Morristown, N.J. (February 7, 2019) – Emmanuel Hounsa, '22, plans on hacking into some of the most well-known companies in the world. However, it's not for his own personal gain. Hounsa wants to become a computer security expert, known as a "white hat hacker," who specializes in testing the security level of an organization's information system. As an ethical computer hacker, Hounsa would expose potential vulnerabilities within a company's security system and advise the organization on how to better protect their consumers.

To prepare for his future career, Hounsa is currently pursuing both a bachelor's in computer software engineering and a certification in cyber security at Saint Elizabeth University.

"SEU is a place of opportunity," explains Hounsa, who works in SEU's Information Technology (IT) department. "It's where students come to succeed."

As a first-generation college student, Hounsa has a unique appreciation for education and considers his proudest accomplishment to be attending SEU. Intent on setting a positive example for his two younger siblings, he chose SEU because of its supportive, academically challenging and nurturing atmosphere.

"Saint Elizabeth University is here for you financially, educationally and spiritually," explains Hounsa, who originally planned on attending Rutgers University but was swayed by SEU's highly individualized attention. "Everyone here has the ability to put a smile on my face and I know I can reach out to anyone if I ever need help."

Hounsa's stellar educational achievement in high school and passion for technology earned him a place in SEU's prestigious National Science Foundation STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Scholar program. One of only 18 students in this competitive program, Hounsa is enriching his STEM education with specialized trips, mentorship from peers and faculty, project based learning, research opportunities and much more.

Naturally ambitious and endlessly pragmatic, Hounsa is planning on gaining his real estate license as well. In his very scare spare time, Hounsa can also be found participating in campus ministry events or playing for SEU's soccer and volleyball teams.

Learn more about SEU's computer software engineering program here: https://www.steu.edu/computerscience