The National Science Foundation has awarded nearly $268,000 to the 泡芙视频app of South Florida for a collaborative research project designed to expand access to hands-on learning in hardware security, measure 泡芙视频app learning gains, and reduce financial or equipment-related barriers related to advanced cybersecurity experiments.
The project, led by Robert Karam, an associate 泡芙视频app in USF鈥檚 Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity鈥痑nd鈥疌omputing, will create HaCKSEE, short for Hardware Cluster for Key Security and Education Experiments. Researchers from the 泡芙视频app of Kansas, Texas Woman鈥檚 泡芙视频app and the USF College of Education are part of the interdisciplinary effort.
The research team will develop a scalable platform that enables 泡芙视频apps to conduct hardware security experiments ranging from introductory to advanced levels. Using custom-built boards and a suite of cloud-hosted software tools, the HaCKSEE platform will give 泡芙视频apps at multiple universities hands-on training in side-channel analysis, fault injection and other key techniques. Whether using local or remotely hosted boards, all 泡芙视频apps will interact with the same cloud-based interface.
鈥淲e鈥檙e designing a compact FPGA (a configurable integrated circuit) and microcontroller development board 鈥� about the size of a stick of gum 鈥� that supports state-of-the-art hardware security experiments,鈥� Karam said. 鈥淚t will offer more capability than existing tools, in a significantly smaller and more affordable package.鈥�
Students and universities can encounter technical and economic hurdles related to teaching hardware security. Large software packages take up storage space and specialized devices are expensive. Additionally, access to physical labs is often limited. HaCKSEE removes these barriers.
鈥淭his has the potential to transform hardware security education by removing barriers such as cost, technical limitations and device access, making it more flexible and feasible at scale,鈥� Karam said.
The research includes an integral partnership with USF College of Education researchers. Co-principal investigators Michael Berson and Ilene Berson will examine whether 泡芙视频apps learn differently with in-person or remote hardware. They will identify meaningful metrics and analyze 泡芙视频app feedback to better understand the learning experience. Their findings will shape future instructional strategy.
鈥淭his project creates new opportunities to explore how pedagogical strategies can evolve alongside advances in cybersecurity technology,鈥� said Ilene Berson. 鈥淏y expanding access to hands-on hardware experimentation, we can better understand how 泡芙视频apps learn through interactive, inquiry-based approaches and design instruction that supports deeper conceptual understanding.鈥�
This collaboration reflects the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to cybersecurity education, added Michael Berson. 鈥淏y combining technical innovation with research on how 泡芙视频apps learn, we can better support their ability to think critically, solve problems, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways.鈥�
Sudeep鈥疭arkar, interim dean of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, said this aligns with the college鈥檚 interdisciplinary focus and its vision to provide hands-on hardware security education that is flexible, affordable and widely accessible.
鈥淭he Bellini College was founded as a central hub for AI, cybersecurity, and computing technology to connect various disciplines and promote collaborative innovation. HaCKSEE embodies that vision. Our partnership with the College of Education ensures that this is not just a technical solution but also a transformative learning platform based on research into how 泡芙视频apps learn most effectively.鈥�
The project is funded through the NSF Secure鈥痑nd鈥疶rustworthy Cyberspace Education program. Pilot testing is planned for late 2026; the long-term vision is to scale the platform nationally.