Sam Adeniyi ’20

Sam Adeniyi ’20 first became interested in cybersecurity at a young age thanks to the dramatic and often far-fetched portrayals on television. He discovered the real world of cybersecurity during his time at Simpson College. In addition to his coursework in the department of computer science, Adeniyi gained real-world experience working for IdRamp, a local company with clients around the world. He also found time to step away from the computer. The gifted student-athlete was crowned champion in the heptathlon at the 2020 American Rivers Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships. Adeniyi’s next stop is the University of Minnesota, where he is enrolled in the doctoral program in computer science.

About Sam

Hometown: Roseville, Minnesota
Majors: Computer Science and Computer Information Systems
Involvement at Simpson: Track & Field, Student Ambassador, Computer Science Club, Black Student Union, Light Company, Intramurals
Exploreships at Simpson: Principal Financial,  Id Ramp, University of Minnesota Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), PowerPollen

Q&A

How did you first become interested in the field of cybersecurity? 
My interest in cybersecurity started at a young age because of the often-unrealistic portrayals on television! During my time in the Carver Bridge to STEM Success program, I was fortunate to work with a local company, IdRamp, which exposed to me the real world of cybersecurity and showed me that it was truly a career path I’d like to follow.

You’ll be pursuing your doctorate in computer science at the University of Minnesota. What was it that drew you to that program?
I really love the campus environment and the proximity to home at the U of M. While it is a much bigger campus than Simpson’s, there are similarities between the two schools that helped solidify my decision.

What are the similarities between Simpson College and the University of Minnesota?
The faculty and staff at both Simpson College and the University of Minnesota care about me and are genuinely passionate about teaching and learning.

I received great support from the faculty and staff at Simpson. Bobbi Sullivan (director of career development) was always there with helpful changes to my resume and cover letters while providing interview tips and internship information. Dr. Heidi Berger (associate professor of mathematics) helped me realize I could pursue a postgraduate degree and pointed me in the right direction. Dr. Mark Brodie (associate professor of computer science) always pushed me and encouraged me, even when I didn’t understand different concepts right away. Stephanie Neve (student support services director) was my college “mom,” always checking in on me and making sure I was on top of things.

During my time in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates at the U of M, professors were constantly checking in on me, asking about my personal interests and graduation plans etc. Even after I left, professors kept in contact with me throughout the academic year. I also appreciated how invested the professors were into their subject area.

Did you utilize the Office of Career Development in your graduate school search?
I relied heavily on the Office of Career Development to help me create my resume and review my grad school application. The office helped ensure that my application would stand out and highlight all of my achievements at Simpson.

Why did you choose Simpson in the first place?
Coach James Hoffman (assistant football and track and field coach) pushed really hard for me to attend Simpson. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. Dr. Mark Brodie and the Carver Bridge to STEM Success program also played a huge role.

What will you miss the most?
I’ll miss running track, my interactions with all of the professors and my friends.

Advances in computer science seem to occur every day. Nearly 100 percent of Simpson’s graduates with IT-related degrees find jobs after graduation. The future is now.

Explore the Department of Computer Science at Simpson College