Voiland CollegeVoiland College Student SuccessStudent SpotlightsStudent Spotlight: Sean Hodgson

Student Spotlight:
Sean Hodgson

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask cybersecurity major Sean Hodgson for his thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

Sean Hodgson.
  • Major: Cybersecurity
  • Expected Date of Graduation: May 2026
  • High School: Northwest Christian High School
  • Hometown: Spokane, WA

What made you decide to attend Washington State University?

I chose WSU because I heard about the achievements of the Cyber Security Group, as well as the development of the new cybersecurity program at the time. I chose cybersecurity as my major because of my interest in technology and being curious about how systems can be manipulated.

What clubs are you involved in on campus?

I have been involved in the Cyber Security Group for three years and served as the club president during my final year. Through the club, I’ve had opportunities to compete in cybersecurity competitions and explore topics beyond the classroom. This involvement has strengthened both my technical skills and leadership abilities. As captain of CyberCougs Crimson, I led our team to compete in the national VICEROY competition in Virginia, where we earned 1st place. This experience was one of the most rewarding parts of my time at WSU and helped me further develop my leadership and technical skills.

Five people sit around a table with laptops, drinks, and cables, collaborating during a live cybersecurity competition. Behind them, a large screen displays a leaderboard titled “Global Guardian Viewer” with team rankings and event details for “Stage 3: Falcon’s Nest.”
Sean Hodgson (standing on the left) and his team at the National VICEROY Cyber Competition in Virginia.

Have you participated in any internships?

Last summer, I interned with the Air Force Research Laboratories’ Cyber Exercise and Warfare group, where I helped execute cyber warfare training exercises for US and NATO allies. Running these exercises gave me valuable insight into real world cybersecurity operations and strengthened my problem solving and technical abilities.

During the summer of 2024, I was a VICEROY MAVEN intern in Rome, NY where I learned the fundamentals of research and cybersecurity.

two people, one of them dressed in Army uniform, standing in front of a U.S. Army helicopter.

What do you want to do with your degree after you graduate?

I have accepted a full time offer from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where I will be working in vulnerability assessment. I have also been accepted into the Master’s in Information Security program at Georgia Tech, which I plan to pursue to further develop my expertise.