School of Computer and Cyber Sciences faculty wins National Science Foundation award

Augusta University School of Computer and Cyber Sciences associate professor Dr. Harley Eades has been awarded a grant of $426,413 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE). Eades’ project is called “Semantically and Practically Generalizing Graded Modal Types.”

This grant will support Eades’ continued study and development of programming languages based on the concept of graded types. Graded types allow for more fine-grained verification of the use of data and other resources in computer programs. This verification results in fewer software malfunctions that can cause safety and security problems.

“Winning this award means a lot to me. I’ve written grants every year since I’ve been here, and it’s truly been a labor of love,” says Eades. “This award also allows me to support and work with one of the first doctoral students in our new Ph.D. program in Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University.”

The award will provide a stipend for Eades’ doctoral students and cover their tuition. Additionally, it supports his collaboration with Clark Atlanta University and Wesleyan College. Funds from this grant will provide a summer research stipend to an undergraduate student from each of these schools, a historically black college and an all-women’s college, to participate in undergraduate research with Eades. Last but not least, the grant also includes funds to support undergraduate research assistants at Augusta University.

“This grant from the National Science Foundation strengthens the research momentum at our school,” said Alex Schwarzmann, dean of the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. “I applaud Dr. Eades and his courage to pursue very challenging research topics, and I am elated that his dedication and perseverance received this recognition. There is another reason for Dr. Eades to celebrate: he received this award just at the right time, coinciding with the launch of our PhD program and enabling him to work with our very first doctoral students.”

Congratulations, Dr. Eades!