Angelo State Professors Secure $740,060 Grant for Cybersecurity Research
Three mathematics professors at Angelo State University have been awarded a three-year grant totaling $740,060 from the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) to investigate a mathematical concept known as “skew zero forcing.” This research aims to develop new methodologies for modeling and analyzing information flow, which could significantly enhance national cybersecurity efforts.
Led by professors Dr. Dennis Hall, Dr. Simon Pfeil, and Dr. Jesse Taylor, the project will explore applications that directly address challenges faced by the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. These challenges primarily focus on cybersecurity and the reliability of networks, vital components in safeguarding national security.
The grant funding enables Hall, Pfeil, and Taylor to dedicate time to the project, working part-time during the fall and spring semesters and full-time over the summer months until the spring of 2028. This opportunity also paves the way for Angelo State undergraduate students to engage in practical research that intersects mathematics, computer science, and national security.
Enhancing Educational Opportunities
“This grant strengthens Angelo State’s tradition of involving undergraduates directly in advanced research,” said Hall. The faculty will introduce a new upper-level course titled Skew Zero Forcing Research, offering students from mathematics and computer science the chance to work alongside faculty on pressing problems in the field. This hands-on experience will not only allow students to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios but will also help them develop essential skills for careers in technology and beyond.
Undergraduate participation is expected to commence in the spring 2026 semester, with students potentially eligible for additional research funding from the university. The grant also facilitates the hiring of an extra instructor within the Department of Mathematics, ensuring that teaching responsibilities are managed effectively while the professors focus on their research.
Hall joined the faculty at Angelo State University in 2016, Pfeil in 2018, and Taylor in 2014. All three professors completed their doctoral studies in mathematics at Louisiana State University, where they became acquainted.
This research initiative not only highlights the importance of academic contributions to national security but also showcases the collaborative efforts of higher education institutions in addressing critical societal challenges. As Hall noted, the project aims to foster a new generation of scholars who are well-prepared to tackle complex problems in cybersecurity and technology.
