Cyber professionals connect with Huntsville students

By Sgt. Eben Isaac Boothby (AMC)June 24, 2016

Cyber professionals connect with Huntsville students
Cyber professionals relate their experiences and words of wisdom to Huntsville students participating in cyber camp on June 15, 2016. Cyber camp is a week-long event designed to prepare students for the upcoming national Cyber Patriot competition and... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Leaders in the cyber community shared their experiences and technical advice with Huntsville City students during a panel discussion, June 15.

Dawn Dunkerly, Chief of the Cyber Division, Army Materiel Command, joined four other panelists at the Huntsville City Schools Annual Summer Cyber Camp. The camp, hosted annually, prepares rising 9th through 12th graders for the upcoming national Cyber Patriot competition. The competition places teams of students in the scenario of newly hired IT professionals tasked with managing the network of a small company.

During the panel, Dunkerly revealed grim statistics.

"There are scholars and writers discussing the concept of a fourth industrial revolution," said Dunkerly. "This means around 5 million jobs will be lost before 2020 due to automation."

She also spoke directly to the girls in the room.

"There is a disproportionate lack of women within the STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] fields of cyber security," said Dunkerly. "There will be a heavier burden on women if office jobs are lost due to automation. 2020 is not that far from now and will impact you when you are entering the workforce. The way to empower yourself is by getting into STEM programs, find something you love and make a difference and find something that cannot be automated."

Students had a chance to talk one-on-one with the speakers after the panel convened.

"Today's panel was really inspiring. They tell us we can be anyone we want to be in cyber if we are dedicated and love what we do," said Briana Moore, a 9th grader at Grissom High School. "I am interested in software development and coding. I love a challenge, and I love figuring out things on my own."

The Cyber Patriot Competition kicks off in October 2016, cumulating in the national finals in April 2017.