Tag Archives: Tamara Rogers

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TSU Computer Science Students Shine at National Hackathon with ‘People’s Power’ App

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Five Tennessee State University computer science majors recently impressed judges at a 24-hour national coding challenge with “People’s Power,” an AI-powered civic engagement app designed to help young adults get informed and involved in local issues.

Tuna Kurucu, left, and Genesis Bookard, right, talk with other hackathon participants about their project. (Submitted Photo)

The students, Genesis Bookard, Tuna Kurucu, Andrew LeClair, Tobenna Ugwuanyi, and Ace Watson, presented their project at Black Enterprise’s 10th annual BE Smart Hackathon presented by American Airlines in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Nov. 5 to 8. The students are all upperclassmen and were accompanied by Dr. Tamara Rogers, associate professor and chair of TSU’s Department of Computer Science.

The hackathon brought together 310 students from 43 HBCUs, forming 62 teams, to test their ability to collaborate, think critically, and communicate ideas under pressure. People’s Power impressed judges with its practical design and social impact focus, empowering users to learn what local candidates have done or plan to do on issues such as housing, public safety, and transportation, while also providing clear ways to get involved in community events and voter registration.

A judge reviews the submission on the “People’s Power” app as Tobenna Ugwuanyi, left, and team leader Andrew LeClair look on. (Submitted Photo)

Ace Watson, a returning participant, also earned top honors for the second consecutive year in the event’s social media contest, highlighting TSU’s growing visibility and engagement at the national competition.

Team captain Andrew LeClair said the People’s Power project was inspired by a desire to use technology for civic good. “We wanted to create something that makes it easier for people to understand and engage with their local government,” LeClair said. “So much focus is on national politics, but real change starts locally, and that’s where People’s Power comes in.”

Tuna Kurucu emphasized the value of collaboration and fast-paced problem solving. “Everyone brought something unique to the table,” Kurucu said. “This experience showed how quickly you can turn an idea into something meaningful when you trust your teammates and stay focused under pressure.”

Genesis Bookard said the hackathon reinforced the team’s confidence and creativity. “It was exciting to see how our idea could grow in just 24 hours,” Bookard said. “Even though we’re still developing People’s Power, the feedback from judges and other teams showed us that our concept has real potential.”

Dr. Rogers praised the students for their professionalism and performance. “I am so proud of our students for representing Tennessee State University with excellence,” Rogers said. “Their creativity, teamwork, and technical skill truly reflect the strength of our computer science program and the innovation coming out of TSU.”

While the People’s Power software is still in development with no immediate rollout plans, the team’s achievement earned high praise from judges and peers alike. This marks TSU’s third appearance at the BE Smart Hackathon. Kurucu, Watson, and LeClair, who also served as team captain, competed in last year’s event.

For more information on the Department of Computer Science at TSU, visit www.tnstate.edu/computer_science/.

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

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TSU Fortifies Cybersecurity Measures as Awareness Month Concludes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As Cybersecurity Awareness Month wraps up, Tennessee State University has asserted its readiness against the rising tide of cyber threats targeting colleges and universities. With educational institutions experiencing a staggering 258 percent increase in cyber incidents and a 545 percent increase in data breaches in 2023 alone, TSU stands out as a beacon of proactive security.

Sterlin Sanders

“TSU is without a doubt extremely secured,” says Sterlin Sanders, TSU’s Interim Chief Information Officer. Sanders emphasizes the university’s commitment to comprehensive cybersecurity, which includes a range of protective measures across all points of entry, ensuring the safety of end-user devices and data systems throughout the institution.

One significant advancement in TSU’s cybersecurity strategy is a partnership with a leading 24/7 managed detection response (MDR) service, which provides both preventive and proactive measures against threats. Sanders highlights the introduction of multi-factor authentication (MFA) in 2023, requiring all users to maintain a minimum 16-character password, a significant increase from the previous requirement of eight characters. “This change reflects a cultural shift in our approach to security,” Sanders explains. “While some may find longer passwords cumbersome, the reality is that it fortifies our defenses against even the most advanced hacking attempts, potentially taking centuries to crack a well-constructed passphrase.”

In 2023, TSU transitioned to a minimum 16-character password requirement to further strengthen its defenses against cyber threats.

Dr. Bingdong Li, Chief Information Security Officer at TSU, adds that the university is rigorously applying national standards and best practices to improve its cybersecurity framework. This robust strategy is in direct response to the escalating challenge of cybercrime within the educational sector.

The educational landscape today faces increased vulnerabilities. However, TSU has positioned itself ahead of the curve. “We have a cybersecurity presence across multiple levels, actively collaborating on research and technology initiatives,” says Dr. Tamara Rogers, Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Computer Science. “Our Office of Technology Services works diligently to protect the university’s networks and promptly addresses vulnerabilities.”

Dr. Tamara Rogers

Students at TSU are also experiencing the benefits of these enhanced cybersecurity measures. Horace “Ace” Watson, a junior computer science major, reports that since the implementation of two-factor authentication and the new password policy, he has encountered no significant issues with the eLearn platform. “In my three years here, we’ve only experienced one minor breach, and since strengthening our password requirements, that hasn’t been an issue again,” Watson says.

Similarly, Daniela Birungi, a master’s student in computer science, acknowledges the improvements made in cybersecurity. “We faced issues in the past, but with enhancements like the two-factor authentication, we’ve seen a marked decrease in problems,” she reflects.

Daniela Birungi

Both Sanders and Li emphasize the importance of ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for users. They warn that cyber attackers are evolving, utilizing tactics such as phishing and pretexting to exploit vulnerabilities. “Completing cybersecurity training may seem tedious but investing just a few minutes can prevent significant financial and personal losses,” Sanders says. 

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month concludes, TSU is not only celebrating its achievements in cybersecurity but also reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the university community against ever-evolving cyber risks.