University of New Haven Launches State of Connecticut-Supported AI for Cybersecurity Concentration
University of New Haven Launches State of Connecticut-Supported AI for Cybersecurity Concentration
https://www.newhaven.edu/news/releases/2026/tech-accelerator-grant.php
Publish Date: 2026-04-09 14:00:00
Source Domain: www.newhaven.edu
Led by Mehdi Mekni, Ph.D., the University of New Haven is embedding artificial intelligence directly into its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity to help address Connecticut’s growing workforce demand for AI-enabled cyber professionals. It is supported by a grant from the state’s Tech Talent Accelerator 3.0 program.
April 9, 2026
Backed by a State of Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator 3.0 grant, students engage in a new AI for Cybersecurity concentration designed to meet growing workforce demand
The University of New Haven is expanding its leadership in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence through a new AI for Cybersecurity concentration, supported by a grant from the State of Connecticut’s Tech Talent Accelerator 3.0 program.
The initiative is led by Mehdi Mekni, Ph.D., professor and director of the B.S. in cybersecurity program, in collaboration with Ardiana Sula, Ph.D., Shivanjali Khare, Ph.D., and Tirthankar Ghosh, Ph.D. from the Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science Department (ECECS). The innovative concentration embeds applied AI skills directly into the University’s ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.
“The inspiration came from a very real and urgent workforce need in Connecticut,” said Dr. Mekni.
As demand for AI-skilled talent accelerates across the state, employers are increasingly seeking professionals who understand both cybersecurity fundamentals and applied AI techniques. Dr. Mekni said that gap is especially visible in industries such as insurance and financial services.
“Travelers, our lead industry partner, faces growing challenges in fraud detection, compliance, and cyber-risk management, all of which increasingly rely on AI-enabled tools and workflows,” he said.
At the same time, he…
