Bowie State University Hosts Third Annual Booz Allen Hamilton Capstone Event

Student Participation Increased Five-Fold in Three Years

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Saxon, jsaxon@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-3607

(BOWIE, Md.) – Bowie State University computer science students showed what they’re working with during the 2023 Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) Capstone Showcase of their semester projects, which involved using data science to develop marketable solutions to BAH client problems.  

The event’s third iteration featured the most participants yet with 23 students divided across six teams and two BAH mentors, highlighting the growth of the collaboration between Bowie State and one of the nation’s premier consulting firms. 

“They’ve been really amazing so far,” said Sean Guillroy, a cognitive warfare subject matter expert at BAH. “They rose to the occasion. We want to make sure we’re giving them the skills to be successful.” 

Throughout the semester, the students meet with their BAH mentors once a week for ninety minutes to pitch and work on data-heavy and technical projects designed to address issues facing one of the many clients that look to BAH for solutions. One such project saw a team of students present a design for an algorithm that the Baltimore Police Department could use to determine the type of response or what resources are needed for any of the thousands of daily calls they receive, depending on the areas the calls originate from.  

“They’re very receptive in terms of how to make their projects a business case, or something the clients would want,” said Guillroy. “They’re not just stuck on the theoretical. They’ve very much been application focused.” 

Beyond giving the students an opportunity to test their cumulative knowledge and technical skills, the projects also provide students a preview for what it’s like to onboard with BAH as a consultant. For some, the opportunity offers a preview into what’s in store for them once they graduate. Since the start of the capstone projects in 2020, at least one student from each of the cohorts has continued their relationship with BAH after being offered a position with the firm following their participation in the showcase. Guillory’s experience collaborating with the students offered many pleasant surprises as he assessed the potential caliber of the next generation of programmers, analysts and cybersecurity professionals. 

“Bowie State students are amazing in terms of picking up on things quickly,” said Guillroy. “They have to learn these data science concepts while doing their capstone. It’s like building the plane while it’s in the air, and they stick the landing.” 

BAH couldn’t be more satisfied since establishing a working relationship with Bowie State. More than just checking a box, they see the latest push for diversity, inclusion and equity efforts as a vital piece to make sure the best candidates can answer the call to defend the nation’s digital borders. BAH looks forward to exploring other areas of the university for growth and expansion. 

“We want to discuss the possibilities of multiple times a year and other departments,” said Guillroy. “We’ll see what works for both sides and keep that relationship going.”

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.