SFS Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
There are not current upcoming events
Past Events
CCSC Conference
October 17th
Kamal Epps, Jared Robinson, Dawn Marshal, Roxan Rockefeller, Haley Reyes, Sage Despeignes, and Tobiloba Ayodeji, along with other Computer Science
students from Bowie State University’s Department of Computer Science, represented their institution at the 40th Eastern Region Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges (CCSC) Capture The Flag (CTF) competition. The event, held at Mount St. Mary’s University School of Natural Science and Mathematics, brought together talented students from various institutions to test their problem-solving and cybersecurity skills.The Bowie State team showcased exceptional talent and secured an impressive second place. Their success was achieved by skillfully deciphering lines of code, analyzing images and audio for hidden clues, and solving challenging puzzles involving real-life objects within the competition arena. The tasks required not only technical expertise but also innovative thinking andthe ability to adapt under pressure. This experience was more than just a competition—it was a valuable learning opportunity. The students gained a deeper understanding of the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and effective communication. Their achievement reflects the high standards of education and training provided by Bowie State University’s Computer Science program, as well as the students’ dedication and determination to excel in their field.
Women in Cybersecurity Mid-Atlantic (WICYS MAA): National Pumpkin Day CTF
October 26th
Haley Reyes and Sage Despeignes, both CyberCorp Scholarship for Service (SFS) Scholars at Bowie State University, competed in the Women in Cybersecurity Mid-Atlantic (WICYS MAA) National Pumpkin Day CTF hosted by Capitol Technology University. They participated in various activities, ranging from decrypting hidden messages to picking locks. Through the event, they not only honed their knowledge and strategies for future hackathons.
TAC Coffee Connect
At the recent Coffee Connect event hosted by the Technology Advancement Center (TAC), formerly known as MISI, attendees had the opportunity to interact with an array of individuals, businesses, and government officials. The gathering, marked by an incredible atmosphere, featured a fully functional model airport that, while missing its plane, added a touch of novelty to the event. The experience proved to be both enriching and productive, leading to invaluable connections, including the bridging of several students from Bowie State University to TAC. This event underscored the importance of fostering partnerships within the community to drive technological advancement and innovation. Haley Reyes, Computer Science Student at Bowie State University and SFS Scholar, reflected on the significance of the event, noting its impact on future collaborations and innovations.
Grace Hopper Celebration 2024
October 8-11th
Among the 25 remarkable female Computer Science students from Bowie State University who attended the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) from October 8-11, 2024, were SFS scholars Isha Renner, Sage Despeignes, and Haley Reyes. These scholars, along with their peers, had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world’s largest gathering focused on women in technology, where they enhanced their skills, networked with industry leaders, and explored career paths in tech. During the event, the students met with potential employers and successful business owners, gaining valuable insights into the industry and forming connections that could shape their professional futures. Their presence at the conference highlighted the value that Bowie State University places on preparing students for real-world opportunities in the technology sector.They were accompanied by their esteemed professors, Dr. Shumba, Dr. El-Sayed, and Dr. Joysula, who provided mentorship and support, guiding them through workshops, keynote sessions, and panel discussions. This experience not only expanded the students’ knowledge and networks but also inspired them to pursue leadership roles in the tech industry, empowering them to make impactful contributions to the field of computer science
Meet and Greet
September 7th, 10:00 AM
On September 7, the SFS scholar took part in the annual Meet and Greet hosted by the Computer Science Department, a lively and engaging event designed to welcome freshman students into the department's community. This gathering brought together new students, faculty, and returning students, creating a dynamic space for connections, mentorship, and information-sharing. Faculty members introduced the freshman class to the department’s academic standards, key resources, and various student organizations. They highlighted upcoming research projects, internship programs, and scholarship opportunities, encouraging students to make the most of the department’s support systems.
Returning students added a personal touch, sharing their own journeys and tips on thriving in the Computer Science Department. They offered advice on managing workloads, finding research interests, and navigating the transition to university life, helping new students feel welcomed and supported.
The SFS scholar took this opportunity to introduce the prestigious CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, this competitive scholarship supports students dedicated to cybersecurity careers, helping address the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across Federal, State, local, and tribal government agencies. By covering tuition, providing stipends, and connecting scholars with career resources, the SFS Program aims to cultivate a highly skilled workforce prepared to tackle today’s cybersecurity challenges.
Experiential Learning Day
September 20th, 9:00 AM
SFS scholars participated in the department's Experiential Learning Day, joining other students to showcase the skills and accomplishments gained during their summer internships. The event featured presentations across a diverse array of computer science fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others. Students shared their hands-on experiences, demonstrating how they applied classroom knowledge to real-world problems and contributed to innovative projects within their respective fields. The presentations highlighted the department’s commitment to bridging academic learning with practical experience, providing students with valuable insights into industry practices and emerging technologies.
2024 Aspen Cyber Summit
September 18th
On September 18th, 2024, Haley Reyes and Sage Despeignes, both CyberCorp Scholarship for Service (SFS) Scholars, attended the 2024 Aspen Cyber Summit. The day was packed with panels diving deep into cybersecurity topics, ranging from concerns about integrity to discussions on international collaborations, such as the panel titled "More than Meets the (Five) Eyes: A Threat Brief from the Five Eyes Alliance." They had the opportunity to meet numerous inspiring individuals from the cybersecurity field and companies eager to expand their cybersecurity networks. It was a fantastic experience for those new and passionate about cybersecurity.
Orientation for Fall 2023
Review the schedule below for the NSF orientation for 2023.
Monday, August 21, 2023
09:15-09:35 AM: Opening Remarks - Dr. Shumba.
09:35-11:30 AM: Mr. C. Myers - Security Clearance Process for DoD.
11:30-11:45 AM: Break.
11:45-12:20 PM: Faculty Abstracts Presentation
12:20-1:05 PM: Lunch with faculty, students, and Dean Acquaah.
1:05-3:05 PM: Dr. Sean Guillory - Cyber Research.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
09:15-09:35 AM: Dr. El-Sayed - Advising - Help Seeking.
09:35-10:35 AM: Dr. Dykstra - Experience as an SFS scholar.
10:35-11:00 PM: Ms. Tory Bobo - Setting goals.
11:00-11:15 AM: Break.
11:15-12:35 PM: Ms. Tory Bobo - Setting goals
12:35-1:20 PM: Lunch.
1:20-3:20 PM: Dr. Sean Guillory - Cyber Research.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
09:15-11:00 AM: Mr. Jose Wendell, DISA - Getting top-secret clearance.
11:00-11:15 AM: Break.
11:15-12:00 PM: Mr. Jose Wendell, DISA - Getting top-secret clearance.
12:00-12:45 PM: Lunch.
12:45-1:05 PM: Dr. Yan - Club activities and expectations.
1:05-3:05 PM: Dr. Sean Guillory - Cyber Research.
Thursday, August 24, 2023
09:15-10:00 AM: Dr. Wiley and Ms. McDonald - Answer questions - Clearance and Working for the Federal Government.
10:00-10:15 AM: Break / Pictures with President.
10:15-12:15 PM: Ms. Tory Bobo - Setting goals.
12:15-1:00 PM: Lunch break.
1:00-3:00 PM: Dr. Sean Guillory - Cyber Research.
3:00-3:30 PM: Closing session – Dr. Shumba