Shaw University Receives $450,000 National Science Foundation Grant for Smart Technology Privacy Research

RALEIGH — Shaw University has been awarded a $450,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a groundbreaking project titled “Research Initiation Award: Investigating Disparities Among Smart Technology Privacy Studies.” The grant will enable Shaw University to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of smart technology privacy studies and explore potential disparities within the field.

The project aims to assess 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, is leading 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 systems such as transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. 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: “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 both our students and faculty, particularly those who are building their research programs.”

The research project will enable minority and underrepresented undergraduate students to participate in interdisciplinary research at both local and national levels. The award supports undergraduate research assistants in presenting their work at conferences and symposiums, thus enhancing their technical and professional development and increasing their competitiveness for future academic and career pursuits.
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 the implementation of a national data protection law.”

The findings from this project are expected to provide valuable insights into Americans’ privacy concerns and offer recommendations for inclusive policies, laws, and regulations. The research will also aid smart technology manufacturers and developers in creating products that better meet users’ needs.