From student to alum to faculty
June 18, 2020
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.