Taylor Pippins: A Rising Star in Cybersecurity
Arrival at Alabama A&M University
Taylor Pippins arrived at Alabama A&M University with a strong interest in computer science, particularly in relation to Huntsville’s thriving technology and defense sectors. Four years later, the 2026 graduate is leveraging her foundational knowledge through advanced research, graduate studies, and a burgeoning career in information technology.
Academic Achievements
Hailing from McDonough, Georgia, Pippins graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in computer science and a concentration in cybersecurity. She recently completed her second summer in the Army SPARK Program, a competitive research fellowship connecting students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with Department of Defense research mentors.
Professional Growth
Pippins was part of Army SPARK’s inaugural cohort in 2024, and her initial experience marked her first professional internship. Returning this summer, Pippins expressed how the program has transformed her academic confidence and professional trajectory. Overcoming imposter syndrome during her first internship encouraged her to compete in campus hackathons and assured her that she belonged in technical environments.
Research Work
Both of Pippins’ Army SPARK internships took her to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where she focused on a project titled “Autonomous Defect Detection for Robotic Infrastructure Inspection.” Her work involved developing technology enabling autonomous robots to identify and measure damage in concrete infrastructures, significantly reducing the need for on-site personnel.
Innovative Technologies
Pippins engineered a real-time Robot Operating System (ROS 2) pipeline that integrates an Ultralytics YOLO segmentation model with 3D LiDAR technology and cameras mounted on autonomous robots. This system aims to detect concrete defects and measure them in three-dimensional space, revolutionizing civil infrastructure inspection through robotics and AI.
Significant Presentations
Pippins showcased her research at the program’s end-of-summer symposium in Washington, D.C., where she was also a featured speaker. She shared her journey from a first-time intern to a returning researcher, highlighting how the program has shaped her academic and professional development.
Recognition and Future Aspirations
Graduating with a 3.82 GPA, Pippins is a recipient of the AAMU Presidential Medallion and has participated in various hackathons. She credits Alabama A&M for cultivating her technical and professional skills, specifically praising Career Development Services for its supportive programs.
Pippins’ journey is far from over. This fall, she will begin pursuing a Master of Science in cybersecurity at the Georgia Institute of Technology while also working full-time as a technology support analyst at Alabama A&M. Her ultimate goal is to become a senior cybersecurity analyst specializing in information security operations and enterprise defense.
Conclusion
From learning about opportunities through campus emails to becoming an Army researcher and graduate student, Taylor Pippins exemplifies determination and ambition. With her sights set high, she demonstrates that starting at Alabama A&M truly can pave the way to limitless possibilities.
