Chippewa Valley Times

Professor Holly Yuan from the University of Wisconsin-Stout has been awarded the Visionary Academic Leadership Award at the 14th annual Cyber Security Summit. The event, which took place in Minneapolis, gathered cybersecurity professionals, educators, and students to address emerging challenges in the field.

Yuan is recognized for her role as program director of B.S. cybersecurity and B.S. computer networking and infrastructure engineering at UW-Stout. She also founded the university's Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center (CyROC), focusing on research, education, and workforce development in cybersecurity within Wisconsin.

Yuan has successfully secured funding from various agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Workforce Development, to support student involvement in advanced research areas such as AI and cloud computing. This initiative has facilitated scholarships, internships, and job placements for students.

“I’m honored to be recognized with the Visionary Academic Leadership Award," Yuan stated. "Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s a recognition of the collective efforts of our students, faculty and partners."

Six students received scholarships to attend the summit: Ethan Coulthard from Neenah; Chloe Kaneski from Minneapolis; Fletcher Meyer from Appleton; Alexander Nachreiner from Mound, Minn.; Liam Nicholson from Milwaukee; and Owen Pryga from Grafton.

“The students received praise for their engagement and professionalism," said Yuan. "Everyone just loved them.”

Alumni David Tesar and Cheyne Taylor were present to celebrate with the students. Taylor nominated Yuan for her dedication to student advocacy at UW-Stout.

“When I was given the opportunity to nominate an individual for this honor, Dr. Holly Yuan came to mind immediately,” Taylor remarked.

UW-Stout emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and projects. Pryga noted that one challenge is keeping pace with industry developments while preparing future professionals.

Nicholson praised Yuan's efforts: “Holly has really been helping to advance the industry through her work in pushing UW-Stout’s program.”

In response to AI advancements, Yuan introduced a course on generative AI applications in cybersecurity. “This course explores how AI can be leveraged to enhance cybersecurity controls,” she explained.

Pryga highlighted Yuan's commitment: “Holly creates this unmatched enthusiasm... She supports the students in a variety of ways.”

A $298,771 grant was awarded to UW-Stout by Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development for cybersecurity internships addressing state needs.

Career Services Director Bryan Barts commented on these opportunities: “Students looking to use skills they built... demonstrate polytechnic education in practice.”

Ezra Wilhelmy began an internship at Yahara Software through this program, achieving significant accomplishments according to Yuan.

“It’s inspiring to see the real-world impact our students are making through these opportunities,” she said.

Additionally, a $124,555 federal grant will fund ACCESS — an initiative aimed at improving defense supply chain cybersecurity standards starting in 2025 under Yuan's leadership.

UW-Stout maintains its status as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity until 2028 by meeting rigorous NSA standards since 2017.