“Working as an intern in the VA HELM Project has been an excellent experience for me, from learning many new things and meeting great people to even expanding my knowledge in other skills. 

I have been able to work with such great people who have also become really great teachers for me. As a result, I now have the opportunity to work as a full-time business analyst for Cognosante, where I know, I will get to learn and acquire excellent new skills. Thank you, Maryland Center at Bowie State University! This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without all of your help and guidance.”

“My experience with the Veteran Affairs HELM-Cognosante Paid Internship at Bowie State University has been incredibly rewarding, and I am genuinely excited about the opportunities it has provided.

The internship has afforded me valuable hands-on experience and knowledge in various domains, including Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), Zscaler management, and NIST 800-53 rev 4 and 5. Working on deploying Kubernetes containers has further enriched my skill set, allowing me to apply theoretical concepts practically. This internship has expanded my understanding of these technologies and given me a real-world perspective on their application within complex systems. I am grateful for the chance Bowie State University has given me to explore these innovative areas, and I look forward to continuing my growth in this dynamic field.”

“My internship on the VA HELM Project with Cognosante as a cybersecurity analyst has been a fantastic experience.

I was immersed in diverse projects that expanded my skill set and knowledge base. Each task provided invaluable learning opportunities, from delving into machine learning and utilizing Apcurio to create and build APIs, to exploring Natural Language Processing with InterSystem IRIS. I worked closely with the cyborg team (Cyber Security interns) and my professors from Bowie State University, such as Dr. Jackson, Dr. Latson, Dr. Stone, and Dr. Haydar. One notable accomplishment was my contribution to the revision and update of the NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, alongside our research paper on Zero Trust Container Architecture (ZTCA), which involved examining network activity in a Docker-based multitenant to verify ZTCA compliance. These experiences sharpened my technical abilities and enhanced my problem-solving and documentation skills. This internship provided invaluable insights that will benefit my academic and professional pursuits. I am incredibly grateful for the enriching experience I had during my internship at Cognosante. The guidance and support provided by my mentors, Dr. Jackson, Dr. Latson, Dr. Stone, and Dr. Haydar, as well as Ms. Deneen Williams and Mr. Larry Walsh, played a pivotal role in my growth and development. Their mentorship helped me navigate the challenges of the cybersecurity landscape and fostered a sense of confidence in my abilities. I also want to thank Cognosante for providing me with this invaluable opportunity to learn and contribute to this project.”

“The MDTC program provided me with a valuable internship opportunity at Cognosante, working on the VA Healthcare Environment and Logistics Management (HELM) Project.

“The Bionic Project, powered by The Maryland Center at Bowie State University, has been a pivotal experience that significantly impacted my academic journey and provided me with a broader sense of purpose.

Engaging with eminent subject matter experts and receiving guidance from graduate peer mentors was invaluable and enriched my academic experience at Bowie State University. The program’s focus on preparing us for future careers in combating misinformation in the digital world was both enlightening and motivating. Participating in guided learning modules and high-level briefings not only expanded my knowledge and skills but also provided a real-world context that enhanced my academic pursuits.

The climax of the program, developing an innovative solution to combat misinformation and disinformation in the Pacific Islands, was a transformative experience. It challenged me academically, pushing me to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, thereby fostering a broader sense of understanding and perspective. Overall, this internship has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional aspirations. I am immensely grateful to The Maryland Center, Dr. Lethia Jackson at Bowie State University, my family, friends, mentors, and professionals in this field for their unwavering support, invaluable insights, and guidance that have fueled my growth and passion. As I embark on my next chapter as a Junior IT Analyst at Jacobs, supporting the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), I am excited about making a positive impact in combating misinformation and contributing to safeguarding our digital world.”