By Kelsey Kendall
For Makendra Crosby (B.S. ’24), data science and cybersecurity are not just about numbers and computers, they are about people.
As she prepares to graduate with her master’s in data science and analytics with a concentration in artificial intelligence and machine learning, she is focused on using her skills to serve others and make technology more accessible.
Old Dominion University already felt like home long before she enrolled. Growing up in Suffolk, she regularly visited campus for STEM camps and workshops. Now, as graduation approaches, that familiarity makes the moment feel especially meaningful.
“I’m really going to miss it,” Makendra said.
Not long after her first semester, Makendra stepped into a leadership role as a peer mentor for the Cybersecurity Living-Learning Community (LLC). There, she helped fellow students who shared the same major or interests navigate the transition from high school to college. As a peer mentor, she offered academic support, advice and helped them find their footing on campus.
Later, she served in the same position with the Cybersecurity Impact Learning Community, similar to the LLCs, but for students living off campus.
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree and starting work on her master’s degree, she transitioned into a graduate assistant role to lead new peer mentors.
“It was like second nature,” she said. “I get to supervise the student leaders who are in the same role I was in. It was fun, like a full circle moment.”
That commitment to supporting others extended beyond her mentorship roles. Makendra is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Phi Sigma Rho National STEM Sorority and the National Council of Negro Women. It was important to her to work with her peers to make an impact on the community. She helped organize regular drives to collect school supplies, personal care items and more for local organizations.
Alongside her leadership and service on campus, Makendra was awarded the U.S. Department of War SMART Scholarship, a highly competitive opportunity that supports students in STEM fields through funding and real-world experience. Through this opportunity, she interned at a U.S. Navy research facility, where she gained hands-on experience working in a professional and technical environment. It also provided a direct path into the workforce, asMakendra has secured a full-time position following graduation to continue building her career.
That drive to have an impact can be seen in her future goals. Makendra said it is important to her that she can help those who might not have much experience with technology — particularly small business owners and underserved communities. While her professional focus is on cybersecurity, she knows the experience she has gained through the School of Data Science will only help her in supporting others.
“I wanted my background to be a little bit of everything,” Makendra said. “With all my technical skills plus my volunteering, I feel like I will be able to connect with people more, especially those without technical experience.”
It is the same approach she built at the University, and one she plans to carry forward — using her skills to open doors, strengthen communities and make technology more accessible to the people who need it most.