SMU recognized by Raytheon as strategic partner in cyber research

Raytheon Company has named Southern Methodist University (SMU) as a strategic partner in cyber research based on the company's collaborative efforts with the Darwin Deason Institute for Cyber Security in SMU's Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering. The strategic partnership includes joint research projects in cyber security, Raytheon internships for SMU students, and strategic education initiatives benefiting both SMU and Raytheon.

"We are very proud to have earned this designation," said Fred Chang, director of the Deason Institute and the Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Centennial Distinguished Chair in Cyber Security. "The work we do together benefits SMU and Raytheon, government and industry, and ultimately anyone with a laptop or smart phone. It will also help train our students to become part of a desperately needed workforce of cyber defenders."

"Collaboration between academic centers of excellence like SMU and industry leaders like Raytheon is a powerful engine for innovation," said Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. "This strategic partnership is an example of Raytheon's commitment to growing the cyber workforce and enhancing the technology and capabilities needed to help our customers and society face the ever growing cyber threat."

Raytheon also utilizes the Lyle School's training for its own workforce. Fifty-nine Raytheon employees have graduated from the school's Master of Security Engineering program since 2005 when the program began.

"The work Dr. Chang is directing through the Deason Institute taps the University's strengths in technology, social science, policy and the law to attack perhaps the most challenging problem facing our society today: cybersecurity," said Lyle School Dean Marc Christensen. "It's one reason why this strategic partnership with Raytheon is so important to us."

Provided by Southern Methodist University