U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales joined Sul Ross State University leaders, faculty, and students for the ribbon-cutting of the new Texas Center for Energy Security (TXCES), a state-of-the-art research and education hub focused on midstream industry cybersecurity.
The three-year initiative is a collaboration between SRSU and Lamar University in Beaumont, backed by nearly $3.4 million from a Department of Energy grant submitted by Rep. Gonzales, along with contributions from Sul Ross.
Cybersecurity & Forensics Focus
TXCES is tackling some of the most pressing challenges in energy security. Researchers from both universities have already worked with industry focus groups in the Permian Basin to identify cybersecurity and forensic needs, presented findings at academic conferences, and published peer-reviewed articles.
The project includes both virtual and physical testbeds:
- A physical testbed under construction at Lamar University.
- Two computer labs already established at SRSU—one specializing in cybersecurity and the other in cybercrime investigations and digital forensics.
“These testbeds will enable cutting-edge research and serve as platforms for generating data on cyber threats targeting the operational technology of the midstream industry,” said Dr. Oguzhan Basibuyuk, chair of the Department of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice at SRSU. “This real-time data will be used to develop threat detection and response techniques through machine learning and data analytics.”
Education & Workforce Development
In addition to research, TXCES emphasizes workforce training and education. Six graduate-level and two undergraduate-level courses have already been developed, serving 102 students as of Summer 2025. Coursework covers engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, cyber-forensics, and criminal justice.
The long-term goal is to provide comprehensive training modules for both formal academic programs and continuing education, ensuring the region builds a skilled workforce to meet the rising challenges of energy cybersecurity.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
At the Alpine ceremony, Rep. Gonzales stood alongside Dr. Carlos Hernandez, president of SRSU, and Dr. Basibuyuk for the official ribbon cutting. The event marked a milestone in Sul Ross State University’s growing role in cybersecurity research and education, with the potential to strengthen both regional industry and national energy security.
Image Source: https://www.sulross.edu/gonzales-attends-ribbon-cutting-for-txces-at-sul-ross-state-university/
