MSU computer science doctoral student wins Cisco scholarship

February 6, 2004

STARKVILLE, Miss.–A Mississippi State computer science doctoral student from China is receiving a $2,500 scholarship that recognizes significant contributions in the field of information security.

Wei Li, a 30-year-old student in the university’s department of computer science and engineering, is among only four students nationally receiving the Cisco Systems Information Assurance Scholarship for the 2004 spring semester. He simultaneously is pursuing a master’s degree in the academic department, a part of MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering.

Other 2004 Cisco Scholars winners include graduate student Jay-Evan Tevis of Auburn University, and undergraduate students Adam Pridgen of the University of Texas at Austin, and Jonathan Nilson of Florida State University.

Cisco Systems Inc., a worldwide leader in networking for the internet, awards eight scholarships annually – four each in the spring and fall semesters. The San Jose, Calif.-based corporation was
founded in 1984 by a group of computer scientists from Stanford University.

Eligibility for the Cisco Scholars requires a course of study and/or declared major in one of the scientific, technical or managerial disciplines related to computer and network security, with a concentration in an information assurance function.