Graduate Student Spotlight | Julian Urban '23

"One of the main reasons why I chose to come to Hood was the small class sizes. I like that my professors can get to know me and are more accessible when I need help."

Julian Urban '23, M.S. Cybersecurity

Program

Cybersecurity (M.S., Certificate)
4PLUS Cybersecurity Program

Department

Computer Science & Information Technology

Alumni
Graduate School
Graduate Student

Alumni
Computer Science & Information Technology Graduate Programs
Graduate School
Graduate Student
Undergraduate student

05/13/2024

Julian Urban ’23 is a current student in Hood College’s cybersecurity master’s program as part of the 4PLUS dual-degree program. During his time in the Graduate School, he interned at the Hilltop Institute, a research institute at UMBC that performs data analysis research to support state health policy in Maryland. We spoke with Urban about his time in the graduate school, completing the 4PLUS program and his experience interning at the Hilltop Institute.

Could you briefly describe your career and educational background?

I graduated from Hood College in May 2023 with a bachelor’s in computer science and a minor in mathematics. I was in the 4PLUS program, which allowed me to take cybersecurity graduate classes as an undergraduate student. I am currently in my last semester in the cybersecurity master’s program, and I expect to graduate in May 2024.

What led you to study at Hood College?

One of the main reasons why I chose to come to Hood was the small class sizes. I like that my professors can get to know me and are more accessible when I need help.

What got you interested in studying cybersecurity?

I have always seen how big of a problem cybercrime is. I have been frustrated that despite this problem, a lot of organizations are not taking cybersecurity seriously and failing to institute basic safeguards. I want to be a part of the solution to improve the cybersecurity of organizations.

What is Hilltop? How did you get an internship there?

The Hilltop Institute is a research institute at UMBC. They have a partnership with the Maryland Department of Health and perform data analysis and research to help shape state health policy. I got connected with Hilltop thanks to Professor George Dimitoglou, my academic adviser.

What has it been like interning there?

I have been working with the Development Operations team at Hilltop, which has given me valuable experience. One of the tasks I worked on was to develop Python code to improve the quality control process for validating Maryland Medicaid data. I was also responsible for creating a tool that enforced the requirements for protecting Maryland Medicaid data under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

What are your biggest takeaways from the internship?

During my time at Hilltop, I gained skills in using Python to work with large data sets. I also learned more about how healthcare data needs to be protected to comply with federal laws. Additionally, I gained teamwork and communication skills by working on a team.

Do you have any advice for graduate students pursuing internships?

For graduate students applying to internships, I would recommend starting to apply as early as possible. Additionally, reach out to your professors to see if they have any connections.

Are there any fun facts or trivia about yourself that you would like to share?

During my time at Hood, I was a member of the swim team and the choir.

Inspired by Julian’s work at the Hilltop Institute? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, such as cybersecurity, by clicking here.