Dakota State University

Cody Welu '14, '15, '19

Network Security (BS), Computer Science (MS), Cyber Operations (PhD)

By the time Cody Welu was in high school, he knew he wanted to do something with computers. Welu began working with his school district’s technology coordinator, a DSU graduate who introduced him to Dakota State University. An undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. later, and Welu is working as an assistant professor in The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences.

Welu’s interest in technology began in elementary school. “Really anything with electronics was interesting, learning how they work, how to put things together,” he explained. This eventually morphed into an interest in areas like networking, or connecting computers together to communicate.

“As I was a senior in high school exploring colleges, DSU’s prominence in security seemed right. I thought I knew how to set things up, but I wasn’t sure at all how to secure them, so it seemed like a good fit, and it sure was,” Welu shared.

After a couple years in industry, Welu eventually returned to DSU as a faculty member. He was excited to join former instructors in teaching.

“Honestly, the biggest reason I came back is the impact I can have on students and the future of our industry,” he said. “I love interacting with the students and seeing all the great things they accomplish both in the classroom and out.”

In addition to teaching, Welu also functions as an advisor and mentor for the Defensive Security Club. His interest in being an advisor came from his experience as a student participating in clubs like DSU Live, Computer Club, and Defensive Security Club. During his time on the teams, he competed twice at the national level as a member of DSU’s Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) team.

“Defensive security is my area of expertise, and I’m happy to share that with students, even outside of the classroom,” he said.

Welu enjoys his position as a faculty member, particularly being able to interact with students throughout their college careers.

“Being as I was a student on campus not too long ago, I feel I can more easily connect with and empathize with my students,” he said. “I was fortunate to take classes from some amazing professors as a student and enjoy the opportunity to attempt to create a classroom as great as I experienced as a student.”

Welu is proud to be part of DSU’s growing reputation as a national leader in cybersecurity education. “We have some amazingly intelligent and talented students at DSU, and interacting with them on a daily basis is fantastic.”

In addition to his position as a faculty member and club advisor, Welu recently joined the DSU Alumni Board. He also regularly takes photos at DSU sporting events.

Network and Security Administration (BS)

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)

Mary Francis

Reference & Instruction Librarian

The volume of information now available in the world can be a challenge to deal with, yet it is critically important to life. 

“We want to make the best decisions in our life, and that is why evaluating and determining good resources to use is so critical,” said Reference and Instruction Librarian Mary Francis.

Luckily, she and the staff at the Karl Mundt Library are there to help students, faculty, and staff make informed decisions.

Through the “reference” portion of her job, Francis answers questions for students, faculty, and staff on a range of information needs they have, such as writing papers or doing research. The “instruction” part includes teaching library topics to classes or other groups, things such as how to use a database, and in-depth needs such as doing a full literature review.

One of the most important points she teaches is this: “You have to evaluate what a source says, who says it, and the context, along with how it’s published and why.”

There are a variety of information sources, from peer-reviewed journals, to pre-print articles, to predatory or vanity publications. Peer-reviewed is accepted as the best way to ensure the quality of research that’s published and available, she said.

When people see or look for information, it’s important to do research and fact-checking, Francis stated. “This requires more work than just reading the headline or retweeting something you saw.” It can also be time-consuming and takes some practice, but she strives to keep the process fun. In 2018, she published a book titled, “The Fun of Motivation,” to help adult learners move past the edge or a threshold that many experience, that stage when learning becomes uncomfortable because the material is difficult or beyond their understanding. She is currently developing new teaching methods to use in classes this fall, ways provide effective instruction along with social distancing.

Fortunately, technology helps keep information – and library staff and resources -- available to students whether they are socially distanced on campus, or online. Even though the library was closed for part of spring semester and the summer of 2020, “we’ve still been available to answer questions, by email or IM chat, and have e-articles and interlibrary loan available.” Another popular resource has been LinkedIn Learning, website offering video courses taught by industry experts on a variety of topics.

Karl Mundt Library

Lindsey Vogl '20

Professional Accountancy (BS)

For Lindsey Vogl, Dakota State University has reinforced the lesson that “you can find opportunities everywhere” and she’s ready to take that lesson out into the world.

Vogl, a Webster, S.D. native, is a senior basketball player graduating this spring with a degree in professional accounting.

“I was really involved in high school and knew I wanted to carry that into college,” she said.

This started with her participation in basketball, where she met new people. “My athletic career gave me a lot of really good friends,” she said. “I had built in friends right away.”

Vogl chose the professional accounting degree, which enables students to be fully prepared to become a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) upon graduation. CPA candidates are required to have 150 semester hours of college credit before they’re allowed to take the CPA certification test, which the professional accounting degree aligns with.

She’s thankful for the dedication DSU’s College of Business has for providing outstanding education to its students. With a solid curriculum and accomplished faculty, they provide an interactive and innovative program.

In addition to working hard in the classroom, Vogl made time to meet new people, and gain new experiences throughout her career at Dakota State. She joined the PBL (Phi Beta Lambda) Business Club, ultimately becoming an officer, participated in student senate, and joined the athletics captain’s council.

“There’s opportunities everywhere, but sometimes you have to go find them,” she explained. Adding that, despite being a small campus, you can have the same experience with the same opportunities of a larger school. She encourages current and future students to branch out and get to know a lot of other people.

On the basketball court Vogl learned important lessons about perseverance and hard work. “You have to keep working otherwise those around you will work harder and surpass you,” she said.

Her favorite memory at Dakota State is the first game she started in for the women’s basketball team. “I went for seven of eight from the three-point line,” she shared.

As we approach graduation Vogl is already looking to the future. She has accepted a position as an International Tax Associate at RSM in Minneapolis beginning in fall of 2020. Beyond that she has goals of writing a book inspired by her favorites, the Harry Potter series and Stephen King novels.

Professional Accountancy (BS)

Jacob Garza '22

Computer Science (BS)

Jacob Garza set out on his college journey with one thing in mind – find a computer science program that was amongst the top in the nation, to compliment his passion for the rapidly growing field.  

When he found the online Computer Science program at Dakota State University, Garza knew he found the perfect opportunity.

“DSU’s online program is rated as one of the top in the nation and pairs perfectly with my passion for computer science, specifically software engineering. Plus, with it being online, I’m able to gain experience in the industry while receiving an education.”

Garza, who lives in Brighton, Michigan, has been taking online courses through DSU for a couple of years. He believes the best part of being an online student is creating a schedule unique to his personal needs while having the ability to take the classes at his own pace.

“It’s challenging to complete the learning on my own. But I make daily goals on the assignments I wish to accomplish for the day and have a dedicated study space in my room where I can focus. It’s a huge help. ”

He also credits online courses with giving him the ability to manage his time, so that he can work full time as a Help Desk Analyst – giving him personal experience related to his major.

“It’s been a great experience for me. It’s enabled me to gain professional and personal experience while accomplishing my educational goals. I would recommend it to anyone.”

Computer Science (BS)

Mary Simmons ‘23

Cyber Operations (BS)

After taking a Criminal Justice class, Mary Simmons knew cybersecurity for law enforcement is the  career path she’s meant to be on.

“I enjoy the cyber side of law enforcement. It’s challenging and causes you to think critically.”

So when Simmons started looking at colleges, DSU had just the program she was looking for.  

“When I chose to study cyber, I started researching different cyber schools. Dakota State came up as one of the top in the nation. The programs here are innovative and cutting-edge.”

Simmons, originally from West Des Moines, Iowa, is studying Cyber Operations and is currently in her sophomore year.

“I love the size of DSU and the fact that there’s always stuff going on around campus and the City of Madison is great as well.”

Another factor that sealed the deal? The enthusiastic and knowledgeable faculty members.

“I met some of the professors while on the campus tour. You can see just how passionate they are about computer science and cyber security and how much they support their students.”

In addition to the dedicated professors, Simmons enjoys the opportunities DSU has available to students.

“I attended Rocket Girls camp in the summer of 2019. Rocket Girls helped me land an internship with one of the attending professionals and gave me the chance to network with many experts in the field. I still keep in contact with them today.”

The internship Simmons landed was with Hetherington Group, an organization that leads cyber investigations out of New Jersey.

“I worked remotely as an intern while studying at DSU. It’s been a unique experience and will definitely  benefit me in my future career as an analyst.”

Simmons also works for CybHER – an organization that empowers, motivates, and educates young women in cyber security – on campus as an outreach coordinator.

“I want to make the most out of my college experience. DSU allows me to do that with all the events and opportunities they offer.”

When she’s not working, you can find Simmons enjoying the beautiful DSU campus, attending events with friends, or creating music on her guitar and ukulele.

Cyber Operations (BS)

Dr. Omar El-Gayar

Professor of Computer Information Systems

DSU is an incredibly agile institution.

When Dr. Omar El-Gayar started as a faculty member 20 years ago, DSU was strictly an undergraduate institution with regional focus.

Today, the university has “managed to strategically expand its graduate program offering and research footprint and to develop programs of national and international visibility,” he said. Students are also achieving national recognition in the undergraduate arena, most notably in the cybersecurity area.

El-Gayar has noted how incredibly responsive faculty have been to student needs through innovative curricula, flexible delivery with expanded online course and program offerings, and a proactive pursuit of support for an expanded scholarship program.

“I strongly feel that DSU's agility is a unique characteristic that distinguishes us from most institutions (small or large alike) and will allow DSU to continue to make significant strides forward,” he said.

A professor of Information Systems, El-Gayar is privileged to have been part a number of significant achievements and milestones, particularly the exceptional growth in graduate student enrollment, the introduction of the first doctoral program, and the expanded portfolio of DSU's graduate programs.

His efforts have also brought some exposure to DSU, through professional development opportunities with the Harvard Graduate School of Education and experience at other institutions. The training and experiences provided exposure to almost all aspects of higher education administration, which emphasized operational, strategic, and leadership topics that have been particularly useful. It was also beneficial to experience first-hand different institutional cultures, observe teaching methods and practices, and expand research collaborations, he stated.

DSU's global reputation is intrinsically related to the accomplishments of its students, alumni, and faculty, he said. “I strive to leave a positive impression with my students as I work with them throughout their education at DSU. My research publications and that of my fellow faculty contribute to DSU's profile and global reputation and are a testament for the quality research happening here.”

El-Gayar also said the university has “made remarkable strides to further nurture a research culture while still maintaining a razor focus on providing high quality education and learning experiences for its students.”

The recent additions of the Beacom Institute of Technology and the Madison Cyber Labs, and infrastructure improvements solidify DSU's reputation and capacity to deliver cutting-edge graduate and undergraduate programs, and provide an exceptional student-centered learning experience, making DSU a hub for innovation and knowledge creation, he said.

Explore Programs

Kanthi Narukonda ’19, ‘21

Information Systems (MS), Information Systems (PHDIS)

Kanthi Narukonda wants to be an example for young girls interested in cyber sciences.

“I hope to be a role model for the young women, to show what we can aspire to be.”

She knows that there are a limited number of female role models in the field, but by teaching at outreach programs through DSU’s CybHER, “I hope to change that for those kids so they know the different options they have, the different roles they can play, and the different experiences they can have. We hope that they can relate to someone.” CybHER hosts outreach events to empower, educate, and motivate girls in cyber security. “This opportunity has been the best for me. We do not have something like this back home in India,” Kanthi said.

She is inspired by the DSU faculty’s knowledge in cyber sciences. “They know what they are talking about, because they themselves have worked in the industry,” Kanthi said.

Because of small class sizes, you are able to interact with the faculty,” Kanthi added. “They know your name, and that’s very nice.” Friends of hers attend huge universities in other parts of the country, and they have had very different experiences.

“At Dakota State, I’m able to talk to anyone, and not get lost in the crowd,” she said, “And there are so many more opportunities here.” Some of these exist because of national distinctions the university holds, National Center of Academic Excellence designations granted by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

The professors and instructors are also dedicated and have a passion to teach. “If they have the knowledge and don’t teach, it’s a waste.” With the knowledge she has gained here, she would like to stay and teach at Dakota State, if she gets the opportunity.

Kanthi advises others to “have faith in yourself and never feel like an imposter.” She recommends that students find a great support system, “and we have that here. We want you to succeed, and know that someone has faith in you besides -- or in spite of -- yourself.”

Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems (PhDIS)

Mallory Aughenbaugh ‘21

Elementary Education (BSE)

Mallory Aughenbaugh knew at a young age that her dream was to work with children.

“I’ve always loved working with children, so teaching was always on my mind. But when I became a teacher’s aid in high school, it solidified my decision to pursue teaching.”

Now that decision has come to fruition, as the Elementary Education major finishes out her junior year of college at Dakota State.

Originally from Huron, SD, Aughenbaugh chose DSU because of the rigorous education program and the small class sizes.

“I knew DSU’s education program would provide me with many opportunities to get into an actual classroom and gain professional experience. I’m able to spend time inside of elementary schools and work in several classrooms with all types of students and teachers.” 

As an education major, Aughenbaugh has also been able to fill her time with tutoring, providing her peers with many skills and strategies they can incorporate into the professional world.

When she’s not busy in the classroom or conducting tutoring sessions, she spends her time running Cross Country and Track for DSU. As a student athlete, she’s able to form close relationships with her teammates and coaches.

“I value the relationships I’ve made here. Everyone is goal-oriented. They’re on the pursuit of not only finding their passions but following them as well. It’s very encouraging.”

Her goal for her future classroom?

“I was fortunate to have had many educators who went above and beyond to help me better myself. I want to do the same for my future students.”

Elementary Education (BSE)

Jarod Keene '19, ‘21

Cyber Operations (BS), Computer Science (MS)

GenCyber camp experience brought student to DSU.

Jarod Keene always planned to go to the School of Mines, but when his older sister chose that path first, he decided he need to do something different.

That led him to participate in Dakota State’s GenCyber Camp, a cybersecurity camp designed for high school students entering grades 10-12, which ultimately inspired him to attend DSU. The camp gave Keene hands-on education with DSU professors, students, and industry professionals.

“I enjoyed every class and every elective, but even above that the people who I worked with were just the nicest people,” Keene said.

Keene met Dr. Austin O’Brien, assistant professor of computer science, and Dr. Tom Halverson, associate professor of computer science, at the GenCyber camp. As he began his educational journey at Dakota State, he continued to work with them in classes, on projects, and in competitions.

Through clubs on campus, Keene began participating in competitions like offensive security competitions, which involve students working in reverse engineering and malware analysis, software exploitation, penetration testing, and ethical hacking.

In February of 2020 Keene traveled to Atlanta with O’Brien and two classmates, Brendan Hansen and Collin Rumpca, to participate in the North American Championship Collegiate Programming Contest. This was the first time a DSU team qualified for the national competition. They were one of 55 teams, with other teams coming from large institutions like Stanford and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“They were competing with the true powerhouses of the nation,” O’Brien said of the students’ participation in the competition, “These are huge names in computer science right now and they were competing at the same level.”

In addition to his positive experiences working with O’Brien, Keene is particularly grateful for the impact Halverson has had on him as a student.

“Dr. Halverson is a great professor, he’ll teach you anything, but outside of class he’s also given us opportunities and mobility,” he said, “He’s let us run with all sorts of projects and he’ll be there to assist us needed – he’s just there all the time.”

Keene is thankful for the support he has received at DSU. He will graduate with a master’s degree in computer science in May of 2021. Upon graduation he hopes to work for the federal government, possibly staying at DSU to complete research in the new MadLabs building.

Cyber Operations (BS)

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)