UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI

05/29/2026

The conversation around AI data centers is heating up in Escambia County.

Dr. Guillermo Francia, III, highlights key differences between small-scale and hyperscale data centers in the Pensacola News Journal article below. Key points:

➡️ Enterprise Data Centers:
↳ Smaller, used for specific business needs.
↳ Minimal environmental impact.

➡️ AI-Centric Data Centers:
↳ Large facilities for training AI models.
↳ High demands for power, water, and generate substantial noise.

📰Read the full article for more insights: https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2026/04/22/florida-ai-data-centers-could-cost-communities-theyre-built-in/89697097007/

University of West Florida

Data centers are popping up across Florida, but they can cause strain to the communities they're built in.

05/23/2026

The University of West Florida ’s Center for Cybersecurity and AI team pauses to reflect on the profound significance of this day. It is a time for remembrance, a solemn occasion to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day is more than just a holiday; it's a day steeped in history and meaning. It is a day dedicated to those who died defending the freedoms and values we hold dear. These heroes represent the very best of our nation, demonstrating courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our way of life.

We wish everyone a safe holiday weekend as we celebrate our nation's heroes.

05/18/2026

The University of West Florida placed third in the 2025 CAE-CD Community Outreach Award Competition, which is given by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community to a CAE-Cyber Defense designated institution. Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president for the UWF Center...

05/07/2026

Your passwords protect more than just your accounts… they protect your identity, finances, and personal information.

Today is World Password Day 🌎💻

Take a few minutes to strengthen your online safety by:
✅ Updating old or weak passwords
✅ Using strong, unique passwords for every account
✅ Turning on multi-factor authentication
✅ Using a trusted password manager to keep passwords secure

Small changes today can make a big difference in protecting your digital life tomorrow. 🔒

University of West Florida

05/05/2026

🎉 Celebrating Our Cybersecurity Ambassadors 🎓
We are proud to recognize two incredible ambassadors from the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity and AI who are graduating and ready to lead in the cybersecurity space 🔐

✨ Amanda Taylor
B.S. Cybersecurity
CompTIA Sec+ Certified

✨ Sofia Houlihan
B.S. Cybersecurity
CompTIA Sec+ Certified

Your commitment to educating and protecting others in the digital world has made a lasting impact. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next

05/05/2026

🎉 Celebrating Our Research Assistants 🎓

Today, we are proud to recognize the incredible research assistants from the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity and AI who are graduating and advancing the future of technology and innovation 👏

✨ Dr. Md Abdur Rahman
Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems and Robotics
✨ Dr. ABM Kamrul Riad
Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems and Robotics
✨ Mahmudul Islam Prakash
M.S. in Data Science
✨ Aiden Black
B.S. in Computer Science and Cybersecurity

Your work, dedication, and contributions to research have made a lasting impact. We are excited to see how you continue to lead and innovate in your fields

05/05/2026

🎉 Celebrating Our Student Assistants 🎓

Today, we recognize two outstanding student assistants from the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity and AI who are graduating and making their mark in tech and business 👏

-Angelina Scamardo
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics
Cybersecurity Certificate

-Rylie Stephens
MBA with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship

Your dedication, growth, and impact have been incredible to watch. We are excited to see where your journeys take you next

05/05/2026

🎉 Honoring an Outstanding Scholar 🎓
Join us in congratulating a remarkable graduate from the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity and AI 👏

- Dr. Kyle Stein
Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems and Robotics
NSF CyberCorps® SFS (ACES) Scholar

Your dedication to advancing research and innovation in cybersecurity and intelligent systems is inspiring.

04/30/2026

Dr. Eman El-Sheikh appears in the latest Florida Trend magazine in an insightful article on the growing importance of cybersecurity, highlighting critical issues facing businesses and individuals alike. From ransomware attacks crippling infrastructure to the ever-present threat of data breaches, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more apparent.

The article underscores several key challenges: the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, and the need for proactive strategies to mitigate risk. These are complex problems that demand innovative solutions and a workforce equipped to handle the evolving digital landscape.

At the University of West Florida's (UWF) Center for Cybersecurity and AI, our faculty is at the forefront of addressing these very challenges. Our team of experts is dedicated to not only understanding the intricacies of cyber threats but also to developing cutting-edge strategies and technologies to combat them.

We are committed to:

📚Educating the Next Generation: Our programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the cybersecurity field, helping to bridge the talent gap and meet the growing demand for qualified professionals.

🔬Conducting Groundbreaking Research: Our faculty is actively involved in research that pushes the boundaries of cybersecurity knowledge, exploring new approaches to threat detection, prevention, and response.

🤝Partnering with Industry: We collaborate with businesses and organizations to provide cybersecurity solutions, training, and expertise, helping them to strengthen their defenses and protect their valuable assets.

The issues highlighted in Florida Trend's article are not just abstract concerns; they are real threats that impact our communities and economy. The UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI is committed to providing leadership in this critical area, working tirelessly to create a more secure digital future for all. We are proud to be part of the solution, empowering individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape with confidence.

📖Read the article at https://digital.floridatrend.com/publication/?i=863284&p=68&view=issueViewer.

04/27/2026

The University of West Florida has officially broken ground on its newest research facility, "The Synapse," marking a significant step forward in the university's commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation. This state-of-the-art building promises to be a dynamic hub for collaboration, discovery, and advancement in critical fields.

The Synapse will house a variety of research initiatives, and, excitingly, the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI will be relocating to this new facility upon its completion. This move signifies an exciting new chapter for the center, poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth and impact.

The relocation to The Synapse will provide the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI with access to advanced infrastructure and resources, fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking research. The new facility will enable the center to:

📖Expand Research Capacity: With increased space and advanced technology, the center can broaden its research scope, tackling increasingly complex challenges in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

💡Enhance Collaboration: The Synapse is designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration. The center will be able to work more closely with other departments and researchers, fostering a synergistic environment for innovation.

🦄Attract Top Talent: A modern, cutting-edge facility like The Synapse will serve as a magnet for attracting top researchers, faculty, and students, further strengthening the center's expertise and capabilities.

🤝Strengthen Community Partnerships: The Synapse will provide opportunities to expand partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and other organizations, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology to the broader community.

The Synapse represents a bold investment in the future of research at UWF. The relocation of the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI to this innovative space promises to accelerate discoveries, drive economic growth, and position UWF as a leader in these critical fields. The future is bright for research and innovation at the University of West Florida.