Empowering Future Innovators: NIST CTL Connects Cybersecurity Students with Real-World Research

As digital infrastructure increasingly influences our daily lives, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is committed to advancing cybersecurity research while also inspiring the next generation of STEM talent. Recently, the NIST Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) hosted high school students from the St. Vrain Valley School District Innovation Center in Longmont, Colorado, offering them a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the federal research environment that is shaping the future of secure communications.

These students, enrolled in a dedicated cybersecurity track at the Innovation Center, are tackling real-world challenges by applying the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) to help local businesses strengthen their cybersecurity readiness. Their visit to the NIST Boulder campus served as a capstone experience bridging the gap between classroom learning and the tangible applications of cybersecurity science.

During their visit, students explored the breadth and complexity of CTL cybersecurity research. A highlight of the day was a hands-on demonstration in the National Broadband Interoperability Testbed (NBIT), a radio frequency anechoic chamber run by CTL. There, researcher Lee Evans showcased how CTL uses the chamber to simulate and study wireless environments to detect anomalies that may indicate performance issues or security threats. The session provided a clear link between theoretical concepts and experimental work, highlighting how CTL research directly supports public safety, national standards, and scalable cybersecurity solutions.

Beyond technology, the visit underscored the human dimension of research. CTL staff shared personal career journeys and highlighted how students can pursue internships, research apprenticeships, and entry-level positions at NIST. For many students, this was their first exposure to the idea that federal research institutions like NIST are accessible, collaborative, and committed to developing early-career talent.

The collaboration with the Innovation Center reflects the CTL mission to advance secure, interoperable communications while cultivating curiosity and understanding in emerging areas of science and technology. By engaging students in real-world research settings, CTL helps illuminate the pathways from classroom learning to scientific discovery, encouraging young minds to explore the role they might play in shaping the future of cybersecurity.

As the cybersecurity landscape becomes more complex, initiatives like this are essential. These engagements offer students meaningful insight into how scientific research informs real-world solutions, highlighting the broader significance of their academic interests. CTL continues to demonstrate how research, mentorship, and public service can converge to create meaningful impact by opening its doors to the next generation of innovators. 

To learn more, visit the  NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) webpage.