Network for Exploring the Intersection of Humans and Cybercrime


NEXUS fosters student-driven innovative and interdisciplinary social science research on cybercrime, creates networking opportunities with cybersecurity professionals and industry leaders, connects students with internship and future employment opportunities, and develops professional conference presentation experience.

NEXUS is an innovative, interdisciplinary research initiative developed in partnership between the Department of Sociology at the University of North Texas (a top-tier R1 research university and the largest university in the Dallas–Fort Worth area) and CISO XC, a renowned professional cybersecurity organization founded by seasoned Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in DFW. Its mission is to advance unique social science research focused on the human and social dimensions of cybercrime and cybersecurity in an increasingly volatile and globalized cyberspace. NEXUS achieves this by prioritizing interdisciplinary discourse and research in cybersecurity and cybercrime, while providing students with opportunities to present their work at professional conferences, gain real-world experience, and connect with practitioners offering internships and career pathways in the field.

This academic research unit, in collaboration with CISO XC, supports and promotes student-driven research that sheds light on emerging trends in social behavior through active partnerships with industry leaders, sponsors, and cybersecurity advisors. Groundbreaking student-led projects conducted through the Department of Sociology’s Cybercrime and Social Behavior program are showcased at the annual CISO XC professional and academic cybersecurity conference held at UNT each spring.

The CISO XC conference, in partnership with the Department of Sociology, NEXUS, and the Sociology Club, helps facilitate internship placements and fosters meaningful professional connections between UNT students and leaders in the cybersecurity field. Through its affiliation with CISO XC, the Department of Sociology also offers an internship program for qualified students.

NEXUS aims to prepare students for future employment through hands-on participation in cybersecurity internships and professional conference presentations. These experiences enable students to engage directly with industry leaders, including CISOs, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, cybercrime law firms, and others, to position them for successful careers in cybersecurity after graduation.