Name: Hank Carter
Major (s): Computer Science
Hometown: Russellville, Ala.
Why did you choose Belmont?
My brother had gone to Belmont as a biochemistry and molecular biology major, so we already knew the science department a little bit. Just getting to come and see the school with him, getting to know Nashville a little better; I was already familiar with it, but when I was finally ready to find a college for myself, I came and toured the computer science department and loved the faculty, loved the small classes, and just the intimacy of the small departments. I felt like it was a great fit.
Talk about your activities outside the classroom…
I am a member of the math and computer science club. I really have enjoyed getting to meet high school students and getting them to see the things that I love about this school.
Talk about your recent IT Student of the Year Award…
I was selected as the National Technology Council IT Student of the Year, which was an award for excellence in academics and involvement in the campus and community. A big part of that award was, a: I’m doing some research in computer information security, I’m working with Dr. Acree, who is my theses advisor, and we’re trying to build a sort of model certificate authority, which is basically a system that allows network traffic to be encrypted and authenticated so you can secure that traffic from hackers trying to change it or steal it.
Talk a little about your music minor…
I have always enjoyed music. I have taken piano lessons for 12 or 13 years, so I really just wanted to keep up with that and keep involved while I was here at Belmont. It’s such great music school and such a great opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’ve enjoyed taking piano lessons, studying music technology, singing with the Belmont chamber singers, I started that my sophomore year. I sort of finished the required time for my minor last year, but that group has such a family atmosphere that you really don’t want to leave. If you’ve got room in your schedule, you definitely take it. If you don’t, you just kind of go visit because it’s that much fun and that personal.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Well, I’m in the process right now of applying for doctoral programs in information security. I want to go one of two directions: I either want to go into academics with teaching and research and find a university position, or I’m also planning to look into government positions. I’ve applied for internships with the NSA. I feel like both of those avenues would be really satisfying and fulfilling work. That’s where I really want to apply myself and my skills.
