Two senior information systems students in the Sorrell College of Business have been awarded scholarships from Information Systems Security Association’s Central Alabama chapter.

The awards mark the first time TROY students have received the scholarships, said Sven Aelterman, lecturer of information technology and director of IT for the college.

Stephanie Martin, a senior international student from France, and Ka Ming “Erik” Mak, a senior from Dothan, were awarded the scholarships after submitting essays in cybersecurity, competing with other students from other schools in the state with established cybersecurity programs, such as the University of Alabama and University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“The scholarship is awarded to students with a demonstrated interest in cybersecurity, studying at a higher education institution in Alabama,” Aelterman said. “It reflects well on the level of cybersecurity education Sorrell College students receive in the information systems program, and we are proud of their efforts.”

Both majoring in Global Business with a concentration in Information Systems, Martin received a $1,000 scholarship at the “emerging cybersecurity talent” level while Mak received $2,500 at the “cybersecurity excellence level.”

The scholarships are made available through proceeds of the annual Cyber NOW security conference that is co-organized by CA ISSA. This year, a total of $17,000 in scholarships were awarded.

CA ISSA is a working group of information security professionals and practitioners of all levels. The chapter provides networking and educational opportunities for its members in an open forum. The Central Alabama chapter is one of 140 chapters in 35 countries with some 10,000 members, and is the largest international, not-for-profit association specifically for security professionals.