Three LSU Computer Science Faculty Members Receive NSF Awards Totaling More Than $1.3 Million July 09, 2026 Three faculty members in the LSU Division of Computer Science and Engineering have received National Science Foundation (NSF) awards totaling more than $1.3 million to advance research in quantum computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, further strengthening LSU Engineering's position as a national leader in emerging technologies. Assistant professors Umar Farooq, Phani Vadrevu, and Tasnuva Farheen will lead projects that address some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation's digital infrastructure, from protecting computer systems against future quantum cyberattacks to disrupting online scams and building more resilient quantum communication networks. "These awards demonstrate the exceptional talent we've recruited to LSU and the growing national recognition of our faculty's research," said Ibrahim Baggili, chair of LSU's Division of Computer Science and Engineering. "Collectively, these projects address critical challenges in cybersecurity and quantum technologies while creating new opportunities for student training and innovation." Preparing Computer Systems for the Quantum Era Farooq received a five-year, $506,020 NSF CAREER Award, one of the nation's most prestigious honors for early-career faculty, to develop tools that help organizations prepare for the arrival of quantum computers. Quantum computers are expected to break many of today's cryptographic systems, threatening the security of banks, hospitals, power grids, and other critical infrastructure. Upgrading federal computer systems alone is expected to cost billions of dollars before a 2035 deadline. Farooq's project will develop three integrated tools: a Quantum-Readiness Index to identify cryptographic risks hidden within software, a Cryptographic-Dependence Graph to map how vulnerable code affects surrounding systems, and an AI-driven migration pipeline to automate the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography while minimizing disruption. The CAREER Award also supports new curriculum and student training in post-quantum software engineering, an emerging workforce need. Farooq joined LSU in