About THE INTERNSHIP SITE

The Computer Science Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo offers a dynamic and student-centered environment where innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence thrive. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in both Computer Science and Data Science, combining rigorous technical training with a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and the liberal arts. From the very first year, students are immersed in the fundamentals of computing, including programming, algorithms, computer systems, and software development. As they progress, they engage in hands-on projects, team-based software engineering experiences, and courses that emphasize communication, ethics, and professional

development. What sets UH Hilo apart is its small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a strong sense of community. Students benefit from personalized attention, opportunities for independent research, and real-world project experience, including a senior capstone course that simulates industry-level software development. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in software engineering, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more—both in Hawaiʻi and beyond. The department also fosters a deep appreciation for the societal and ethical dimensions of computing, preparing students to be thoughtful and responsible contributors to the tech world.

Meet Our Internship Mentor: Dr. Shawon Rahman

Dr. Shawon Rahman is a tenured professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) and serves as adjunct faculty in the Division of Computing, Analytics, and Mathematics at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He is currently a Faculty Applied Clean Energy Sciences (FACES) Fellow at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). With over 19 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in both in-person and online formats. At UH Hilo, he directs the Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Certificate Program and plays a key role in curriculum development and student mentorship. Dr. Rahman is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal on Cryptography and Information Security (IJCIS) and serves as a guest editor for several academic journals. He has contributed to more than 15 conferences and journals as a reviewer and program committee member. He has successfully secured and managed multiple federal and local research grants, including funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Department of Energy (DOE). His research interests span a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity, information assurance, digital forensics, cloud computing, IoT security, web accessibility, robotics, software testing, and STEM outreach. Dr. Rahman has authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications and mentored numerous students, with more than 60 of them co-authoring their first peer-reviewed papers under his guidance. He has chaired 15 Ph.D. dissertations and served on many additional doctoral committees. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including IEEE (Senior Member), ACM, CSTA, ASEE, ASQ, ISCA, and ISACA.

Internship duties and responsibilities

• Cybersecurity Internship Duties and Responsibilities (but not limited to)
• Foundational Learning: Participate in introductory training on cybersecurity principles, including topics like digital safety, data privacy, and ethical hacking.
• Learn about common cyber threats, including phishing, malware, and social engineering.
• Technical Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with basic cybersecurity tools (e.g., Wireshark, Kali Linux, password managers.
• Security Awareness Projects: Help create educational materials (e.g., posters, presentations, or infographics) to promote cybersecurity awareness among peers.
• Data and System Monitoring: Observe how professionals monitor networks for suspicious activity.
• Research and Reporting: Conduct guided research on current cybersecurity trends or recent cyber incidents. Summarize findings in short reports or presentations to share with mentors or peers.
• Ethics and Best Practices: Learn about ethical responsibilities in cybersecurity, including responsible disclosure and digital citizenship.
• Understand the importance of confidentiality, integrity, and availability in information systems.
• Professional Development: Create a basic resume or portfolio that showcases internship experiences and skills acquired. Practice professional communication in emails, reports, and presentations.
• Teamwork and Communication: Collaborate with other interns or team members on group tasks or mini-projects. Participate in regular check-ins or mentorship sessions to track progress and ask questions.

Interns should be able to:

• Use Basic Computer Systems: Navigate operating systems (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Manage files, folders, and basic system settings.

• Practice Safe Online Behavior: Understand and apply principles of digital hygiene (e.g., strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links). Recognize common cyber threats, such as phishing and social engineering.

• Follow Instructions and Conduct Basic Research: Look up cybersecurity terms, tools, or recent incidents. Summarize findings in short reports or presentations.

• Work Collaboratively: Participate in team discussions and group projects.

• Respect others’ ideas and contribute constructively.

2025 Internship Schedule:

• 2025 Spring: TBA later
• 2025 Summer: TBA later

Internship Meeting Locations: Meet weekly over Zoom