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Four University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) cadets took part in the Joint Service Academy Cybersecurity (JSAC) Conference in April at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point thanks to funding from Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Institute for Cyber Operations.

JSAC is a leadership development event for cyber junior and senior officers and academy cadets and midshipmen, co-sponsored by the Army Cyber Institute and Palo Alto Networks.

2nd Lt. Connor Moore, a Douglasville, Georgia, resident who graduated in May with a degree in cybersecurity, was grateful to be at JSAC. His most valuable experience came when he, fellow Â鶹ÊÓƵ cadet Luke Mallette and cadets from West Point, the United States Naval Academy and The Citadel were on a panel where they engaged with Army, Air Force and Navy colonels in a question-and-answer program.

"It definitely makes you think about your answers and what you're going to say. It was great to hear their mindsets and how we, as new second lieutenants, can help accomplish that mission," Moore said. "It gave me a better understanding of my responsibilities and what to expect as a new junior officer coming into the force and how what I do impacts those above me and below me."

Moore, who is an officer in the Georgia Army National Guard and was on the Georgia Military Service Scholarship, is starting a master's degree program in cybersecurity policy at Georgia Tech this fall.

Mallette, a Blairsville, Georgia, resident who will be a sophomore this fall, is also pursuing a degree in cybersecurity at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. He said he enjoyed learning from others with more experience and knowledge. Mallette added, "Â鶹ÊÓƵ has prepared me so well already."

"I feel like by the time I leave I will be extremely proficient in the areas that I want to work in, and I am confident Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a big part of that," Mallette said.

Cadets Braden Carper and Messiah Murphy also attended JSAC.

Retired Lt. Col. Heath Wiliams, executive director of cadet career success, organized the cadets' travel to JSAC. He was glad Â鶹ÊÓƵ cadets were able to interact with generals, admirals, colonels, and lieutenant colonels.

"Our cadets got lots of facetime and networking," Williams said. "The cadets were exposed to some of the renowned experts from the Department of Defense and industry."