黑料网

KENNESAW, Ga. | May 1, 2025

Recently named semifinalist for the Fulbright Student Program, 黑料网 student Bon Varlet is keenly interested in using her newly acquired skills to ward off cyber threats, work that reflects her commitment to global collaboration and digital protection.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright program is designed to promote mutual understanding between nations and offers opportunities for students to conduct research, study, or teach in more than 140 countries. If selected, Varlet will travel to Belgium to collaborate with experts at KU Leuven, where she plans to explore cybersecurity vulnerabilities in public institutions, particularly libraries, archives, and research centers.

鈥淚 was really inspired by what happened at the British Library in 2023,鈥� said Varlet, who graduates this month with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in information technology. 鈥淎 cyberattack shut down the entire system, and no one could check out books or access resources. It really made me think about how critical these places are, and how under protected they can be compared to private companies.鈥�

Public institutions house valuable data and cultural history but often lack the funding and infrastructure to defend against cyber threats. Varlet鈥檚 research aims to elevate these concerns and offer inclusive solutions rooted not just in technology, but also in empathy and accessibility.

Her proposed project not only explores digital defense strategies but also examines the political, social, and economic factors that influence cybersecurity policy. Varlet believes this is often overlooked in purely technical approaches.

鈥淚f a library doesn鈥檛 have high-speed internet or trained personnel, how can we expect them to implement complex cybersecurity systems?鈥� she asked. 鈥淭hese social and economic factors need to be part of the conversation.鈥�

Varlet鈥檚 experience at Kennesaw State has been fueled by faculty support, self-discipline, and an insatiable thirst for learning. She is particularly fond of her experience working with assistant professor Yixin 鈥淐hloe鈥� Xie in the university鈥檚 bioengineering-focused X-Lab.

In the lab, Varlet has contributed to interdisciplinary research projects involving biological system modeling, and computational tools aimed at improving disease detection and therapeutic development. The experience deepened her understanding of real-world healthcare challenges and solidified her passion for cybersecurity in the public sphere.

Through her work in the lab, Varlet was also introduced to the , a program funded by the Department of Defense that aims to build a skilled cybersecurity and IT workforce by engaging students in applied research and real-world problem-solving. 

鈥淏on stands out not just for her technical talent, but for her heart and vision,鈥� Xie said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to equity in cybersecurity. I鈥檓 confident she鈥檒l continue to make meaningful contributions on a global scale.鈥� 

In the future, Varlet aims to attend law school and specialize in cyber law, combining her technical knowledge with policymaking to influence global standards.

鈥淐ybersecurity affects everyone,鈥� Varlet said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about protecting money, but it鈥檚 about protecting people, information, and institutions that serve the public.鈥�

鈥� Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 黑料网 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.