UNM re-designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Research
UNM re-designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Research
Publish Date: 2026-02-13 15:37:00
Source Domain: news.unm.edu
The University of New Mexico has been redesignated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R) through the 2030 academic year.
This prestigious recognition reflects a strong, interdisciplinary collaboration among the Anderson School of Management, the Department of Computer Science, and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) within the School of Engineering, reinforcing UNM’s position as a leading research institution.
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program is managed by the National Security Agency’s National Cryptologic University in partnership with federal agencies including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, the National Science Foundation, and others. The program’s mission is to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity workforce by recognizing institutions that demonstrate excellence in high-quality, innovative education and research through designations such as CAE-R.
The redesignation effort was led by Anderson faculty members Sandra Moore, Sc.D., clinical business faculty member, and Robert Luo, Ph.D., distinguished professor in the Department of Marketing, Information, and Decision Sciences (MIDS), alongside School of Engineering faculty Christos Christodoulou, Ph.D., professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Afsah Anwar, Ph.D., assistant professor in Computer Science.
“The process involves an intensive audit of faculty research productivity, program sustainability, and strategic vision,” said Luo. “It culminates in a rigorous peer review by federal partners to ensure the institution meets the highest national standards for research excellence.” The year-long evaluation examines the previous five years of faculty and student research, publications, and outreach activities.
“This achievement is truly interdisciplinary,” Luo added. “While faculty in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science focus…
