Show-Me State Times

Put on a pair of virtual reality (VR) goggles and step into a vault of computer servers and screens. Use your controllers to move forward onto a launch pad, which will trigger a cybersecurity challenge. Pass the test and move on to the next room. Need help? Just summon your digital droid named Robi and ask a question.

Welcome to USucceed, a platform University of Missouri researchers are building to teach cybersecurity to individuals with autism, dyslexia, attention-deficit disorders, and other neurodevelopmental differences.

The platform serves two critical functions, said Noah Glaser, an assistant professor and director of the Information Experience Laboratory in Mizzou’s College of Education and Human Development. First, it aims to address the growing need for a skilled cybersecurity workforce. Second, it prepares neurodivergent adults for lucrative and rewarding careers.

“Technology is everywhere,” Glaser said. “The more devices we have, the more security issues become prevalent, and the more data is taken, stolen and leaked. What we’re doing is helping bring neurodivergent individuals into the STEM workforce.”

Since the 1990s, research has linked individuals with neurodevelopmental differences, particularly autism, to excelling in computer-related fields. This is often attributed to a logical thinking style. Virtual reality environments are especially suitable because settings can be changed to meet individual needs. For instance, lighting can be adjusted, stimuli can be reduced and settings can be customized.

“Participants are learning these important skills in a VR environment that is safe, controllable, adaptable and customizable to their unique skills and needs,” Glaser adds.

Glaser and Prasad Calyam, the Greg L. Gilliom Professor in Cyber Security and Director of the Cyber Education Research Infrastructure Center (CERI), in Mizzou’s College of Engineering began building the platform last fall with funding from the National Science Foundation.

Young adults aren’t just learning to use the platform; they’re also helping design it. Neurodivergent individuals from Mizzou’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment’s STRIVE program for individual vocational experiences and Mizzou’s Preparing Adults for Work and Society (PAWS) program have been working alongside researchers providing valuable insights and expertise.

“Recognizing the importance of engaging neurodivergent students in ways that support workforce development we partnered with PAWS to ensure these voices are central to the project,” Glaser said. “We’re teaching these individuals how to work in cyber environments they’re helping us build the program — getting paid while they learn cybersecurity develop game.”

Seven individuals assisted with this past school year none had prior cybersecurity experience They were able develop system learn material less than four months Glaser said

This summer participants Calyam's NSF-funded Research Experience Undergraduates REU program helped further enhance platform's capabilities More individuals community programs will hired this fall continue building testing platform

Once completed game feature multiple levels similar escape room challenge difficulty each level adjusted based participant's prior performance

“In first phase we're building room introduce users platform concepts around cyberattacks” Calyam said “In later more advanced rooms they'll apply what they've learned about cybersecurity more sophisticated mock attacks They'll have use their knowledge use assistance AI-based pedagogical agent 'Robi' developing come up creative solutions various problems”

Glaser said ultimate goal scale up platform release open-source software anyone use adapt their needs

“We're passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals but this tool can used any audience wanting teach students work cybersecurity” he said “Even smaller components such as AI agent Robi novel built upon adapted different environments But our biggest takeaway so far Don’t underestimate people because they have diagnosis”