahman and Sharam Wali.