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CONTACT DETAILS

Center for Cyber Intelligence and Security
CCIS@BristolCC.edu
774.357.3971

777 Elsbree Street
Fall River, MA 02720
K216
 

Bristol's Center for Cyber Intelligence and Security (CCIS) supports the college's mission to provide an accessible, innovative, and inclusive education that prepares students to navigate and succeed in our ever-changing world. The mission of CCIS is to educate the future cybersecurity workforce through strategic partnerships with area businesses and academic institutions. The objective of CCIS is to provide a dedicated center for education in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics for our students and our community. The CCIS is committed to providing a quality and affordable education, mastering theoretical concepts in cybersecurity principles, networking security, digital forensics, risk management, business continuity, disaster recovery, compliance, and information security management.

The center is located on the Fall River Campus of Bristol Community College, within the Computer Information Systems Department of the Division of STEM.

As part of its commitment to educating all students and professionals in cyber defense, Bristol Community College is now recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). For questions or inquiries about the center, please contact Dr. Steven R. Frechette, Director at CCIS@BristolCC.edu. 

Faculty Biographies

Janelle Arruda is a seasoned professor with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, specializing in computer information systems. Her expertise spans across networking technologies, virtualization and scripting, making her an asset in both academic and professional settings. Janelle is dedicated to developing future technology professionals through teaching, mentoring, and personalized student guidance.
Rose Ferro is a dedicated and passionate educator specializing in business information systems, programming and web development. With more than 15 years of experience as an associate professor in Computer Information Systems at Bristol, she has developed diverse and engaging curricula, mentored students, and promoted STEM opportunities.
Steven Frechette is an innovative associate professor of Cybersecurity and serves as the Department Chair of Computer Information Systems at Bristol. Holding a Doctor of Science in Information Technology, he develops and teaches advanced courses in cybersecurity, networking and risk management. He has been instrumental in achieving the National Security Agency's National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation for Bristol's Cybersecurity program. Additionally, he is leading the introduction of new degree and certificate programs in Artificial Intelligence, set to begin in the Fall of 2025. 
Igor Kholodov is an accomplished associate professor of Computer Information Systems at Bristol with more than 15 years of experience teaching digital forensics, programming and computer science courses. A seasoned software engineer with 17 years of professional experience, Igor is also a digital forensics consultant and entrepreneur. He is a strong advocate for modern programming, digital security and open-source projects.
Lisa Patacchiola is an assistant professor at Bristol with expertise in game development and software engineering. With more than a decade of experience spanning academia and the software industry, she combines a strong educational foundation with real-world insights to foster innovation and excellence in technology education. Lisa is passionate about mentoring future tech leaders, coaching a competitive cybersecurity team and inspiring innovation in game and software development.

Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Program

Students will be prepared for professional entry-level positions in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Students will master the theoretical concepts of information security, the methodologies required for practical problem-solving, and the digital forensic techniques to conduct analyses of computers, networking equipment, and related information assets. Students will also learn the principles of managing risk within IT infrastructures and how to conduct business continuity and disaster recovery planning for enterprise organizations.

SEE BRISTOL'S CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM

Student Organizations and Events

Student Competitions

CCIS Resources

Advisory Board Members

John Danahey – Digital Technology Partners.

Maya Elysse – Student Mentor and Advisor.

David Ferreira – Ferreira Group, Inc.

Antone Grace – Epec Engineered Technologies.

Christopher Menard – Brown University.

David Papargiris – Iron Mountain, Inc.

Angelo Simao – F2Onsite.

Michael Vieira – Board of Trustees Member, Bridgewater University.