Kennesaw State information technology student, Fulbright semifinalist chasing interest in cybersecurity
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.
Varlet, who graduates this month with a bachelor’s degree in information technology, said:
I was really inspired by what happened at the British Library in 2023,
“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.
she asked,
If a library doesn’t have high-speed internet or trained personnel, how can we expect them to implement complex cybersecurity systems?
“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.
Xie said,
Bon stands out not just for her technical talent, but for her heart and vision,
“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.
Varlet said,
Cybersecurity affects everyone,
“It’s not just about protecting money, but it’s about protecting people, information, and institutions that serve the public.”
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Kennesaw State information technology student, Fulbright semifinalist chasing interest in cybersecurity, source
