SFS AI + Cybersecurity: Securing America's Future Through AI-Empowered Cyber Talent

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $4,112,287 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Cybersecurity has become the foundation for many functions of our society. The growing need for a strong cybersecurity workforce is an increasingly urgent concern, especially for defending the national interests. This project will recruit motivated scholars for government service in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. The Scholarship-for-Service (SFS) program at University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) will expand security research and training into Machine-Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) and Space Engineering programs to address emerging needs in these areas. This project will benefit an EPSCoR jurisdiction by contributing to development of a strong research and education team, enhance existing K-12 outreach programs for high school students and teachers, and prepare new future members of the AI and security workforce for the nation. This project will partner with George Washington University and other academic organizations to enhance the AI skills of cybersecurity faculty as a capacity building initiative for higher education institutions. The SFS scholars will actively conduct advanced research on challenging issues in various areas, including AI security, big data security, cryptography, space engineering security, smart grid security, and use of AI for security. In addition, the proposer team has long-term collaborations with government agencies, which help SFS scholars gain solid experiences through internships, collaborative projects, and job place

Key facts

NSF award ID
2439007
Awardee
University of Hawaii (HI)
SAM.gov UEI
NSCKLFSSABF2
PI
Yingfei Dong
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
AI Education/Workforce Develop, CYBER SECURITY ACT PROPOSALS, EHR CL Opportunities (NSF 14-302), EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT, SCIENCE, MATH, ENG & TECH EDUCATION
Estimated total
$4,112,287
Funds obligated
$4,112,287
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
08/15/2025 → 07/31/2028