Five LSU Computer Science Students Join LSU NSF Cybersecurity Scholarship Program

Five students in LSU’s Department of Computer Science have recently joined the National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, an initiative designed to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity workforce.

The Scholarship for Service program supports students pursuing cybersecurity-focused education and research while connecting them with federal agencies and government research laboratories. The five students who recently received this scholarship are Thomas Doan, a senior from New Orleans; Peyton Tran, a junior from New Orleans; Nuha Syed, a senior from Baton Rouge; Ethan Snead, a senior from Dallas; and Bennett Marceaux, a junior from Lafayette.

“I wanted to be a part of the SFS program because it’s an amazing opportunity for cybersecurity students to connect and network with employers like federal agencies and national labs,” Marceaux said.

LSU students may use the opportunity to explore career areas such as cyber defense, malware analysis, digital forensics, penetration testing, cybersecurity research and public policy.

Through the NSF-funded program, eligible students receive financial support for their education while gaining the technical skills, professional experience and research opportunities needed to address evolving cybersecurity challenges. In exchange for scholarship support, recipients commit to federal cybersecurity employment after graduation for a period equivalent to the length of their scholarship.

“The SFS program will not only support me in pursuing a master’s degree, but it will also open doors to opportunities where I can serve and protect the people of our nation, working alongside some of the world’s elite cybersecurity professionals,” Snead said. 

The program provides a pathway for students interested in applying their computer science expertise to public service, protecting critical systems, defending government networks and advancing national cybersecurity efforts.

“Cybersecurity is national security, and these five students are stepping up to help defend it,” said Division of Computer Science Chair Ibrahim Baggili. “I am incredibly proud of their commitment to public service. I also want to recognize Professor Golden G. Richard III for his outstanding leadership in creating opportunities that turn LSU talent into national impact.”

Investing in the next generation of cybersecurity professionals

Depending on their degree level and eligibility, scholarship recipients may receive funding for tuition and education-related fees, an annual stipend, and a professional development allowance to support travel, certifications and participation in career events.

The program also connects students with federal internship opportunities and job fairs, helping them build relationships with cybersecurity professionals and explore career opportunities across government.

Participating agencies and organizations may include the National Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and eligible national laboratories, among other federal employers.

Connecting classroom learning with real-world impact

In addition to completing their degree requirements, SFS scholars participate in cybersecurity-focused research, pursue professional certifications, engage with LSU’s student-led Security Society and complete a summer internship with a participating federal agency or research laboratory.

These experiences allow students to apply concepts learned in the classroom to practical cybersecurity challenges while developing the technical and professional skills required for federal service.

For students interested in careers at the intersection of computing, security and public service, the program offers an opportunity to build expertise while preparing to contribute to the protection of the nation’s digital infrastructure.

Previous LSU SFS scholar Christopher Bowen described the value of the program’s professional networking opportunities and exposure to cybersecurity work across the public and private sectors.

“Over the past year, Scholarship for Service has exposed me to numerous events where I was able to connect with real professionals in cybersecurity,” Bowen said. “On all levels of political, public, and private work, there is a common goal of improving and solidifying America against all cyber threats. I believe SFS is a great initiative to help close the gap of experience, allowing students to hit the ground running when entering the workforce.”

The addition of five Computer Science students to the program reflects LSU’s commitment to developing cybersecurity talent through education, research and professional preparation. By supporting students as they advance their technical expertise and connect with prospective federal employers, the program helps build a pipeline of qualified professionals prepared to meet the nation’s cybersecurity workforce needs.