Computer and Cyber Sciences doctoral student earns NSF fellowship 

For Jeff Benson, a doctoral student in Augusta University’s PhD program in Computer and Cyber Sciences, research is about creating new ways for people to learn through technology. Now, that work has earned him one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for graduate students. 

Benson, who is advised by Jason Orlosky, PhD, has been selected for the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), becoming the first Augusta University student to receive the highly competitive award. 

The NSF GRFP recognizes graduate students who demonstrate exceptional potential as future research leaders in STEM. The fellowship provides three years of financial support, allowing recipients to focus on advancing innovative research while building careers that can make a lasting impact. 

“Mr. Benson’s research has the potential to transform conversational support systems via AI-enabled Augmented Reality, which will have a lasting impact on how we interact with others and improve language and conversation skills,” said Orlosky. “Having worked with him on a variety of research projects and publications throughout his undergraduate and graduate academic career, I am confident his initiative and dedication will serve his fellow students, Augusta University, and the international research community over many years to come.” 

Benson’s recognition is an important milestone not only for him, but also for the university. As the first AU student to earn an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, he is helping raise the profile of both the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences and AU’s research enterprise.   

Benson said the fellowship is both a personal achievement and validation of the research he is conducting at Augusta University. 

His accomplishment is evidence of the growing reputation of AU’s PhD program in Computer and Cyber Sciences, where students work alongside faculty mentors on cutting-edge research with real-world applications. Through individualized mentorship, collaborative research opportunities and a focus on innovation, the program is preparing students to become leaders in academia, industry and beyond. 

“Being selected by the NSF for a fellowship reflects the potential of my research in augmented and virtual reality learning systems and gives me the flexibility to pursue impactful work that pushes the field forward,” Benson said. 

Alex Schwarzmann, PhD, dean of the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, said student achievements like Benson’s demonstrate the strength of the school’s research program and the quality of the graduate students. 

“By securing national honors like the NSF Fellowship, alongside prestigious academic appointments and industry leadership roles, our students’ success attests to their high caliber and the profound impact of our research programs,” Schwarzmann said. “These achievements are a strong reflection of the competent mentorship and rigorous research training that define our PhD program.”