When Justin Brandon was a child, he loved to take things apart to figure out how they worked. As an eight-year-old, he got his hands on a computer and discovered that he could actually change and improve the programs. After serving in the military and working with computers in a variety of settings, Justin wanted a career where he could combine his extensive experience in computers and training. Now heýs at Pace, completing a degree in computer studies with a focus on cybersecurity and computer forensics.
One of Justinýs biggest opportunities so far has been interning in Paceýs Blue CoLab, working with teams of students who are exploring new ways to apply computer technology to protect human life. ýMy job involves consulting with the teams on their projects and making sure that the equipment they needýthe sensors, data loggers, and water quality monitoring devicesýall work together in the way that they should.ý Says Justin, ýThey call me in to talk about the hardware, and itýs an opportunity to use my existing skills and hone new ones.ý
ýThat experience gave me a taste of what graduate school will be like. It also taught me how to pitch my idea for a new hands-on course on white hat hacking, something Iýd like Pace to offer.ý
Justin also completely upgraded all of the labýs wireless technology. And last year, he received a Summer Scholarship Grant to work with the Provost and two professors developing a new Blue CoLab curriculum that could be delivered via a remote learning platform. ýThat experience gave me a taste of what graduate school will be like. It also taught me how to pitch my idea for a new hands-on course on white hat hacking, something Iýd like Pace to offer.ý
Justin appreciates the quality of Paceýs faculty. ýThe instructors here have really impressive backgrounds, they work at places like IBM,ý he says. ýAnd through my electives, Iýve met professors whoýve given me opportunities to work on interesting projects outside my area, like Global Information Systems. We also have opportunities to connect with people in the industry. The Chief Technology Officer at Verizon just spoke with us about his experiences and what theyýre looking for in new employees.ý
Going back to school after being out in the world is challenging, but Justin says itýs worth it. ýIým learning how to collaborate with younger team members, how to be a good role model, and how to motivate others. Being at Pace has improved who I am overall.ý
Alphur "Slim" Willock ý19, ý23 knows that dedication in the face of obstacles is what it takes to get ahead. After the death of his wife, he took on the responsibility of caring for his six children while working full-time. Slim was able to fit not one, but two, online degree programs into his lifeýa BS in Information Systems and now an MS in Information Technology.
Maria Escobar ý22 is the co-founder of the World Without Exploitation National Youth Coalitionýa network of young people dedicated to ending human traffickingýand sheýs also set to present at the upcoming United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
Manoela Nery de Morais ý20, Ajinkya Vilasrao Datalkar ý20, Chimegsaikhan Munkhbayar ý20, and Helen Tsai ý21 just won IBMýs Call for Code 2020 challenge. How did they make it big? What does it take to reach the finish line? And how did they manage to coordinate with a 12-hour time difference between them? Theyýll tell you!