Mission and Organization

The Hume Center leads Virginia Tech's research, education, and outreach programs focused on the challenges of cybersecurity, autonomy, and resilience for the national security community. Education programs provide mentorship, internships, scholarships, and seek to address key challenges in qualified US citizens entering federal and industry service. Current research initiatives include machine learning and artificial intelligence, assured and secure communications, space and undersea missions, and 5G security.

Mission

The mission of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology is to cultivate the next generation of national security leaders by developing and executing research and experiential learning opportunities to engage students. Education programs engage principally undergraduates through experiential learning, scholarships, and internship and career opportunities in the national security sector. Research programs support graduate assistantships through sponsored research with defense and intelligence organizations. The core mission of the Hume Center is student-focused. Research activities support the student ecosystem, and as such all research activities include student participation. Research programs that would not support student involvement either because of their timing or nature of work are inconsistent with the student-focused mission of the Center.