Security Practices and Research Student Association

The Security Practices and Research Student Association is an RIT student run organization that addresses security-related issues and how these issues affect multiple majors and disciplines. The ultimate goal of this organization is to provide students with experience in information security and job opporuntiies in information security (infosec) related fields. This includes aiding members in the search for both co-operative education (co-op) and full-time employment opportunities.

To meet this goal, SPARSA hosts and participates in research and development of security tools and policies. In addition, SPARSA provides consulting for organizations in need of improved security. SPARSA also seeks to build and maintain relationships with local and national security related organizations. This includes social networking with security professionals and hosting conferences, symposiums, and other security-related events to spur growth in this area.

As security becomes progressively more important in our increasingly global world, SPARSA will help students remain on top of their game and up to date with the latest security issues, practices, and research. "Today individuals, families, organizations, communities and our nation face unprecedented combinations of cyber and physical security threats to both cyber and physical assets. The challenge is to enhance security capabilities at all levels of society by developing better security technologies, and by providing education and training in the use and management of security technologies" (Dr. Samuel McQuade)

Throughout the years SPARSA has used it's connections with industry to place membership in jobs throughout the United States and abroad in Computer-related fields. Many of these jobs involve security clearance. Employers such as Lockheed Martin, Citrix, Cisco, Dresser-Rand, Merck, various branches of the United States Government/Military and private security companies. SPARSA members often come back to SPARSA looking for future employees to fill positions at their respective organizations.