Clemson University computer engineering Ph.D. student Iwinosa Aideyan’s rapid ascent as a cybersecurity researcher has been propelled by two significant honors—an accolade for her contributions to women in technology and a prestigious scholarship.
Aideyan, currently in her second year as a doctoral student, is affiliated with the VIPR-GS Research Center. She focuses on cybersecurity for vehicles under the guidance of Richard Brooks, professor of computer engineering.
Aideyan said a pivotal moment in her journey occurred with her selection to receive the “Digital Defender of Equality: Advancing Women in Tech Award” from Prezens for Charity.
The award ceremony was held in March at the United Nations Headquarters during the 68th United Nations Women’s Commission on the Status of Women. The award celebrated her commitment to empowering young women and girls in IT, her cybersecurity research and her steadfast advocacy for gender equality.
During her undergraduate years at the University of Benin in Nigeria, Aideyan mentored numerous female students and remains in touch with many of them. She held leadership roles, notably as the first female president of the Association of Computer Engineering and as vice president of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students’ Association, Uniben Chapter.
She is now working on establishing a Women in Cybersecurity student chapter at Clemson University to cultivate an atmosphere of support and empowerment.
Her decision to pursue a Ph.D. at Clemson was influenced by Brooks’ groundbreaking work, particularly in Africa. Aideyan said she thrives amidst the demanding workload and the supportive academic environment fostered by Brooks.
As a Clemson Ph.D. student, Aideyan has had the privilege to attend conferences nationwide, forging connections with industry leaders in automotive cybersecurity. She attributes much of her success to her family and the Nigerian Students in Clemson organization and the Reformed University Fellowship – International (RUF-I), which facilitated her smooth transition to campus life.
In addition to her award, Aideyan recently received the Women in Technology Scholarship from Cadence Design, joining a cohort of distinguished recipients from prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Scholarships were awarded based on strong academic records, community involvement, leadership potential, and recommendations from professors, according to Cadence.
Aideyan hopes to graduate in 2026. She said she aspires to continue her work in enhancing automobile security in an industrial setting, driven by her passion for leveraging technology to create safer and more secure vehicles for all.
