Center for Cyber Education

In 2018, the University of Maine System (UMS) and its member institutions of higher education established the Maine Cybersecurity Center (MCC), serving as the designated Center for Cyber Education and focal point for its cyber curriculum and practice. The MCC is responsible for providing cyber defense education support and resources to any institution within the UMS. The center shall provide program guidance and oversight, general cyber defense information, and collaboration and outreach opportunities among students, faculty, and other institutions.

MCC Mission & Goal

Our mission is to provide the State of Maine with a trained cybersecurity workforce, based on guidance from the National Centers of Academic Excellence (NCAE) in Cyber education, a program jointly sponsored by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Our goal is aimed at advanced cybersecurity curriculum and practice by investing in and implementing technology that provides remote access to immersive training and simulation; such as virtual lab environments and a cyber range that delivers real-world real-time security operations center experience. We are committed to workforce development and building a comprehensive network of partnerships among academia and industry.

UMA Cyber Advisory Committee

The committee consists of industry professionals who provide programmatic guidance over the activities of the center and the NCAE program as a whole. The committee provides a connection between the program, Center, college/department, and the local community.

Daisy Mueller, Cybersecurity Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Advises senior state and local management government officials on risk levels and security posture. Advises senior management on cost-benefit analysis of information security programs, programs and processes. Reviews risk management programs by using evaluation results to create or enhance the effectiveness of the partner’s information sharing. Delivers key mitigation capabilities to owners and operators that are designed to reduce risks to the nation’s critical cyber infrastructure. Participates in cybersecurity partnerships with and across critical infrastructure owners, operators and state, local, tribal and territorial government. Promotes collaborative efforts to reduce risks and threats to critical information, enterprise, communications, and control systems. Participates as a presenter in regional local conferences and symposia relating to cybersecurity initiatives. And builds regional and local cybersecurity coalitions to promote information sharing. Daisy was previously the Critical Infrastructure Protection Officer for the Maine Emergency Management Agency. She is a M.S. in Cybersecurity degree candidate, holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies (2004), and an A.S. in Forest Technology (2003).

Connect with Daisy on LinkedIn

Angela Oechslie, Program Director, Educate Maine

Directs the initiatives and projects which connect Mainers to IT and computing careers and increases the network of professionals in the field. Leads Computer Science expansion efforts to all Maine students. Serves on a statewide CS leadership team with the MDOE. Is a founding member organization of the CS4Maine Coalition. Leads strategy and development of programs and initiatives that move the needle for all Maine Learners. Created and launched CS Connected program. Serves on several education and workforce leadership teams. Developed and launched the Project Login Podcast. Angela holds a Master of Organizational Communication (2018), a B.S.B.A. in Business Administration & Management (2012), and an A.S. in Communications (2000).

Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

Michael Keighley, CISSP, PMP, CEH, Director of Information Systems, MaineGeneral

Health – HIPAA Security Officer/IT Service Desk. Oversees the Information Security Department and IT Service Desk. Michael is a former U.S. Army Brigade Combat Team Senior Communications Officer and Information Assurance Manager. Michael holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology Management (2014), and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management (2006).

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

James Lagasse, VP & Information Security Officer, Kennebec Savings Bank

Experienced Chief Technology Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. Skilled in Servers, Active Directory, Data Center, Virtualization, and Management. Strong information technology and information security professional.

Connect with James on LinkedIn

Brian McDonald, Director of IT & Administration, Maine Municipal Association

Work involves the development, implementation, configuration, and support of MMA’s technology infrastructure. Brian started his career at the Maine Municipal Association in 2012 as the Technical Support Specialist, served as the IT Manager for 7 years before being promoted to serve as the Director of Information Technology and Administration in 2021. He has worked in the Information Technology field for 20 years. Brian holds a B.S. in Business Administration (2016), and an A.A.S. in Electromechanical Technology/Electromechanical Engineering Technology (2004).

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

Point of Contact

  • Henry Felch, DCS
    Director, Maine Cyber Center
    Director, Maine Cyber Range
    UMA Professor of Cyber/CIS
    henry.felch@maine.edu

Professional Development

External Cybersecurity News Sources

Key Cybersecurity Resources for Students

Institutional Security Resources & Awareness

Last updated 05/2024