“Capture the Flag” event offered students unique challenge to solve cybersecurity questions, gain career insights, more
November 1, 2024 – Hampton, VA – When students arrived at the Student Center on October 30 for the Pirate Quest event hosted by Leidos and Hack the Box, many of them didn’t know that they’d be participating in a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition allowing them to get firsthand experience with hacking software, tech applications, and real-time interaction with information technology experts.
“This pirate quest event is yet another opportunity given to Hampton University Computer Science students to engage in solving real world problems as a team and with our caring and resourceful industry partners,” said Dean Dr. Isi Ero-Johnson, School of Science. This invaluable experience highlights the importance of engaging our students in hands-on activities to lead to increased self-efficacy and science identity within their field of interest.”
The competition offered students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to solve cybersecurity issues while competing for prizes. This is Leidos’s first time doing this sort of activation with an HBCU. Pirate Quest was meant to support cyber security curricula in the School of Science and the School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation (SEAA).
“This CTF was designed to give students exposure to cybersecurity,” said Desira Stearns, director, Strategic Diversity and Outreach, Leidos. “We felt it was important to partner with Hampton University to help to build the cybersecurity talent of the future. We want this event to give our HBCUs exposure to this field. Cyber touches everything that we do, and students of color should understand the impact of this technology on campus and within the world.”
Over the past half-century, Leidos has worked in some of the most advanced areas of science and technology to deliver critical solutions to the most demanding challenges. Students also got to learn about opportunities with Leidos including internships, co-ops, and entry-level positions offered by this engineering powerhouse.
“The field of cybersecurity is very competitive, so students can use their Pirate Quest experience on their resume and share it with potential recruiters. Today is important and students can use this competition to put them ahead of other applicants by leveraging this visit on their resume,” Stearns mentioned.
Solving Complex Cyber Security Problems, One Student at a Time
So, what exactly does a CTF entail? CTFs are exercises in which participants, either individually or as part of a team, are challenged to find and exploit vulnerabilities in a system to capture a “flag” or piece of information. CTFs offers real-world experience in cybersecurity tools and techniques while taking place in a controlled, risk-free environment where participants can experiment without devastating consequences.
Hack the Box, the leading Cybersecurity Performance Center for advanced frontline teams to aspiring security professionals and students, was the program provider for the Pirate Quest CTF.
“Partnering with Leidos and Hampton University has been awesome. This hands-on opportunity is essential for students who will one day enter the workforce. This is what employers are going to want to see from new graduates,” said Chandler Anderson, Senior Account Executive, Hack the Box.
Reaching Back and Pulling Up
While competing in the CTF, Hampton students were also able to interact with Leidos professionals like alumna and Cyber Solution Architect Sharde Estep ‘13.
“Mentoring students at my ‘Home by the Sea’ has been a desire of mine for years and I’m glad to be doing it with a company that’s engaged in important work,” said Estep. “I’m so thankful to be giving back to the University that gave so much to me. Like the students, I also walked these hallways, and it feels good to give back to the space that made me what I am today.”
While many on-campus events featuring career opportunities, internships, and externships are geared toward upperclassmen, Pirate Quest presented a great opportunity for underclassmen.
“This program is fantastic. It does so much for our freshmen and sophomores as they are rising through the curriculum,” said Dr. Jean Muhammed, chair, Hampton University Department of Computer Science. “They hear what we’re talking about in classes, but they’ve yet to get their hands on anything. This competition provides that.”
Hampton’s Department of Computer Science offers coursework leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, in Computer Information Systems, and in Cyber Security – Computer Science Track. These programs are designed for students who plan to pursue in-depth training in one or more software application areas for entering the workforce. In addition, the Department prepares students for further graduate education in computer and information sciences. Coursework leading to the Master of Science degrees in Computer Science and in Cyber Security is also provided. The Department has a freshman mentoring program, peer-tutoring program, and one-on-one curriculum advisement to ensure successful matriculation at Hampton University. In addition, the Department of Computer Science has a 98% placement rate (full-time employment and/or graduate school acceptance for graduating seniors).
“The Department of Computer Science here at Hampton University is the center for academic excellence in cybersecurity. Students are learning how to solve complex problems and even if they don’t find a solution, this competition is designed to expose them to problems they might address throughout their tenure here at Hampton and within their future career,” said Dr. Chutima Boonthum, director, Hampton University Information Assurance and Cyber Security Center. “We want our students to feel empowered for a lifetime of success.”
When asked about what advice Estep would give to students that are currently in the program that she got her start in, her response was: “be a sponge. Absorb everything.”
Elevating Hampton Excellence
Hampton University’s strategic initiative, Elevating Hampton Excellence, is preparing students for the workplace of the future by fostering academic rigor, innovation, and hands-on, project-based learning—especially in computer science. This 10-year plan enhances educational programs, expands research opportunities, and equips students to address complex, real-world challenges. Through project-based learning in computer science, students bridge theory with application, developing essential skills to solve tomorrow’s workplace problems.
With strategic industry partnerships and pioneering research experiences, students work directly with emerging technologies and practice innovative problem-solving. Elevating Hampton Excellence creates an inclusive environment that empowers students to lead, uplift communities, and make a lasting impact in fields essential to the future.
About Hampton University
Hampton University, nestled along the scenic shores of Hampton, Virginia, is a dynamic historically Black institution with a storied legacy of academic excellence, pioneering research, and dedicated community service. Here, students discover an empowering environment that fuels their ambitions, nurtures their potential, and inspires them to rise, lead, and excel.
Founded in 1868, Hampton combines a robust liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on scientific and professional disciplines, offering a wide range of distinctive programs, including leading-edge degrees in STEM, business, arts, and health sciences. The University is at the forefront of research in areas such as atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and cybersecurity, driving innovation that impacts the world. Contributing $530 million annually to both the regional and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s economy, Hampton plays a vital role in regional development while championing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.
Recognized by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Colleges in America” and honored by Coastal Virginia as the “Best Private College,” Hampton University is a close-knit community of learners and educators representing 44 states and 32 territories and nations. Committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, Hampton prepares its students to lead and thrive in an evolving world. For more information, visit www.hamptonu.edu.
For media inquiries, please contact Mahogany Waldon in the Office of University Relations, at mahogany.waldon@hamptonu.edu or 757-727-5987.
