Texas Tech Breaks Ground on Critical Infrastructure Security Site

Summary:

Newswise — Texas Tech University broke ground on the Critical Infrastructure Security Site at the Reese National Security Complex, expanding its role in protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure systems. The site positions Texas Tech as a growing national hub for cybersecurity, cyber-physical defense and interdisciplinary partnerships focused on addressing emerging threats to infrastructure security.

Why This Matters:

• Forefront of Protection: The new site strengthens research and innovation aimed at protecting critical systems such as the electrical grid, water utilities, communications and military infrastructure from evolving threats.
• Workforce Development: Texas Tech is building a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity and defense professionals through hands-on training, federal partnerships and programs that engage students and current industry workers.
• Leadership in Research: The Critical Infrastructure Security Institute elevates Texas Tech’s role as a leader in critical infrastructure protection, leveraging expertise in cybersecurity, energy and cyber-physical systems to support national resilience.

In 2024, Texas Tech University established an institute dedicated to examining vulnerabilities in the critical infrastructure of the U.S. and develop methods to clarify and mediate those vulnerabilities. 

On Tuesday, construction began on a site to expand that work.

Officials broke ground at the Texas Tech University Reese National Security Complex (RNSC) on the Critical Infrastructure Security Site, which will expand the capacity to advance research, innovation and collaboration in national security and critical infrastructure protection.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone for the Texas Tech University Reese National Security Complex and for our growing leadership in national security research,” said President Lawrence Schovanec. “As the first major development at the RNSC since the passage of House Bill 5092, this project demonstrates the momentum behind our efforts to build a nationally recognized hub for research and workforce development focused on protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure.”

The Critical Infrastructure Security Institute (CISI) advances the protection, resilience and security posture of our nation’s critical infrastructure systems. It accomplishes this goal by developing cutting-edge solutions to emerging security challenges through interdisciplinary research, innovative education and strategic partnerships. The institute utilizes infrastructure design, threat intelligence, cyber analytics and research capacity to achieve this goal.

CISI builds on Texas Tech’s existing strengths in cybersecurity, energy and cyber-physical systems research as well as its uniquely qualified faculty to ensure the U.S. stays at the forefront of technology and produces a workforce capable of protecting the country from future threats. From testing critical power infrastructure to cyber-physical defense, this facility will allow CISI to serve as a national hub for innovation, certification and national security while training the next generation of scientists and engineers.

“This groundbreaking reflects Texas Tech’s growing role in securing the nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Stephen Bayne, vice president for national security and executive director of the CISI. “This research site strengthens our ability to protect the systems our nation, state and community depend on every day and delivers solutions that address evolving threats to infrastructure security.”

CISI also works with federal, industry and educational partners to monitor and update networks to strengthen critical infrastructure security and develop standards, best practices and innovative technologies that will decrease the vulnerabilities of the electrical grid, water utilities, communication, military and other systems vital to the economies of the region, state and nation.

“Texas continues to lead the nation in defense innovation and research, and Texas Tech University’s new Critical Infrastructure Security Site will further strengthen that mission,” said Texas House of Representatives Speaker Dustin Burrows. “Located at the Reese National Security Complex, this facility will help develop the next generation of cybersecurity and defense professionals while advancing critical research that strengthens our national security and prepares Texas to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The Texas Legislature remains committed to supporting research and infrastructure projects that expand these capabilities and support Texas’ leadership in defense and cybersecurity.”

CISI has already made an impact through a variety of training and curriculum opportunities to equip professionals already in the workforce as well as high school and college students preparing to do so.

The West Texas Cyber Workforce Development Consortium established critical infrastructure security training, providing hands-on experience with resilient, cyber-physical systems to industry professionals and college and high school students. This is sponsored by a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The Texas Talent Connections Development grant from the Texas Workforce Commission combines efforts from Texas Tech, West Texas A&M and others to train high school and college students as well as those in the industry as information and operations systems security professionals.

The Army Research Lab workforce development pilot grant supports a comprehensive research and workforce development program that tackles challenges related to national defense and enhances research capabilities in cybersecurity and materials science. Students receive hands-on, real-world experience through applied research projects and internships.

“The start of construction on the Critical Infrastructure Security Site is not only great news for Texas Tech, but for the Lone Star State as a whole, and I applaud my friend Speaker Burrows and Texas Tech leaders for their vision to create this important site,” Sen. John Cornyn said. “Once completed, this facility will strengthen our nation’s cyber defense capabilities, create opportunities for education and innovation and bolster Texas’ place as a leader in the evolving field of critical infrastructure protection.”