The Cyber Policy Institute at Florida A&M University (FAMU) is strengthening its academic,
research and community impact through a growing portfolio of initiatives supported
by a $5 million grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Reporting to the Office of the Provost, the Institute is jointly housed within the
College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH) and the College of Science
and Technology (CST). Under the leadership of Interim Director Darryl Scriven, Ph.D., the Cyber Policy Fellows advance programming to elevate the University’s leadership
in cyber policy, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and education.
The 2025-2026 faculty fellows represent several of the University’s colleges and schools
and include Chiquita Brown, Ph.D., Deanna Burney, Ph.D., Tejal Mulay, Ph.D., and Phylicia
Taylor, Ph.D. The Institute also launched its first cohort of 10 AI student interns
from various academic disciplines. During their internship, the students participated
in technical and policy teams to develop an AI-driven business solution for the CSI
companies.
“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,” said Scriven.
The FAMU AI Community Learning Series, one of the Institute’s signature accomplishments,
is a yearlong public education initiative envisioned by Provost Allyson Watson, Ph.D.
“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.”
Developed in collaboration with the Teaching and Learning Center, the series features
12 one-hour sessions designed to boost digital literacy and broaden public understanding
of AI. Sessions have included topics explaining artificial intelligence, its concepts,
and its significance in higher education.
Since its inception, the Institute has also hosted several workshops designed to expand
engagement by helping community members navigate challenging conversations using evidence-based
communication, respect and clarity.
For those interested in pursuing careers in this burgeoning field, the Institute is
currently developing a new 4+1 Bachelor of Science degree in cyber policy while also
launching two interdisciplinary certificate programs in cyber policy and AI. These
academic pathways will prepare students to lead in rapidly evolving technology fields
while emphasizing ethics, governance, interdisciplinary learning, and responsible
digital practices.
The Institute is deeply engaged in research opportunities, has submitted multiple
external grant proposals to support faculty-led projects, and has implemented national
partnerships focused on cyber governance and AI readiness. In the upcoming year, the
Institute will begin producing a series of white papers and advising University leadership
on emerging cyber and AI policy development.
Applications are now available for the second cohort, which will begin in Spring 2026. This team
will continue the work of the current cohorts and create AI business solutions for
real-world industry challenges.
For more information about the Cyber Policy Institute, call (850) 599-8697 or email
cyberpolicyinstitute@famu.edu.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
Deidre Williams
Director of Communications, Office of the Provost
deidre.williams@famu.edu