By: Maya Reid
Evan Mulloy will graduate with top honors during May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Old Dominion University. With the first in-person graduation in a year and a half due to COVID-19, Mulloy will proudly carry the College of Sciences banner. Mulloy comes from a military family and both of his parents have college degrees. Calculating the right moves has always been at the center of Mulloy's decisions.
"Studying hard requires discipline but being passionate about the subjects you're studying makes it easier," said Mulloy, who was named the Alumni Association's Outstanding College Scholar for the College of Sciences. "My passion for computer science is what helped me push myself to achieve success," said Mulloy.
"Congratulations on being named as the Alumni Association's Outstanding College Scholar for the College of Sciences, said Dean Gail Dodge, College of Sciences. "Your 4.0 GPA is very impressive and represents an incredible accomplishment."
"Evan is a great student who always had his degree plan completed and updated," said Matthew Hart, adjunct instructor and advisor. "This helped him stay on track for a timely graduation and provided him a full understanding of what was required for his program."
Choosing computer science as a major was a no brainer, considering Mulloy's passion for software development began before the age of 12. "Before I enrolled at ODU, I taught myself HTML, CSS, PHP, C, C#, JavaScript, Java, Python, and SQL" Mulloy said.
Mulloy had the opportunity to intern at SD Solutions, LLC located in Luray, Virginia, a fast-growing cybersecurity company. With a minor in cybersecurity, Mulloy was able to contribute by writing articles about cybersecurity and technology as well as conducting research on a weekly basis. Mulloy further improved his knowledge by having the opportunity to succinctly explain cybersecurity concepts in his own words.
Like many computer science majors, he started out as an avid gamer. "My hobbies include developing apps and games, such as my contribution to the development of Darkflame Universe, a LEGO Universe server emulator," said Mulloy"
The LEGO Universe was a very popular Massive Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG) that closed in January 2012. Fans like Mulloy began working on server emulators for the game. He contributed to the Darkflame Universe, an emulator programmed to be like the original LEGO Universe server. This Universe contains codes that handle player character creation, game item inventories, missions, combat, player interaction, and more. Considering the LEGO Universe was an online game, the player's progress was saved on the server side, so server processes had to be replicated. "My computer science skills allowed me to contribute to the skills system, Artificial Intelligence and of course bug fixes," said Mulloy.
"Getting your bachelor's degree from ODU is a great choice," said Mulloy. "They offer affordable, flexible, and high-quality degree programs."
Mulloy believes that ODU's culture of inclusivity and accessibility is what makes ODU so special. "At ODU, people from all walks of life are welcome, and there is something for everyone" said Mulloy.
After celebrating a May graduation, Mulloy intends to turn his part-time job into a full-time career. "I hope to develop solutions that tackle problems plaguing the modern world," said Mulloy. His journey of learning will not end anytime soon as he plans to earn a certification in cybersecurity at ODU.
He shares some advice for future Monarchs. Everyone should be mindful of their personal limits when earning their degrees. If you enroll in more credits per semester than what you're comfortable with, you may find yourself getting stressed out or struggling to get good grades in all of your courses. "The things you learn and the connections you make while at ODU will help you in your future career," said Mulloy.