Fountain University, Osogbo, is celebrating a major academic milestone as one of its distinguished alumni, Dr Habeeb Olufowobi, has been awarded a prestigious $600,000 research grant by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant, awarded under the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) programme, is one of NSF’s highest honours for early-career faculty and acknowledges Dr Olufowobi’s exceptional contributions to research and education in computer science and engineering.
Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, Dr Olufowobi is spearheading a groundbreaking project aimed at fortifying connected autonomous vehicles (AVs) against cyber-physical threats. His research addresses the critical vulnerabilities that arise as AVs become more advanced and interconnected, particularly in how high-level software such as AI-powered perception systems interact with low-level hardware components like in-vehicle networks.
The core aim of his project is to develop integrated cybersecurity solutions that not only detect and resist multi-layered cyberattacks but also enable AVs to recover quickly from such threats. Dr Olufowobi explained that his research focuses on the interdependence between the various layers of AV systems. He noted: “High-level components like cameras and sensors now direct low-level operations, such as control and actuation. So, if the high-level systems are compromised, low-level functions can be subverted as well. My research examines the interconnectedness between these layers to understand how attacks can propagate across the vehicle stack.”
Reacting to the news, the Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim, expressed immense pride in Dr Olufowobi’s achievement, describing it as a testament to the quality of education and talent nurtured at the university. “His success is not only a source of inspiration to our current students but also a shining example of the global impact our alumni continue to make,” she remarked.
The NSF CAREER Award is designed to support faculty who embody the role of teacher-scholars and who are on a path to becoming academic leaders in their respective fields. Dr Olufowobi’s selection for this honour underscores the innovative nature of his work and the academic excellence that Fountain University continues to foster.
As Dr Olufowobi charts new territory in the realm of cybersecurity and autonomous technologies, the Fountain University community has extended its warm congratulations and best wishes for his continued success.
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