Major: Computer Science
How did Cal Lutheran prepare you for success in this type of work?
As a computer science major, my classes allowed me to explore deeper topics that grew my understanding not only of JAVA but the incorporation of graphical user interfaces, complex algorithms, and graphics. I thoroughly elated my time here at Cal Lutheran and it gave me some of the best years of my life. I couldn’t thank my mentors and Professor Peng and Professor Reinhart enough for their hard work and dedication to teaching.
What activities were you involved in during your time at Cal Lutheran?
During my time at Cal Lutheran, I participated in two unique NASA programs: NASA’s Mission Concept Academy and NASA’s Proposal Writing & Evaluation Experience. The Mission Concept program allowed me to lead a group of eight students as we develop a PDR (Preliminary Design Review) which brakes down all of the necessary steps in completing a NASA space mission, starting from the rover design phase, budgeting, and even developing the entry/ landing procedures. The proposal program allowed me and a small team to compete in developing a nee design or tool for NASA with hopes to receive funding to further the project. Together my team collaborated with NASA JPL employees and designed a small folding robot.
Can you describe some of the resources and support systems that helped you achieve success at Cal Lutheran?
As a student worker at the Cal Lutheran IT department, it thrilled me that I got to expand on my knowledge of computer hardware and all of the unique systems that the college uses. With the help of my manager Chris Ion, I learned valuable skills and was able to connect with the many different faculty members here on campus.
What have you been doing since you graduated and what are your professional goals?
I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted a NASA Internship at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California as a Cybersecurity Analyst. I will be assisting the team in the design of Cybersecurity architectures for the cloud and other business systems, firewalls, and electronic data traffic at JPL. I have also received a full-time job offer after my internship at Pepperdine University where I will be working as a Technology Trainer. There I will be developing new learning materials and teaching classes for the staff on new system software that the university wishes to implement.