In the days leading up to winter break, both undergraduate and graduate Computer Science and Cybersecurity students at Felician University delivered presentations of their senior theses. The presentation room pulsed with the excited energy of students about to share the information they’ve discovered on a topic of interest as a final farewell assignment before graduating.

Topics as dynamic as penetration testing, 3D printing, autonomous vehicles, real-time face recognition, and more were investigated and expounded upon, revealing the depth of knowledge that these students had acquired in their respective subjects.

One student used her real-world experience to bring her project to life, solidify her knowledge, and share the information she’d gleaned with her fellow classmates, faculty, and staff. Having interned at ClearBridge Investments, an affiliate of Legg Mason, Crystal Dennis had the chance to work with Redspin, a penetration testing company. Penetration testing is the authorized hacking of a computer system to assess that system’s security measures. The opportunity to work hands-on in such a rich experiential environment and contribute what she learned toward her thesis shaped not only Crystal’s thesis itself but her outlook on her future career: “This project brought me closer to what I want to do, which is to become a security analyst.”

Dr. Robert Clougherty, Vice President of Technology, Design and Innovation, presented the students with a certificate for their outstanding achievements and remarked, “I couldn’t be more impressed with our students. The time and energy they invested in their theses became apparent as they presented their findings with clarity, enthusiasm, and assurance. They have promising futures ahead of them in and beyond the digital world.”

Having completed their final assignments before walking across the stage at graduation, these advanced computer science and cybersecurity students were able to take a relieving breath of air and close their academic careers on an impressively high note.