Computer Science and Engineering
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Computer Science Students Innovate Solutions for Real World Problems
Ashlynn and Deveyn wanted to collaborate on a project that combined their individual areas of interest and expertise. Ashlynn has specialized in cyber security while Deveyn’s passion lies in machine learning. “When we asked ourselves, ‘What’s an issue many people face but have limited support in?’ the topic of phishing emails stood out,” said Deveyn Hainey, a computer science major. “Although there are several tools out there to detect phishing attempts, relatively few focus on educating users. We wanted to create something that not only identifies threats but also helps people understand the why behind them so they can learn how to spot threats independently in the future.” The project was tough, but they were motivated by the potential impact. Their software could go a long way toward addressing a national problem that, according to the FBI, cost Americans more than $16 million in 2024. “The most difficult aspect of this project was navigating the Gmail add-on platform, Ashlynn said. “We quickly discovered how restrictive it can be regarding what you can include or customize. We’re both creative thinkers, so finding ways to make our product as user-friendly and helpful as possible, despite those constraints, became our biggest puzzle.” They combined their book learning with the practical experiences they’ve gotten through CU Denver. Ashlynn landed a job within the university IT department, which led to an internship with a local company. Deveyn used the university’s location and faculty network to land her own internship as well. “CU Denver offers a wealth of resources,” said Ashlynn Hainey. “By taking advantage of these, we gained hands-on experience that directly translated into industry skills. The smaller class sizes also enabled meaningful connections with faculty, who often shared insights on the professional experience and made introductions that helped us network. All of this contributed to a stronger resume and a deeper confidence heading into our careers.” Deveyn and Ashlynn both have jobs waiting for them after they cross the stage in May with computer science degrees. Deveyn has accepted a job as a machine learning engineer at Quizlet. Ashlynn will be working as an Information Security Engineer at Ibotta.
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Master's cybersecurity certificate program receives CAE-CDE designation
The CAE-CDE (Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education) designation is awarded by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to academic institutions that meet rigorous standards in cybersecurity education. This recognition signifies that our program not only adheres to the highest educational standards but also contributes significantly to the development of the nation's cybersecurity workforce. Earning this designation involves a thorough evaluation of our curriculum, research initiatives, faculty expertise, and institutional resources, ensuring that students gain practical, in-demand skills aligned with national security priorities. As part of this designation, we are recognized for our leadership in producing graduates prepared to meet the growing challenges in cybersecurity. Furthermore, this status enhances our students' career prospects by aligning our program with industry and government standards, offering them a competitive edge in the cybersecurity field.