Kendall Nygard, professor of computer science, was named director of the NDSU Institute for Cyber Security Education and Research.

The institute will coordinate efforts at NDSU and across the North Dakota University System to jointly improve network infrastructure, software and other computer security education and research in the state.

The initial focus includes a graduate certificate program in cyber security as part of the NDSU computer science department’s bachelor’s degree programs. The certificate is a collaboration between NDSU, Minot State University and the University of North Dakota.

NDSU, Minot State and UND began offering the graduate certificate in cyber security this fall.

Nygard earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics at Minnesota State University Moorhead, a master’s degree in mathematics at Minnesota State University Mankato and a doctorate in operations research at Virginia Tech University. He has been awarded about $4.5 million in research grants and contracts, and published 29 journal articles, a book, seven book chapters and 128 referenced conference papers.

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