Cybersecurity team places third in Midwest competition

Two teams of University of Detroit Mercy students put their cybersecurity skills to the test at the 2025 NCAE Cyber Games Midwest Regional Competition on March 1. One of them claimed third prize in the event.

The eight-hour contest challenged teams to identify and fix vulnerabilities in a compromised network before defending it against continuous cyberattacks from an organizer-controlled Red Team.

Competing against 11 teams from eight universities, UDM’s Team 2, made up of Gorky Carlos, JP Marvin, Preston Duller, Stev Onwudiach and Harrison Haviland-Longo, secured third place after a demanding seven-hour defense period.

As the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, universities are enhancing their programs to provide students with practical, real-world experience.

"Hands-on technical labs, a vibrant Cybersecurity Club, and cybersecurity competitions provide our students with real-world simulations and activities that give them an edge when it comes to preparing for the cybersecurity workforce," said Anne Kohnke, associate professor of Cybersecurity and director of the Detroit Mercy Center for Cybersecurity & Intelligence Studies.

The competition provided students with hands-on experience in cybersecurity defense, simulating real-world threats and response strategies.

Also competing were Zak Abdul-Aziz, Isabelle Francis, Gianna Esho, Dmytro Lichykaki, Kyle Ssesanga, Noel Renu and Jonah Dabesh.