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

> **NSF 04002526DB NSF STEM Education** · University of Hawaii (HI) · $4,112,287

## 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 organization:** 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

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2439007

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2439007, SFS AI + Cybersecurity: Securing America's Future Through AI-Empowered Cyber Talent. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2439007. Licensed CC0.

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