KENNESAW, Ga. | May 1, 2025

Recently named semifinalist for the Fulbright Student Program, Kennesaw State University 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.

“I was really inspired by what happened at the British Library in 2023,” said Varlet, who graduates this month with a bachelor’s degree in information technology. “A 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.”

Public institutions house valuable data and cultural history but often lack the funding and infrastructure to defend against cyber threats. Varlet’s 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.

“If a library doesn’t have high-speed internet or trained personnel, how can we expect them to implement complex cybersecurity systems?” she asked. “These social and economic factors need to be part of the conversation.”

Varlet’s 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 “Chloe” Xie in the university’s 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 VICEROY Initiative, 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. 

“Bon stands out not just for her technical talent, but for her heart and vision,” Xie said. “She’s driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to equity in cybersecurity. I’m confident she’ll continue to make meaningful contributions on a global scale.” 

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

“Cybersecurity affects everyone,” Varlet said. “It’s not just about protecting money, but it’s about protecting people, information, and institutions that serve the public.”

Students interested in applying for funding opportunities for study abroad, experiential learning, and research should contact the Office of National and International Scholarships and Fellowships.

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University 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.