Q&A: SC State cybersecurity student reaches new heights at artificial intelligence conference
When he’s not studying computer science or cybersecurity at South Carolina State University, you might spot him landing with a parachute or dangling above a lake.
But even a guy who loves skydiving and bungee jumping needs to boost his confidence now and then, and his recent meeting with high rollers in the artificial intelligence field did just that.
Burns, a cybersecurity major from Columbus, Georgia, is one of four SC State students who attended a recent national artificial intelligence (AI) conference at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
University Relations asked him to answer a series of questions about his experience at the conference and his education at SC State.
Q: How did the AI conference contribute to your professional development?
Burns: Being able to go to Harvard helped me step out of my shell more than ever. It pushed me to network and communicate on a higher level to companies that I'd never even imagine myself being able to talk to. I never truly thought that I would be able to talk face to face with the Founders of Khan Academy and AXIM Collaborative and so many other huge companies. It made me feel empowered to do anything and to not limit myself to what I may not believe that I can do. I want this experience to be a milestone in my career that shows other people that if I can do it, someone who grew up without a fancy car or a super big house, someone who struggles with doubt and unbelief, someone who isn't perfect in the least, then hopefully, it should inspire and enable those who feel inadequate to step out and chase their dreams and to stop overthinking and just do it because they can and are well equipped to do so.
Q: Why did you choose your major?
Burns: I've always been good with computers ever since I was a little kid, and cybersecurity was always something I've heard is a good field to go into, so I started off by getting into the computer science field with a focus in cybersecurity. After completing a semester in the major, I felt like it was time to make the switch as cybersecurity had just become a major that was available and I thought it was the perfect time for me to completely focus in on cybersecurity
Q: What are you goals for using your degree?
Burns: My goals for my degree are to use it to make an impact that is able to be felt not only here on campus, but around the world. Technology can be something that is scary to a lot of people, but I want to be that bridge that gives hope and peace to those who may be struggling. Maybe there's a student who didn't grow up with much that is trying to get his associates degree online, or a mother or father that is trying to get their degree whilst having a family; whatever or whoever it may be, I want to be the one to tell them it will be okay and show them how technology can be used to improve their quality of life and not hinder it and show them that if I can do it, they can too.
Q: Tell us about your campus involvement at SC State.
Burns: Throughout the semester, I have been involved in a multitude of things including leading an undergraduate research project funded by the Navy where I have to build a malware analysis lab that will be used by fellow classmates to improve their malware analysis, coding, and analytical skills, captain of an intramural flag football team that went 4-3 and was able to go to the playoffs, participated as a major player in the team National Cyber League games where we placed in the top 14% nationally. Furthermore, I am a community assistant (CA) and a Career Center ambassador. As a CA, I have to ensure the wellbeing and safety of my residents and properly handle any maintenance and damages to the property I've been assigned to. As a Career Center ambassador, I must work closely with the Career Center in the setting up of major career events that give students SC state a future and these events host Fortune 500 companies like Toyota and also host many government agencies like the Secret Service & FBI.
Q: Please share a personal story that has helped shape your life.
Burns: Having military parents, I moved around a lot during my childhood and thus, was never able to make any friends for an extended amount of time. I grew distant and shy because I never felt there was a point to meeting people if I am just going to move again. However, once my parents retired, we settled in Colorado for 7 years, the longest amount of time I have ever been in one state. It was during my middle and high school years, which are arguably some of the most crucial times of one’s life, that I was able to make hundreds of new friends and meet so many wonderful people. I thought that was going to be my forever home. Unfortunately, It wasn't. It was when my mother got another job down in South Carolina that it hit me that I may have to experience and face the fear of moving again and being ripped away from the friends I thought I'd be with for the rest of my life. However, it was the complete opposite once I came down here and went to SC State. This college changed me for the better as everywhere I went, I felt accepted and loved and cared for and it made the process of moving that much easier. Next thing I know, I'm involved in a variety of things at campus making more and more friends each and every day and I was able to grow closer to God more than ever before and I think that just goes to show how much of an amazing college that South Carolina State University is. They care for you and love you down here and that is something that I wouldn't trade for anything, and I am deeply appreciative of all the opportunities that I am given while attending here.
Q: Who in your life or education has shaped your world view and how?
Burns: My family and my pastor play the biggest roles in my lives as they encourage me to never allow unbelief to hinder your blessings and to keep moving forward. They helped me believe in myself and step out in faith to chase my dream. Initially, I was scared to go to Harvard because I started overthinking everything and what I was to do or say when I got there and they always reminded to continue to trust in God and continue moving forward no matter what. I think that their kind words and actions inspired me to go and do the best that I could in whatever situation that I may be put it. A key staple of what they told me was, "It isn't how many times you fall in life. It's about how many times you stand up. No matter what happens, keep standing up and keep moving forward.” Those words will stay with me for the rest of my life and they have changed my perspective on a lot of things in my life as it shows that you don't need to be perfect to start achieving some of the greatest things in your life. You just need to make sure that whatever it is you start, you give it your best until the end and continue to improve along the way. I hope these words will encourage those who may be fearful of their future and are worried of them making a mistake or not being good enough for whatever they want to achieve in their lives. If I can do it, so can you.