By Apryl Motley – Communications Consultant, MS-CC
Meet the MS-CC Spotlight
Editor’s Note: This Q&A kicks off our series of short interviews spotlighting members of the MS-CC community. Be on the lookout for additional interviews each month, and email Apryl Motley if there’s an MS-CC community member you like us to spotlight in the future or if you would like to be in the spotlight yourself. We appreciate community members and all they do to move our mission forward.
“Empower through knowledge; lead through innovation.” That’s Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid’s mantra, and it falls in line with what he likes most about his role as an assistant professor in West Virginia State University’s department of math, computer science, and engineering.
“I enjoy developing innovative solutions to cybersecurity challenges while mentoring students to become future leaders in the field,” he said. Dr. Al-Sinayyid also serves as director of the WVSU Cybersecurity Innovation Center (CIC).
Here’s his take on how participation in the MS-CC benefits him and his institution.
Q: How does participation in the MS-CC help you in your current role?
Participation in the MS-CC enhances my ability to develop and sustain advanced cyber infrastructure (CI) capabilities at WVSU. The consortium’s guidance on implementing scalable IT solutions, securing research funding, and leveraging partnerships has been instrumental in strengthening our CIC. The MS-CC community has also provided mentorship opportunities, which have enriched our student engagement strategies.
Q: What would you say to encourage other institutions to participate in the MS-CC?
I would strongly encourage institutions to join the MS-CC for its unparalleled support in improving campus IT infrastructure, accessing valuable resources, and fostering collaboration. Participation empowers institutions to develop sustainable CI models that advance both educational and research initiatives.
Q: Why does participation in the MS-CC continue to be important for your institution?
Our ongoing involvement ensures that WVSU remains aligned with best practices for CI development and continues to access crucial resources for data-intensive research. The MS-CC’s collaborative environment accelerates our ability to implement innovative solutions, expand research partnerships, and provide students with cutting-edge learning opportunities.
Ready to Get Involved?
Joining the MS-CC as a participant is simple, quick, easy – and free! Fill out the form, join the mailing list, and stay informed about upcoming meetings and activities.
About the MS-CC
The MS-CC aims to strengthen cyberinfrastructure for research and education across a wide range of fields and communities, taking into account the education, research, and service missions of participating institutions. In partnership with Internet2, the MS-CC received funding from the National Science Foundation to support this vision: OAC Award # 2137123 and OAC Award # 2234326.