Student Spotlight: Meet Niall

What attracted you to UNT? 

What attracted me to UNT was its strong sense of community, academic rigor, and commitment to student success. As a cybersecurity major, I was drawn to UNT’s growing technology programs and the hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for real-world challenges. I also appreciated the diversity of the campus and the supportive environment for transfer students. When I learned about UNT’s Transfer Center and student leadership opportunities, I saw a place where I could not only grow academically but also get involved and make an impact. UNT felt like a university where I could build meaningful connections, develop professionally, and truly belong. 

What student organizations, programs, and activities are you involved in?  

I am actively involved in the UNT Cybersecurity Club, where I engage with other students who share my passion for cybersecurity. Through the club, I participate in discussions about emerging threats, hands-on technical activities, and professional development opportunities that help prepare me for a career in the field. In addition, I serve as a Transfer Ambassador at UNT. In this role, I support incoming transfer students by helping them navigate campus resources, sharing my experiences, and creating a welcoming environment. Being a Transfer Ambassador has allowed me to develop leadership and communication skills while giving back to the community that helped me transition successfully. 

How has being involved helped you develop valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom?

Being involved in both the UNT Cybersecurity Club and serving as a Transfer Ambassador has helped me grow in ways that go far beyond academics. Through the Cybersecurity Club, I’ve strengthened my teamwork and problem-solving skills by collaborating with peers on technical challenges and discussions about real-world security issues. It has also helped me build a professional network of students and mentors who share similar career goals. As a Transfer Ambassador, I’ve developed strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Guiding new students through their transition to UNT has taught me how to listen actively, provide clear guidance, and adapt to different personalities and situations. It has also helped me build meaningful connections across campus and become more confident in public speaking and representing the university. Overall, these experiences have prepared me not just as a student, but as a future professional and leader. 

What advice would you give a student who is looking to make the most out of their college experience? 

My biggest piece of advice is simple, get involved!  College is about much more than just attending classes and earning a degree. When you join student organizations, attend campus events, or take on leadership roles, you build connections, discover new interests, and grow in ways you wouldn’t expect. Getting involved helps you develop confidence, communication skills, and a strong support system. It also opens doors to networking opportunities and experiences that can shape your career. The more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll gain from your time in college. 

What do you like most about UNT? 

What I like most about UNT is its diversity. The campus brings together students from different cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which creates a welcoming and dynamic environment. Being surrounded by people with different viewpoints has helped me grow both personally and academically. It encourages open-minded discussions, collaboration, and a stronger sense of community. UNT’s diversity makes it feel inclusive and supportive, and it’s one of the reasons I feel proud to be part of this university. 

If you could recommend students attend one campus activity or event, what would it be and why? 

I would highly recommend attending Mean Green Fling. It’s the back to school kickoff event hosted by Student Activities, and it’s one of the best ways for students to get connected right from the start. At this event, you can meet hundreds of student organizations, campus departments, and even local vendors all in one place. It makes it easy to explore different interests, find clubs that match your passions, and learn about valuable campus resources. For new and transfer students especially, Mean Green Fling is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, build connections, and start your semester feeling involved and informed.  

What's a fun fact about you?  

A fun fact about me is that I love staying active. I really enjoy watching and playing sports, especially soccer. Whether I’m on the field or just keeping up with games, it’s something I’m passionate about. I also enjoy going to the gym and challenging myself physically. Staying active helps me stay disciplined and really helps me deal with any stress that I might be experiencing. 

What are your plans after graduating from UNT? 

After graduating from UNT, I plan to begin my career in cybersecurity, ideally in a role focused on product security, threat analysis, or security engineering. I want to work in an environment where I can apply the technical skills I’ve developed while continuing to learn and grow in the field. Long term, I hope to specialize in securing systems against emerging threats and contribute to building safer, more resilient technology. I’m also interested in continuing professional development through certifications and staying involved in mentoring students who are pursuing careers in cybersecurity. 

What is something you have learned at UNT that you will carry with you for life? 

One of the most important things I’ve learned at UNT is the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone. Whether it was getting involved on campus, taking on leadership roles, or challenging myself academically, I’ve learned that growth happens when you’re willing to take initiative and put yourself out there. UNT has taught me to be proactive, seek opportunities, and build meaningful connections. That mindset of continuous growth, resilience, and community is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.