The Cyber Policy Institute at Florida A&M University (FAMU) is set to enhance its academic and research capabilities through a significant $5 million grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. This funding aims to bolster the Institute’s community impact and replace existing resources to better address contemporary challenges in cyber policy and artificial intelligence.
Under the leadership of Interim Director Darryl Scriven, Ph.D., the Institute operates in conjunction with the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH) and the College of Science and Technology (CST). The Cyber Policy Fellows program is at the forefront of this initiative, working to elevate FAMU’s leadership in areas such as cyber policy, digital innovation, and education.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the faculty fellows include Chiquita Brown, Ph.D., Deanna Burney, Ph.D., Tejal Mulay, Ph.D., and Phylicia Taylor, Ph.D. In addition, the Institute has launched its inaugural cohort of 10 AI student interns from various disciplines. These interns are collaborating in teams focused on technical and policy development to create AI-driven business solutions for the CSI companies.
Scriven remarked, “The Cyber Policy Institute, its faculty fellows, and AI student interns are making a lasting impact on FAMU’s institutional ecosystem and showcasing the high caliber education that FAMU continues to provide.” This sentiment underscores the commitment to integrating emerging technologies into the educational framework.
Another key achievement of the Institute is the FAMU AI Community Learning Series, a yearlong public education initiative envisioned by Provost Allyson Watson, Ph.D. This series aims to enhance digital literacy and public understanding of AI through a series of 12 one-hour sessions, covering fundamental concepts and the relevance of artificial intelligence in higher education.
“Faculty excellence drives high-impact student preparation and research development,” said Watson. “This fellowship will cultivate academic strength across disciplines, empowering our faculty to learn, lead, and share innovative approaches to solving tomorrow’s challenges today.”
In partnership with the Teaching and Learning Center, the Institute has also organized various workshops intended to facilitate challenging conversations within the community, emphasizing evidence-based communication, clarity, and respect. These workshops have been instrumental in expanding community engagement.
As part of its academic offerings, the Cyber Policy Institute is developing a new 4+1 Bachelor of Science degree in cyber policy and introducing two interdisciplinary certificate programs focused on cyber policy and AI. These initiatives aim to prepare students for leadership roles in rapidly evolving technology fields, highlighting the importance of ethics, governance, and responsible digital practices.
The Institute is actively pursuing research opportunities, having submitted multiple external grant proposals to fund faculty-led projects. It has also established national partnerships focusing on cyber governance and AI readiness. Looking ahead, the Institute plans to produce a series of white papers and provide guidance to University leadership on emerging trends in cyber and AI policy.
Applications are currently being accepted for the second cohort of AI student interns, set to commence in Spring 2026. This upcoming team will continue the work of its predecessors in addressing real-world industry challenges through innovative AI solutions.
For further details about the Cyber Policy Institute, interested parties can contact (850) 599-8697 or reach out via email at [email protected].
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
[email protected]
Deidre Williams
Director of Communications, Office of the Provost
[email protected]
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