Sam Willis

As the Cyber Intelligence Research Assistant at Forge Institute, Sam Willis is responsible for conducting research projects to accomplish specific objectives set out by Forge Institute. Sam’s duties include identifying & researching cyber trends, establishing methods and setting formulas for the enhancement of Forge Institute’s IT & cyber curriculum.

Sam discovered his passion for programming during his time at Bryant High School, where he learned basic mobile application development. He also became a member of the school VEX Robotics team, serving as a programmer. While Sam was on the team, they were undefeated in the state of Arkansas, allowing the team to participate in the World competition in Louisville Kentucky in 2016.

After graduating in 2016, Sam immediately enrolled as a Computer Science major at UA-Little Rock, completing a BS in the Fall of 2019. In Spring of 2019, he participated in the UALR Signature Experience project, developing a computer vision system to detect trash in Fourche Creek in Little Rock. This project won second place in the department for the Signature Experience Expo, and first place in the EIT Open House.

In the summer of 2019, Sam took a position as a student research assistant at the Emerging Analytics Center, and was placed on the Trojan Cyber Arena team. After completing undergraduate studies, Sam enrolled in the graduate program for Computer Science, becoming a Graduate Assistant at the EAC, and taking on more responsibilities in the development of the Cyber Arena.

Sam became involved with Forge Institute, overseeing the cyber range deployment for their Cyber Training Bootcamp and assisting with other research projects.

Sam’s primary research interests are machine learning and cybersecurity. Sam plans to complete his MS in the Fall of 2021.