Meet Our Chargers: Student Spotlights

Our student spotlights showcase the remarkable stories, achievements, and aspirations of the talented individuals who make up our vibrant campus community. From groundbreaking research and real-world internships to leadership in student organizations and service beyond the classroom, these spotlights highlight what it truly means to be a Capitol Tech Charger.

Get to know the students shaping the future of technology, engineering, cybersecurity, and more—one story at a time.

Bryan Couzens, Cybersecurity Undergraduate Student

"Everything I’m learning at Capitol is building skills I’ll use in my career.”

As a cybersecurity student, Signal-9 team member, and Capitol Scholar awardee, Bryan Couzens is making the most of his Capitol Technology University experience.

For two years, Bryan has focused on building a future in his chosen field of public sector cybersecurity by analyzing critical systems in the Cyber Lab, interning in Capitol Tech’s financial aid office, and participating in student clubs.

“I like knowing that I’m working toward my future goals,” he says. “I feel that everything I am learning at Capitol is building skills I will capitalize on in the future.” The fall and spring on-campus career fairs have already reinforced that, he says. “Talking to employers helps me understand what I need to do to stand out.”

Bryan’s academic path began with a strong foundation in STEM. In high school, he completed a senior capstone project in computer engineering technology analyzing the impact of different operating systems on cybersecurity.

He used this project knowledge to his advantage when competing in the Capitol Scholars Program (CSP). His winning presentation, The Role of Operating Systems in Cybersecurity, expanded on his previous research and focused on Kali Purple Linux, a distribution built for defensive cybersecurity, evaluating its applications within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework.

“This scholarship has been life-changing,” he says. “The CSP award has taken stress and pressure off myself and my family and has allowed me to support my own education. I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and took part in this amazing opportunity.”

Now a full-time student living on campus, Bryan continues to expand his technical and professional skills.

“I’ve learned a lot of interpersonal and time management skills—especially through interviews, career fairs, and fast-paced team competitions,” Bryan says. “Being part of Signal-9 has also helped me develop both socially and technically. I feel at home there.”

Bryan also enjoys cooking, often trying new recipes in his dorm to share with friends. Capitol’s apartment-style housing has been another highlight of the experience.

“The dorms are spacious and affordable,” he says. “Having my own room has allowed me to set my own schedule and really settle into adulthood. It’s one of the best parts of being here.”

Looking ahead, Bryan hopes to translate his Capitol Tech experience to a career in cybersecurity near the Washington, DC area— close enough to stay connected to family, but with plenty of room to grow professionally.

“My biggest piece of advice is to push yourself,” he says. “There are so many opportunities waiting for you. Without opportunities like Signal-9 and scholarships, I would have missed out on so much in my academic and personal journeys.”