Lightning Talk

Animating Cybersecurity in STEM: Engaging K-12 Learners with EMATES Interactives

Author(s):
Luis M. Vicente, Ph.D.
Director and Associate Professor, Department of Electrical, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

Preparing the next generation with robust cybersecurity knowledge is more crucial than ever. However, the complexity of cybersecurity concepts often poses a significant challenge for young learners. This presentation explores an innovative approach to expose cybersecurity in K-12 education through the use of EMATES Interactives. These digital tools leverage engaging animations to simplify complex cybersecurity topics, making them accessible and intriguing for students across various grade levels.Developed under the leadership of experts at the Brookdale Cyber Center and CSSIA, and initially funded by an NSF Grant, EMATES are designed to captivate young minds while educating them about crucial cybersecurity principles. This presentation will discuss how EMATES can be integrated into the classroom to enhance learning outcomes. It will cover the practical aspects of deploying EMATES in teaching environments, including examples of successful implementation and tips for maximizing student engagement and comprehension.By the end of this talk, attendees will understand the value of using animated and interactive content to teach challenging subjects like cybersecurity to K-12 students. They will also gain insights into effective strategies for utilizing EMATES in their educational programs to develop foundational cybersecurity skills among young learners. This approach not only fosters a deeper understanding of cybersecurity concepts but also stimulates interest and curiosity about the field, preparing students for a more secure digital future.

Author(s)

Luis M. Vicente, Ph.D.
Director and Associate Professor, Department of Electrical, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
Luis M. Vicente is Director and Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Before joining academia, he worked for more than a decade in industry in Spain and the United States, with experience in aerospace, software development, and engineering systems. His academic work focuses on undergraduate and graduate engineering education, cybersecurity, signal processing, and applied artificial intelligence. He has extensive experience with program assessment, accreditation, and curriculum development, including active involvement in ABET accreditation processes and national cybersecurity education initiatives. Dr. Vicente’s recent work explores how students learn complex technical concepts such as logic, probability, and abstraction, and how emotional engagement and cognitive factors influence learning outcomes in engineering courses. He regularly teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity, and mentors students in applied research and capstone projects. His teaching and scholarship aim to connect technical rigor with evidence-based learning practices, with the goal of improving student understanding, retention, and long-term success in undergraduate STEM education.

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