Hands-On Learning: CSE Department Offers Summer Opportunities

This summer, Taylor University provided multiple on-campus job opportunities for students in the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department. Through practicum research and new projects, 10 students exercised their skills, acquired new ones, and gained valuable experience. Through the process, they learned to submit their work to the Lord and seek his guidance. As Proverbs 16:3 states, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”  

Website Work 

Senior Makayla Hynson is a double major in Christian Ministries and Computer Science with a concentration in Digital Media. This summer, she worked on a project called IChair, a website designed to help with University department scheduling. Over the course of her summer internship, Hynson worked with a team to aid the design and overall flow of the website, and she thanks her Taylor education for preparing her for the project. Hynson also had the opportunity to learn new skills that she will use in her future career, such as new computer program language.  

Hynson loved seeing how God gave each person on the team different gifts and uniquely equipped them to serve in their individual roles in the workspace. “Yes, we are working on this one project, but there are so many different parts,” she reflected.  

Cybersecurity Research 

Senior Computer Science major and Cybersecurity concentration Brayden Potoski joined the on-campus cybersecurity research team working on behalf of Lockheed Martin, an organization specializing in defense technology. During his time, Potoski employed his skills while using standard reverse engineering tools—work he plans to pursue after graduation.  

One place Potoski truly felt growth was in the area of prayer. Seeing the examples of his fellow team members inspired Potoski to pursue communion with God on a deeper level. “My time on the team has made me rethink my rehearsed prayers and has caused me to take time to give more thoughtful prayers,” he shared. 

Working in IT 

Junior Riana Schultz is a Computer Science major with Digital Media and Information Systems and Analytics concentrations. Over the summer, Schultz worked for the Computer Science IT Department updating computers, replacing machines within the department, taking inventory of equipment, and more. This role was an opportunity for Schultz to apply knowledge she had gained in school in a real job setting. She also learned more about aspects of working with computers that she had never experienced before, such as opening computers and working with the hardware.  

During her time working for the CSE Department, Schultz worked closely with two Taylor staff members. “I loved working with my coworkers. I definitely learned a lot from them. They were always really patient with me when I didn’t understand something and always willing to help,” she said.  

Schultz also described her summer living in Upland: “I would highly recommend living on campus over the summer. You get to see a different side of campus and explore Upland a lot more. There are several fun events that go on over the summer, and it’s really cool to get to know the locals better!” 

Working at Taylor for the summer provided multiple learning experiences for students. Growing spiritually and professionally, students learned to better steward the gifts God has given them.