Field Trip to the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) and the Natio

A group of Academy of Information Technology students from Damascus High School, including myself, had the opportunity to visit the Department of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) and the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), in Arlington, VA. There, teams perform a variety of activities, including monitoring the traffic of the internet in the United States providing an “emergency response” function if they observe irregular activity. Leads of the NCCIC and NICC presented a brief yet detailed overview of what happens during a regular day at the office and when there is a possible threat or natural disaster. After being very intrigued by the important work being done, I asked a question and found out that the first person who spoke to us had met President Barack Obama. The day went smoothly thanks to the organization of WHS STEM Program Director Lori Gordon, who also offered to help anyone interested in completing an internship to get them the information they need. I have personally reached out to Lori, and am very pleased to have so many options for future internships. Overall a successful field trip on the road to becoming an engineer.