Faith Thomas

 Part 1:  https://learningtothinkincode.blogspot.com/2025/05/week-4-goals.html?sc=1748467822105#c1807880540948876623 Comment on Sami Hobson's learning journal. https://ys-cs-online.blogspot.com/2025/05/cst300-week-4.html?sc=1748468390206#c3595253591140134056  Comment on Ysabelle's learning journal. Part 2: I saw a lot of creative ideas while watching some of the presentations for the capstone projects. I think some capstone ideas I might like to work on are: Building a simple cybersecurity platform game. I could build a small web platform with interactive, beginner-friendly cybersecurity puzzles where the user puts the right answer and receives points. It would be a fun way to learn skills in cybersecurity. I like the idea of an app where users can make their own puzzles with solutions. You can keep track of which player has solved the most puzzles and make it a competition between the friends. Kind of like hangman, but instead of putting a word, it will be a puzzle that...

Part 1: My goal is to graduate from the CS program with a strong foundation in software development, cybersecurity, and data systems so I can confidently land a full-time job as a cybersecurity engineer for the Department of Defense or a private defense contractor. I want to be skilled enough to pass security clearances, earn industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP, and contribute to building secure, innovative technology that protects people and critical infrastructure. I see myself walking across the stage at graduation, proud of the hard work I've put in, and excited to step into a role where I can grow, learn, and make a real impact. Part 2: My goal is to become a cybersecurity engineer working with the Department of Defense or a top defense contractor like Lockheed Martin, where I can help design and protect mission-critical systems. I want to be part of projects that make a real difference in national security, using my skills to prevent cyber threats and bui...

For this assignment, I interviewed Jesse Arzate. He works as a civilian data scientist for the Air Force under the Department of Defense. He’s been working in the field for about three years and has already done a lot with AI, machine learning, and statistics. I chose him because I’m currently studying computer science and he’s someone I admire both personally and professionally. His work is related to the kind of career I want to have, and I felt like this was a good chance to learn more about what the job is really like and what kind of steps lead to success in this industry. Jesse started off by explaining how he got into his current position. After graduating with his degree in applied mathematics with 2 minors in computer science and statistics, he applied through a civilian program and was hired into the Air Force’s data science division. Since then, he’s worked on projects involving predictive maintenance, logistics optimization, and even some defense-related tools that use AI. ...

 Part 1: In my learning journal last week I talked about some of my weaker skills that I could touch up on. One of them was staying organized with my notes when I am researching, or taking notes in general. On AcademicTips.org, I chose the Note Taking Techniques to reflect on. I think the split page Method would be beneficial for me to use when taking notes. Keeping lecture notes on one side of the paper and then connecting it with notes from readings on the other side would help stay organized. It makes it easier to connect the dots by having them side-by-side so you don't have to go fishing through your notes to find them later when you need them. Part 2: This week, Professor Tao went over the importance of using Google calendar as a tool. I agree with him, I find it very useful with having such a busy schedule. It is not easy remembering every task you need to get done and by when. We also went over the important topic of ethics. The focus on ethics taught me how essential integ...

 Part 1: After reading the Effective Study Skills paper, I think the top 3 skills I am good at are developing a weekly schedule, making sure to read instructions to properly complete assignments, and ensuring I always have a quiet study space with no distractions. Some of these skills come with trial and error but they have proven to be most beneficial in studying successfully. I think 3 skills I need to work on are organizing my notes when researching, the SQ3R method, and making every hour count. These study skills and methods are important to practice because they will be a big step up in being efficient with studying.  Part 2: Activity log Part 3: Watching the three video presentations provided offered a lot of helpful tools that will boost my knowledge on project management. The first explained the five main phases of project management and the role of a project manager. The second showed how a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) helps organize tasks into smaller parts for bet...