By Samantha Mendoza
The field of artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, and while it presents both exciting opportunities and complex challenges, Laurene Robinson is committed to staying ahead of the curve. Through a Combined Degree Program at St. Mary’s University, she’s striving to shape a future where a deep understanding of AI and its associated security risks is accessible and actionable for all.
Robinson, a native of Bedford who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, has been a “techie” for as long as she can remember.
“I’ve always been an innovative person — my mom took us to museums all the time growing up, and my favorite memories are being in science museums or even just being in science class,” Robinson said. “I loved learning, so I knew that in my career, I wanted to continue growing every single day rather than just staying complacent.”
Through the St. Mary’s Computer Science Program, Robinson has had the opportunity to dive headfirst into developing a comprehensive understanding of emerging technologies. As a McNair Scholar, she recently conducted interdisciplinary summer research utilizing machine learning to help develop an AI model that could maximize the efficiency of wind turbines.
Robinson plans to combine her in-depth knowledge of AI with her passion for cybersecurity to protect everyday people from online scams and threats.
“I actually just had a conversation with someone whose grandma gave away $60,000 for an insurance fraud scam,” Robinson said. “As AI evolves, things get even trickier, and there’s a lot of learning that needs to be done so professionals can educate the public to prevent them from becoming victims of these attacks.”
Robinson will soon have the opportunity to develop her knowledge even further through a cybersecurity summer internship at ManTech International Corporation in Hanover, Maryland — an opportunity she says was made possible through the support of the Rattler Student Success Center.
“Without a doubt, this would not have been possible without the staff there coaching me up, helping me with mock interviews and assisting me with my applications,” she said.
Robinson combines her academic achievements with a diverse array of extracurricular activities and leadership roles. In addition to being a key member of the Rattler Volleyball team and being named Female Sports Performance Athlete of the Year two years in a row, she is also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Black Student Union.
“Competing as an athlete taught me discipline, time management and how to lead under pressure,” Robinson said. “These skills transferred directly into the classroom. I naturally gravitated toward leadership roles in group projects, coordinating team efforts and guiding us through challenges with the same mindset I brought to the court. Being a student-athlete made me feel deeply connected to St. Mary’s, knowing I was representing something greater than myself.”
Associate Professor of Computer Science Ayad Barsoum, Ph.D., glowed in his description of Robinson.
“Laurene exemplifies the very best of St. Mary’s University — a brilliant and dedicated student who seamlessly balances the demands of academics with her role as a student-athlete,” Barsoum, who is also the Director of NSA/DHS Designated Center for Cyber Excellence. “Sitting attentively in the front row, she takes initiative, asks thought-provoking questions and enriches the learning experience for everyone around her.”
“Being a student-athlete made me feel deeply connected to St. Mary’s, knowing I was representing something greater than myself.”
— Laurene Robinson
As Robinson looks ahead to the future, she is dedicated to paving the way for other young women who, like her, aspire to innovate through a lifelong commitment to STEM learning.
“I want to show what women are capable of,” Robinson said. “I would love to mentor other young girls wanting to go into this field because I know how important mentorship at St. Mary’s has been for me.”
