UND-backed Grand Forks cybersecurity team goes gold

Red River High School claims North Dakota Cyber Madness state title with UND support

A student team from Grand Forks Red River High School is bringing home a state championship after winning North Dakota Cyber Madness, following a two-day competition held in Bismarck.  

Behind the win was a season of preparation — and a strong partnership between local K-12 education and the UND College of Engineering & Mines.

Throughout the year, Jielun Zhang, faculty in the college’s School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, supported the team by regularly attending practices at Red River High School to provide instruction and reinforce key cybersecurity concepts. Zhang also traveled to Bismarck to support the students during the state competition.  

Red River’s team was advised by Paul Zettler, a Red River educator, with Grand Forks Public Schools leaders highlighting how the combined mentorship helped students grow their skills and confidence in a fast-moving, high-demand field.  

“Dr. Zhang’s time and effort were instrumental in the success of this year’s championship team,” says Eric Ripley, executive director of Career & Technical Education for Grand Forks Public Schools, noting the win as “a wonderful example of the ongoing collaborative efforts between UND’s College of Engineering & Mines with the Grand Forks Public Schools.”  

That collaboration reflects UND’s continued commitment to hands-on learning, community partnerships and talent development in North Dakota — especially in areas like cybersecurity, where workforce needs continue to grow.

The state championship also underscores how early exposure to real-world cybersecurity challenges can help students discover academic and career paths in computing, engineering and national security — and how regional partnerships can expand opportunities for students right where they live.

Written by Paige Prekker  //  UND College of Engineering & Mines