Class of 2026 Student Spotlight: Renee Schmidt

Degree:

Hometown:

Vienna, Va.

Where are you from, and what brought you to Marymount?

I’m from Northern Virginia, about 20 minutes from campus. I was first introduced to Marymount when I attended a NSA GenCyber camp here at 16, which introduced me to the cybersecurity field through concepts like natural language processing. After that, I began attending hackathons and building applications using machine learning APIs, like IBM Watson.

Over time, I became really interested in how machine learning can be applied to solve real-world problems, especially in cybersecurity and other technical fields. When it came time to choose a college, Marymount felt like the right fit since it was where I’d initially found my love for cybersecurity.

How would you describe your overall Marymount experience?

It’s been really positive. Marymount has been incredibly supportive, and I’ve found a strong sense of community here. I’m the president of the Marymount Competitive Cyber Club, and I’ve been involved in programs that support women in cybersecurity. Being at a smaller school means you get to know your professors and classmates, which makes a big difference.

I’ve had lots of opportunities to get hands-on experience with cybersecurity and AI concepts. I’ve participated in competitions like Cyber Fusion, which is a capture-the-flag style cybersecurity event where you also connect with companies for internships and jobs. I’ve also taken part in hackathons like Technica, where I’ve worked with other students to build machine learning applications. Each time I’ve participated, we’ve won awards for AI-related projects, which has been rewarding.

Marymount has allowed me to explore so many different topics and systems within cybersecurity and AI, and now I’m excited to go out into the world and apply what I’ve learned.

You will be the first graduate of Marymount’s Artificial Intelligence program. What is it like to be part of a new program?

I originally came to Marymount to study in the Cybersecurity program. After taking some time away for health reasons, I returned and heard that the University was developing an AI major. I was immediately interested and worked with faculty to switch into the program as soon as it became available. That timing worked out well, and I was able to transition into the AI major pretty quickly.

At its core, the AI program is grounded in computer science, but with a strong emphasis on data science and ethics. One of the most valuable aspects is how much focus there is on the ethical implications of AI. I’ve learned how important it is to be thoughtful and intentional when working with these technologies. One of the biggest lessons is understanding not just how to use AI, but when not to use it. There are real concerns around environmental impact, bias and societal consequences, and I think it’s important for students to be aware of those and actively work to address them.

How has Marymount prepared you for your future career?

The program has given me both the technical foundation and the critical thinking skills to approach complex problems. The emphasis on ethics has also shaped how I think about building technology—not just how to create something, but whether and how it should be created. Being in the D.C. area has also provided access to valuable networking and career opportunities.

What are your goals after graduation?

I’ve already completed several internships and fellowships, so I’m hoping to move directly into a full-time role. Ideally, I’d like to work at the intersection of machine learning and cybersecurity, building targeted models to help identify vulnerabilities. I’m also interested in developing adaptive technologies that support people with disabilities. Both of those paths are very meaningful to me.

What advice would you give students on making the most of their college experience?

It’s important to invest in your major, but also to step outside of it. Some of the most valuable experiences come from connecting with people in different fields and learning from different perspectives. Building relationships, getting involved in clubs or competitions and exposing yourself to diverse ideas can enhance both your academic experience and your personal growth. The more perspectives you engage with, the more creative and impactful your work will be. College isn’t just about what you study, it’s also about how you learn to collaborate, communicate and apply your knowledge to make a difference.