Cyber Policy Faculty Fellow Program

 

Program Description

The Cyber Policy Faculty Fellow Program is an interdisciplinary initiative of the FAMU Cyber Policy Institute designed to cultivate a community of scholars engaged in advancing ethical, human-centered, and standards-aligned cyber policy education, research, and practice. This program empowers six (6) faculty annually from all disciplines STEM and non-STEM alike to contribute to national conversations on cybersecurity governance, artificial intelligence, digital ethics, and the societal impacts of emerging technologies.

Faculty Fellows serve as thought leaders within the university, promoting innovative curriculum development, interdisciplinary research collaborations, and policy guidance that supports FAMU’s commitment to excellence in cyber policy, ethical AI, and public impact.

Purpose of the Program

The Cyber Policy Faculty Fellow Program aims to:

  • Strengthen interdisciplinary teaching by supporting faculty in integrating cyber policy, AI literacy, digital ethics, and cybersecurity governance across their courses and academic units.
  • Advance cutting-edge research examining technological change, human behavior, ethics, law, security, and public policy.
  • Promote university-wide leadership in developing and implementing responsible, ethical, and culturally informed AI and cyber policies.
  • Build a national model for human-centered cyber policy and ethical AI use among HBCUs and peer institutions.
  • Foster collaboration between STEM and non-STEM disciplines to address the complex challenges of cyber-enabled society.

Program Goals

  1. Expand Faculty Expertise
    Equip faculty with knowledge and skills to teach, research, and lead in the areas of cyber policy, AI governance, and digital ethics.
  2. Promote Interdisciplinary Innovation
    Create a network of scholars who collaborate across academic divisions to shape emerging cyber and AI policy landscapes.
  3. Support Ethical, Human-Centered Practices
    Embed moral, cultural, social, and legal perspectives into the development and use of digital technologies across campus.
  4. Drive Institutional Policy Leadership
    Position fellows as contributors to key institutional initiatives on responsible AI use, cyber governance, compliance, and data privacy.
  5. Create National Visibility
    Showcase FAMU as a leader in ethical cyber policy and AI governance across academia, government, and industry.

 

Faculty Fellow Responsibilities

Faculty Fellows will:

  • Integrate cyber policy, AI ethics, or cybersecurity governance into at least one existing or new course.
  • Participate in collaborative research, publications, policy briefs, or applied projects related to cyber policy and digital ethics.
  • Support the creation of university-wide guidelines or model policies on AI usage, data governance, digital privacy, and ethical technology integration.
  • Attend workshops, symposia, or training sessions hosted by the Cyber Policy Institute.
  • Mentor students engaged in cyber policy, digital ethics, or AI governance research and workforce development.
  • Present their work during the annual Cyber Policy Institute Research & Innovation Symposium.

Program Benefits

Faculty Fellows will receive:

  • Professional development in cyber policy, AI governance, and emerging technologies.
  • Priority access to grants, seed funding, and collaborative research opportunities.
  • Institution-wide visibility through institute publications, panels, and working groups.
  • Interdisciplinary networking with scholars, student fellows, and external partners in government, industry, and academia.
  • Opportunities to shape university policy, ethical guidelines, and AI governance frameworks.
  • Recognition as a thought leader in the growing field of cyber policy and digital ethics.

Eligibility

The program is open to:

  • Full-time faculty from any discipline (STEM or non-STEM)
  • Faculty with interest or expertise in cyber policy, AI, digital ethics, cybersecurity governance, or technology studies
  • Scholars committed to interdisciplinary collaboration and student mentorship
  • Faculty seeking to incorporate policy, ethics, or technological literacy into their courses or research

Program Structure

  • Term: One academic year (renewable based on participation and outputs)
  • Cohort Size: 6 Fellows annually
  • Deliverables:
    • Course module or redesigned syllabus integrating cyber policy/AI ethics
    • Research or policy output (e.g., article, brief, report, digital project)
    • Participation in institute events and policy working groups

Outcomes

Upon completion, Fellows will:

  • Contribute to FAMU’s leadership in ethical and human-centered cyber policy.
  • Strengthen the university-wide culture of ethical and creative AI integration.
  • Produce research and curricular innovations that elevate the national profile of FAMU.
  • Become ambassadors for responsible technology use within their colleges and departments.