One Year Later: Our Scholars

A year ago, our 2025 scholarship recipients were taking their next step into cybersecurity. Today, they’re building careers, gaining experience, and making their mark.

Thanks to your support of the UMSA Foundation Scholarship Program, their journeys didn’t just begin; they accelerated.

We were able to reconnect with six of our 2025 recipients to hear what’s changed, what they’ve accomplished, and where they’re headed next. Take a look at where they are now:

Rotimi Mogaji

I am currently pursuing my degree in Cybersecurity at Madison College in Wisconsin, where I am gaining hands-on experience in network security, packet analysis, and system administration. Through my coursework and labs, I have developed a deeper understanding of how to protect systems and data from cyber threats. Alongside my studies, I continue working while balancing the demands of school and professional growth.

The UMSA scholarship has been incredibly meaningful to me because it has reduced the financial stress of tuition and allowed me to focus more fully on my education. It has been both practical support and a reminder that my academic goals are worth investing in. I encourage others to consider supporting the giving campaign so that more students can benefit from the same opportunity and encouragement that I have been fortunate to receive.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Ansley Nats

I am currently in the last semester of my Bachelor’s in Cyber Operations at Dakota State University. I have learned how to detect and analyze vulnerabilities, monitor suspicious activity, and prevent attacks from my defensive network security class. I’ve also learned how to exploit vulnerabilities, set persistence in systems, and have even done some penetration testing in my offensive network security class.

I’ve learned that I really enjoy defending a system from attacks and preventing people’s data from being stolen or abused. I’ve also completed my Digital Forensics minor, which was incredibly insightful and interesting. This scholarship helped ease financial pressure and allowed me to focus more on my coursework, motivating me to continue learning about cybersecurity.

Ryker Lee

Since receiving the UMSA scholarship, I have continued pursuing my double major in Cyber Operations and Network & Security Administration at Dakota State University. This semester I am studying abroad at the Universidad de Burgos in Spain, where I am expanding my technical coursework while continuing to develop my cybersecurity and networking skills in an international environment.

Alongside my studies, I remain actively involved in cybersecurity competitions and student leadership at DSU. The support from UMSA has been incredibly meaningful in helping me continue my education and pursue a career in cybersecurity.

Thank you again for the opportunity and for supporting students in the cybersecurity community.

Tiya Nelson

I currently work full-time as a Cybersecurity Analyst supporting United States Space Force operations in Colorado, where I focus on protecting mission-critical systems and strengthening the security posture of national defense infrastructure. My role allows me to apply cybersecurity principles in a real-world operational environment while continuously refining my technical skills across cloud security, application security, and defensive cyber operations.

Alongside my professional work, I am completing my Bachelor’s degree in Applied Management and will finish my Associate of Science degree in Cybersecurity this May. My academic studies complement my hands-on experience and provide a strong foundation in both the technical and strategic aspects of cybersecurity leadership.

I also serve part-time in the National Guard within the only National Guard space battalion. Through this role, I am working toward becoming a Space Technician and ultimately commissioning as an officer. Serving in a unit dedicated to space operations has strengthened my commitment to national security and deepened my interest in the intersection of cybersecurity, engineering, and space systems.

On a daily basis, I dedicate time to improving my craft. I am particularly passionate about building cybersecurity tools, expanding my cyber stack, and developing offensive security capabilities. My technical interests focus on the intersection of cybersecurity, software engineering, and cloud engineering, where I aim to design secure systems and develop innovative tools that strengthen digital defense.

Looking forward, I plan to continue advancing my education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering. My long-term goal is to combine cybersecurity expertise, engineering discipline, and leadership experience to help secure critical infrastructure and advance the future of cyber and space operations.

Lac Nguyen

Since receiving the UMSA 2025 scholarship, I have continued pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity while working full-time in manufacturing operations. Recently, I was promoted to a supervisor position, which has allowed me to grow as a leader while continuing to develop technical and problem-solving skills in both my professional and academic work. In my studies, I am building hands-on experience in database management, network security, and defensive cybersecurity practices, with the goal of contributing to protecting organizations from evolving cyber threats.

On a more personal note, this scholarship has meant far more to me than financial support. After going through chemotherapy and focusing on recovery, returning to school and advancing in my career required courage and renewed belief in myself. Receiving this scholarship helped restore my confidence and reminded me that my future is still full of possibility. It strengthened my belief in life, in second chances, and in the value of continuing to move forward despite challenges.

The support from UMSA and its donors has lightened financial pressures and allowed me to focus more fully on both my studies and personal growth. I am deeply thankful for the encouragement and investment in students like me. I hope others will continue to support this campaign so more students can experience the same opportunity, hope, and empowerment.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Lauryn Brynjulson

I am currently studying economics at the University of North Dakota as a freshman. I have gained knowledge in how the economy functions and how money flows through society.

I have much to learn yet in my time at UND, and I am very thankful for the UMSA scholarship that I received in 2025. It has made my journey much easier. I’m excited to see what college brings me yet!

About the UMSA Foundation Scholarship Program 

If you’d like to help support the program, please make a donation here! Thank you.