Podcasts Technology Gordon And Mike's ICT Podcast A Conversation with Computer Forensics Professor Paula Velluto [3:46]

A Conversation with Computer Forensics Professor Paula Velluto [3:46]

Published: Sept. 2, 2008, 11:55 p.m.

b'Bunker Hill Community College Professor Paula Velluto has received National Science Foundation funding to create a model computer forensics program.

The project is\\na regional collaboration of Middlesex Community College, Bristol Community College, Bunker Hill Community College, Northern Essex Community College and the University of Massachusetts Boston to meet the regional need of law\\nenforcement for trained computer forensics (CF) technicians. The\\nprograms uniquely combine the disciplines of Information Technology and Criminal Justice and are tailored to the needs of each\\ninstitution.

The CFATE NSF project focuses on achieving three goals:


To\\ncreate computer forensics programs that align with law enforcement,\\npublic safety, private industry and homeland security needs to ensure\\nconsistent, current and flexible training. CFATE works with\\nlocal/regional law enforcement agencies and industries to determine the\\nneeded skill set. Faculty workshops are being conducted to facilitate\\nintegration of CJ and IT into courses and expedite curriculum\\ndevelopment on a consortium wide basis. CF experts work with the\\ncolleges to ensure that materials are rich in real world content. UMass\\nBoston is developing baccalaureate programs that accept community\\ncollege graduates and provide them with career pathways. In addition,\\nCFATE is developing stand-alone courses and programs for IT\\nprofessionals and CJ practitioners.

To offer\\nregional professional development opportunities for educators to\\ndevelop expertise needed for teaching these programs. In addition to\\nworkshops on CJ and IT integration, extensive workshops on CF and the\\nuse of state-of-the-art software are being offered. Curriculum\\ndevelopment workshops emphasize learner-centered pedagogy that give\\nstudents needed skills. CF experts work individually with faculty and\\nmentor them as they deliver CF courses.

To expand the\\ncapacity in the region to attract students from diverse backgrounds to\\nCF programs at each institution and support them in gaining employment\\nin related positions. CFATE is creating recruitment materials such as\\nCDs, brochures, and interactive websites to reach local schools and\\nlocal and regional community organizations. This is combined with\\ntargeted personal outreach to schools and organizations.

\\n\\n\\nI\'ve know Paula for many years and have always been so\\nimpressed with her technical knowledge, experience, vision and\\n(especially) the way she works with her students. Paula is one of the\\nbest and last month I had the opportunity to interview her at the SAME-TEC 2008 Conference in Austin, TX.

You can get more information on the CFATE rogram at Bunker Hill Community College here. The project website at CFATE.ORG will also be up shortly.'