Research projects by computer science and engineering students will be featured during the 25th Annual North Texas Area Student Conference from 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17, in Bolin Science Hall. The conference will be face-to-face and virtual.

The NTASC provides a forum for graduate and undergraduate students in computer-related studies to present their projects, research efforts, or classroom experience to their peers and faculty. This year’s conference features more than 45 presentations of papers and projects by students from Cameron University as well as computer science and engineering students from the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics & Engineering. Catherine Stringfellow, Chair of the Department of Computer Science, said that many projects this year are focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and automation and robotics.

Michael Root, cybersecurity engineer at Ford Motor Company, will be the keynote speaker. Root leads the way on cutting-edge security technology for motor vehicles. He earned three associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, where he also taught for 10 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in education from Wayland Baptist University and a master’s in cybersecurity engineering from Southern Methodist University. In addition to his formal education, he has a Security+ certification from CompTIA.

Root has been working in the field and teaching cybersecurity since 1985, back when it was referred to as computer security. He served as a Secure Communications/Crypto Technician and Instructor in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years.

Upon retirement, he transitioned to an engineering position for the Air Force’s Cryptographic Modernization Program. He went on to lead crypto integration efforts for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a stealth multirole combat aircraft, and is now using his experience to enhance cybersecurity for both traditional and self-driving vehicles in the automobile industry. He has hands-on experience in crypto integration, encryption, digital signing, requirement writing, hardware security, and risk management.

The NTASC provides a forum in which students can share ideas and practice communication skills, and encourages association among universities in the North Texas-Southern Oklahoma area. It is a one-day event sponsored by the Department of Computer Science. Presentations will include individual or team projects, research efforts, and major classroom assignments.

For more information visit our web page , email the computer science department, or call 940-397-4578.