Sherri Pearlman, former Marine Corporal, is one of 11 scholarship recipients through initiative led by ACSA; Award includes HP internship opportunity
San Diego, Calif. – August 14, 2014 – Sherri Pearlman, a former Marine Corporal pursuing her master’s degree at National University, has been named one of 11 recipients of the Women Studying Information Security (SWSIS) scholarship program, which aims to increase the number of women pursuing careers in information security-related fields. Pearlman is enrolled in the Cyber Security and Information Assurance program at National University, California’s second-largest private, nonprofit university.
The scholarship initiative is led by the nonprofit Applied Computer Security Associates (ACSA), and it is supported in part by Hewlett-Packard Co and the Computer Research Association’s Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research (CRA-W). As a scholarship recipient, Pearlman will receive $2,500 and an internship opportunity with Hewlett-Packard.
“I am extremely honored to have received this award, which recognizes the need to encourage more women to pursue and develop careers in the computer sciences, particularly in cyber security and information assurance,” said Pearlman. “I hope that others can be inspired to follow their interests in this field, much like I did from an early age as I developed an interest in computers and then worked in the IT field before commencing my studies at National University.”
National University is among a select group of universities around the country designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. The university’s program provides both theory and hands-on experience, which include the application of an Information Security Lab where professors create scenarios on multiple machine platforms for students to assess and defend through role-playing exercises. Pearlman, who served in the Marine Corps from 2007 to 2012, also has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from National University. She expects to graduate from National University with her master’s degree in Cyber Security and Information Assurance in 2015.
“National University is extremely proud of Sherri Pearlman for being recognized for her talent and hard work through this scholarship, and the internship opportunity with Hewlett-Packard,” said Chris Simpson, Program Lead of the Cyber Security and Information Assurance Program. “She’s an outstanding student and we’re thrilled her efforts earned this prestigious honor, while competing against students from many other universities around the country for these scholarships.”
Career opportunities in cyber security and information assurance are expected to increase, and demand is high for current jobs, according to data from several national studies. In San Diego County alone, cyber security employers expect to see their cyber security work force grow by more than 25 percent in 2014, according to research by the National University System Institute for Policy Research that was developed in conjunction with several other partners on behalf of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation.
National University’s Cyber Security and Information Assurance program is offered through the School of Engineering and Computing, which offers a range of career specialties in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. The School is committed to increasing the number of women in STEM fields by identifying strong student candidates and sponsoring activities that introduce younger women to cyber security as a career option.
About National University
Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. With 30,000 students and more than 230,000 alumni, National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students. Five schools and one college – the College of Letters and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the School of Education; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies – offer more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teacher credentials. Programs are offered at more than 45 locations throughout California and across the nation, and are also available online. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California.
Media Contact
Anna Cearley
Director of Public Relations
858-642-8163
acearley@nusaweb.dev