Student Chapter Welcomes Biometrics Expert as First Guest Speaker

The Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Student Subchapter of AFCEA held its first luncheon in September featuring guest speaker Kenneth Fritzsche, director of the Identity Technology Division in the Office of Biometric Identity Management within the National Protection and Programs Directorate of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The event created a platform for attendees to discuss topics related to the future of cybersecurity within the workforce. Walter Pehrsson, NOVA-Woodbridge information technology assistant professor, is the academic adviser for the new student chapter. It was chartered after members from the parent chapter participated as a corporate sponsor at NOVA's first hackathon event last year. With assistance from Chair of Strategic Initiatives Jeff Thompson, the student chapter has significantly increased its membership from five NOVA students and alumni to 17 since its launch about a year ago, Pehrsson said. "We are all about connecting our students with the right resources they need to become successful and competitive professionals in the [information technology] and cybersecurity industry," he said. In establishing the student chapter, Thompson added, "We conducted an analysis in the area on what we thought would align well with our overall charter, which is to provide a forum for military, government, education and industry communities to collaborate so that technology and strategy align with the needs of those who serve. NOVA became our top choice because of the college's active cybersecurity and [information technology] academic programs and involvement within the community. NOVA is the largest educational institution in the state, with a very diverse student population and a stellar commitment to student success." The chapter offers plenty of professional development opportunities for NOVA students and alumni with a career interest in cybersecurity and information technology. It provides a forum to discuss cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and methods as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and facilitates information technology industry placement for students. Seminars, internship assistance and industry networking opportunities are available to members. In addition to sponsoring the student chapter, AFCEA Belvoir supports the Fort Belvoir community by providing networking opportunities for government and information technology professionals. The chapter also donates approximately $50,000 annually in grants and scholarships to area high schools and college students with an interest in STEM-related fields.

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