College Student Spotlight

UHMCM News Release

On Nov. 21, Molokai student Kuulei Alameida was awarded for her outstanding performance as the top female graduate with a Certificate of Competence in Cybersecurity in the 2015-2016 school year.  According to her award letter, “the award was created to recognize the most exceptional male and female students in the University of Hawaii system in cybersecurity related programs.”

Kuulei started her academic journey at UH Maui College, Molokai (UHMCM) in 2009.  She was raised in Maunaloa and graduated from Molokai High School.  Kuulei has earned two associate degrees: one in Liberal Arts, and the second in Business Careers.  She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Applied Business and Information Technology.

Kuulei has shown true grit and determination in her academic pursuits.

“Kuulei Almeida showed exceptional talent and abilities during her cybersecurity classes at UHMC,” said UH Maui College faculty member, Debasis Bhattacharya. “Faced with challenging lab exercises and written assignments, Ms. Almeida did great research and work in completing the challenges with quality and timeliness. Her desire to learn about cybersecurity above and beyond the scope of the classroom activities, is a shining example of what is desired in a student of the highest quality.”

While Kuulei never envisioned herself in a career in technology as a high school student, she stated that she enjoys her technology based coursework and would encourage others to pursue this field of study.

“With the advancements in technology, there is always going to be a need for cybersecurity professionals,” said Almeida. “We are always going to need to protect ourselves from hackers.”

She plans to graduate from the program in Spring 2018.  While she is not sure what she will do when she graduates, her dream job is to one day be a computer data analyst.  Please join our campus `ohana in congratulating Kuulei Alamedia on this prestigious award.

If you are inspired by Kuulei’s story and would like to learn more about UH Maui College’s Certificate of Competence in Cybersecurity, please contact CTE Transition Coordinator Liliana Napoleon at (808) 553-4490.  This certificate can be earned by taking six courses.  Get started as early as January 2017 by registering for the Spring semester.  The deadline to apply is Dec. 15.