Shaw Receives $450,000 National Science Foundation Grant for Smart Tech Privacy Research
RALEIGH—Shaw University has been awarded a $450,000 grant from the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) to propel an innovative and groundbreaking project titled “Research Initiation Award: Investigating Disparities Among Smart Technology Privacy Studies.” The generous grant will empower Shaw University to embark on an exhaustive and meticulous evaluation of the current landscape of smart technology privacy studies, delving into potential disparities within this emerging and crucial field.
The project assesses whether certain device types or demographic groups—including race, ethnicity, gender, and age—are underrepresented in existing smart technology privacy research. The NSF Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) Research Initiation Awards (RIA) are designed to support STEM faculty at HBCUs in advancing their research capabilities and improving research and teaching at their home institutions. The awards also provide opportunities for undergraduate students to be involved in research.
Dr. Nyteisha Bookert, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Cyber Operations Program Coordinator at Shaw University, leads the grant initiative. “My overall research goal is to investigate the security and privacy of emerging technologies to protect humans,” Dr. Bookert said. “Smart technology is integrated into various aspects of our lives, including homes, schools, and workplaces, enhancing transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing systems. However, these technologies also raise significant security and privacy concerns. There is a growing call in the U.S. for a national data protection law in response to these concerns and the increasing number of data breaches.”
Shaw University President Dr. Paulette R. Dillard, Ph.D., expressed enthusiasm about the grant’s impact. She stated, “Our computer science and cybersecurity students will be empowered to excel in their studies and future careers through this research project. We are thrilled about the opportunities this award presents for our students and faculty, particularly those building their research programs.”
The research project aims to provide opportunities for minority and underrepresented undergraduate students to engage in interdisciplinary research at local and national levels. The grant will support undergraduate research assistants in presenting their work at conferences and symposiums, improving their technical and professional skills, and enhancing their competitiveness for future academic and career opportunities.
Dr. Bookert added, “We must ensure that all voices and concerns are represented in smart technology privacy studies. Historically, some groups have been underserved in research. This NSF HBCU-UP RIA grant allows us to investigate potential disparities and address them effectively, considering various demographics and device types. Our user studies will highlight and address the privacy concerns of underexplored devices and underrepresented groups, ensuring no disparities persist before implementing a national data protection law.”
“The project’s findings are anticipated to offer valuable insights into Americans’ privacy concerns and to provide recommendations for inclusive policies, laws, and regulations. Additionally, the research will support smart technology manufacturers and developers in creating products that better align with users’ needs.”
Shaw University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the first historically Black institution of higher education founded in North Carolina and is among the oldest in the nation. The university was founded in 1865 by Henry Martin Tupper. Dr. Paulette L. Dillard currently serves as the university’s 18th president.