CSE professor and UNT Center for Information & Cyber Security director, Dr. Ram Dantu, was recognized as a finalist for the Innovation in Education category at the D Magazine - D CEO Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards 2023. This category includes nonprofit organizations who work to provide or support educational resources that help prepare the next generation of talent and/or provide a pathway toward a better future. D CEO and Communities Foundation of Texas proudly honor professionals and organizations in the nonprofit world at this event; nonprofits that make a positive and efficient impact on the community, while celebrating the efforts of other corporations and business leaders who support local nonprofits as well. 

"It is a humble experience to stand next to extraordinary charity leaders and philanthropists as a finalist. These great humans help our communities' underprivileged and physically/mentally challenged people... Thanks to DCEO for organizing the reception and dinner. This kind of event motivates the communities to go the extra mile." says Dr. Dantu.

"[The] UNT CSE department is the only department in DFW area (one of the very few in Texas) offering BS in cybersecurity, MS in cybersecurity and PhD in cybersecurity. We started these programs just two years ago but we already have more than 500 students on the track. We researched and developed workforce development tools for matching job postings to student skills." Dr. Dantu also discusses in detail how the department's research efforts assisted in the safety of two prominent communities in the DFW. "In particular, we came up with an innovative idea for the development of micro credits and a micro transcript for matching the skills. In other projects, we researched, developed and trained  EMS personnel of the city of Plano and the city of Frisco (next generation 9-1-1). We also developed technology for innovative ideas for safe driving on the road."

This event was held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at The Factory in Deep Ellum, Dallas TX.