Florida Tech assistant professor Abdullah Aydeger was awarded the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award for his project, “Post-Quantum Security and Identity Foundations for Adaptive 6G Infrastructure.”
The NSF CAREER Award supports early-career researchers who show strong potential to become academic leaders by integrating cutting-edge research with education and outreach. Receiving it is considered a significant milestone, reflecting both the promise of the research and a long-term commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Aydeger is the sole principal investigator on the five-year, $598,956 grant, which runs from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2031.
“Personally, it is deeply rewarding,” he said. “It validates years of focused work on a problem I genuinely believe matters for the future of secure communications. Professionally, it gives me the runway to pursue an ambitious long-term vision, build a stronger research group at Florida Tech and create meaningful educational and outreach opportunities for our students.”
Aydeger’s project addresses a critical challenge facing the next generation of wireless networks: As quantum computers grow more powerful, they pose a serious risk to the encryption methods that today’s wireless networks rely on to protect hospitals, banks, emergency services and everyday communications.
Aydeger’s research aims to get ahead of that threat by developing security foundations for 6G networks, the successor to today’s 5G technology, that can adapt dynamically, swapping cryptographic algorithms and managing trust across devices without disrupting service.
Through the project, students will also receive training in post-quantum cryptography and wireless security through new curricula, research experiences and a hands-on Quantum Defender Challenge competition. Laboratory modules will be shared nationally through NSF’s Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research program, and outreach efforts will extend to students across Central Florida communities.
“I am grateful to NSF, to my mentors and collaborators, and to Florida Tech for the support that made this possible,” Aydeger said.
