Empowering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals
Learn, practice, and defend hands-on with VECTR
MATRIX | Machine learning and Ai Threat Response Initiative for cybersecurity eXcellence in Nebraska
160+
learners served
100+
guided labs
7
industry partners
Where should we start?
Learners & Practitioners
Practice real cyber skills in VECTR with intelligent-tutoring, guided labs, a live cyber range, and industry-aligned content.
Businesses and Organizations
Upskill your team with VECTR, use our SOC as a Service, Sponsor Interns in our Internship Academy, or access consulting, workshops, live-fire exercises, & more.
Other Schools & Training Programs
Explore VECTR for EDU w/ competency-based outcomes that align with certifications and cybersecurity curricular frameworks (e.g. NICE).
MATRIX Services
Internship Academy
Mentored, real projects that place talent—powered by VECTR.
SOC as a Service
24/7 monitoring & response with transparent reporting.
Use-Centered Solutioning
Human-centered sprints to solve security pain points.
Live-Fire Exercises
Realistic scenarios in ranges to build readiness.
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Q2 2023
MATRIX is an ideaMatt and Robin began discussing the potential for an AI-driven SOC at UNO.
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Q4 2023
Forming a team around MATRIXA team of faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha join forces with Nebraska University IT leadership and regional stakeholders to build a mutually beneficial partnership.
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2024
Seed fundingMatt submits MATRIX for consideration by the Weitz Innovation and Excellence fund and receives a large donation from Barbara and Wally Weitz to bring MATRIX into existence.
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2025
Startup modeStarting in January, Matt begins hiring and launching the MATRIX project with the help and support of the College of Information Science and Technology at UNO and an emerging coalition of interested stakeholders in the community.
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Q2 2025
Facility renovations beginRenovations begin in the Peter Kiewit Institute to house the MATRIX project.
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Q3 2025
MATRIX facility opens and SOC LaunchesPending construction, the MATRIX facility should open its doors and begin hiring to staff the SOC.
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Q4 2025
Learning Platform LaunchMATRIX will begin offering its upskilling platform to interested customers and individual learners.
Matt Hale, Ph.D. | Program Director
Matt Hale is an associate professor of cybersecurity at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and directs the School of Interdisciplinary Informatics and NebraskaCYBER, a cybersecurity research center.
He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Tulsa, working with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to develop formal tools ensuring cloud-based systems meet security standards.
He has obtained nearly $5.7 million in grants from NSF, NSA, DARPA, CISA, and others for STEM education, phishing prevention, and system verification.
Josh McShannon | Cyberengineer
Josh Mcshannon is an IT professional with over 15 years of experience in Linux administration, networking, cybersecurity, and scripting. Known for solving complex problems and leading projects from concept to completion, he has managed large-scale Linux environments, automated deployments, optimized performance, and strengthened robust security to meet SLAs.
He configures networks and designs secure architectures. A security enthusiast, he conducts vulnerability assessments and creates incident-response plans. Proficient in Python, Bash, and PowerShell, he automates tasks to boost reliability and innovation.
Derek Babb, M.A., M.Ed. | Content Designer
Derek Babb is a cybersecurity lecturer at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). At UNO, he serves as course coordinator for CYBR 1100 and focuses on making courses accessible to students.
He works on MATRIX, GenCyber, Kids Can, and AI4K12 research projects. Before UNO, he taught computer science at Omaha North Magnet High School for 14 years and remains active in the CS teaching community.
As MATRIX’s lead curriculum designer, he creates engaging cybersecurity training materials and learning experiences on the platform.
Lindsey Sautter | Business and Contracting
Lindsey Sautter serves as the associate business manager for the College of Information Science & Technology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).
She holds a Master of Public Administration from UNO and is certified in grants management through management concepts.
She brings a solid foundation in budgeting, strategic finance, and operations to help drive MATRIX’s mission with effective business and financial support.
Robin Gandhi, Ph.D. | R&D Advisor
Robin Gandhi is a professor of cybersecurity at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Information Science & Technology. He has served as associate dean for research, technology, and facilities since Fall 2023 and directed the School of Interdisciplinary Informatics from Fall 2020 to Spring 2023.
He earned a Ph.D. in information technology from UNC Charlotte in 2008. His research covers software security engineering, requirements modeling, data preservation, and system certification.
He sits on the CWE board and edits National Cyber Watch CSJ.