Today@Sam Article

NSF CyberCorp Scholar Attends Cybersecurity Summit

Nov. 18, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

By Jette Morris

Nana Sarfo Dwomoh, a graduate information assurance and cybersecurity student in the Department of Computer Science at Sam Houston State University, received the National Science Foundation (NSF) CyberCorp Scholarship for Service (SFS). He is one of only 10 CyberCorp students nationwide selected to participate in the 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit. Dwomoh was chosen from over 200 applicants to join other scholars at the summit, which was held in October at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

“Being selected for the NSF Cybersecurity Summit validated my dedication to cybersecurity and the hard work I have poured into my studies at Sam Houston State,” Dwomoh said. “The selection process was very competitive, with hundreds of talented applicants nationwide vying for the few spots. Knowing that my work and commitment had stood out among such a talented group enriched the experience.”

During the summit, Dwomoh presented a research poster titled Defending Electoral Integrity in the Age of Cyber Warfare. His work investigates how disinformation campaigns, deepfake technologies and botnet attacks disrupt democratic processes. Using AI-driven solutions, Dwomoh’s research focuses on ways to mitigate and detect these threats, showcasing his commitment to solving pressing cybersecurity challenges.

“I aim to play a part in securing the future of democratic engagement,” he said. “This work isn’t just about cybersecurity, but protecting the very foundations of democracy. I hope my efforts contribute to a more secure, transparent information landscape where the public can trust the information they rely on.”

While attending the summit, Dwomoh engaged with fellow cybersecurity academics and professionals who provided insights into career paths and research opportunities in critical infrastructure and aviation cybersecurity. His networking at the event resulted in a partnership opportunity with Iwinosa Aideyan, a PhD candidate from Clemson University, on a collaborative project focused on cyberbullying detection using Natural Language Processing (NLP). The research aims to develop models to identify harmful behavior online and promote safer digital communities.

The partnership symbolizes SHSU's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and real-world solutions, preparing students to address the evolving challenges and developing future leaders in cybersecurity.

“Both Iwinosa and I were deeply moved by the growing toll of cyberbullying, particularly on young people whose mental health can be profoundly affected by online harassment. As social media has expanded, so has the reach and impact of cyberbullying, which leads to severe consequences, from heightened anxiety and depression to, in tragic cases, self-harm,” Dwomoh said. “Witnessing the emotional weight of this issue firsthand inspired us to ask: how can we use technology to make online spaces safer?”

Undergraduate and graduate students in any computing-related discipline with a cyber-security focus that want to pursue change-making research like Dwomoh’s can apply for the Scholarship for Service, offered through SHSU’s Department of Computer Science.

For more information about Nana Sarfo Dwomoh's research or the SFS CyberCorp Program, please contact the Department of Computer Science at SHSU.

- END -

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:

Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti

Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White

Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638

Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu