In this interview, FOSSI scholar Nandi Pitts, a sophomore at Tuskegee University, reflects on her first year of college, from jumping into student leadership and finding community on campus to building confidence in her future as a cybersecurity professional.
Learn how the FOSSI scholarship empowered her to pursue high-impact opportunities, including a prestigious internship at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and how she’s leaning into discomfort to grow as a leader in STEM.
Could you share a few highlights about your time at Tuskegee University? Has anything surprised you about college life so far?
I don’t think I quite anticipated how much I would grow in my first year at Tuskegee University. As a legacy, Tuskegee has always been a part of my life—but it was a completely different experience living it as a student. I threw myself into student life almost immediately by running for a position in the Student Government Association (SGA) within my first two weeks on campus—and was elected! Looking back, SGA opened so many doors for me. I learned a great deal about leadership, built strong friendships with like-minded peers, and found my footing as a student leader.
Some of my favorite moments were the late nights spent studying (well, studying and line dancing) with friends in random corners of campus. I hold those nights really close to my heart. Tuskegee’s close-knit community has been one of the best surprises; the small campus allows you to form genuine connections with a wide range of people. Making friends was something I was worried about before coming to TU, but I can confidently say that it feels like home.
I also joined the Events Committee for the Tuskegee University Business and Engineering (TUBE) Conference, a student-led effort that bridges the College of Business and Information Science with the College of Engineering. When I joined, I expected to learn a lot about event planning and to help produce a great conference for the student body. What I didn’t expect was that I would gain a family. One of my favorite memories was our January retreat to Wetumpka, AL, for the second phase of the P&G Student Leadership Conference. We spent the weekend at a campsite—bunk beds, making s’mores by the fire, building connections, and working together. That weekend will always stand out to me. I got close with so many people during that time in ways that we might not have on a regular weekend on campus.
I was most surprised at how I really thrived with the newfound independence of being in college. I’m from Detroit, Michigan, so Tuskegee is a long way from home for me. Within my first semester, I realized that I was capable of happiness in a new environment. I learned how to manage my time, advocate for myself, and create a balance between academics, leadership, and friendships. I expected the transition to be overwhelming, but instead, it felt empowering. Being far from home helped me grow faster than I anticipated, and it taught me how to lean into discomfort, trust my instincts, and embrace my journey. I have always been independent, but Tuskegee is teaching me how to be independent in a healthier way.
How has the FOSSI Scholarship impacted your experience?
FOSSI was the first organization that made me believe I could succeed in cybersecurity and government technology as a Black woman—and the first to support me financially. The people I’ve met and the knowledge I’ve gained through the professional development sessions truly gave me the confidence to pursue my c
urrent internship. I wasn’t approached for the role; I cold-emailed the team and carved out a space for myself. The cohort for the position I wanted was already full, but I shared my goals and aspirations with department leadership, showing that I was driven, knowledgeable, and capable—even as a freshman—and they made room for me. FOSSI has taught me how to advocate for myself and build meaningful connections in just one year. I found the Fundamentals of Success sessions incredibly valuable and have applied what I learned to real-life situations. Beyond the financial support, FOSSI has helped me grow into a more well-rounded leader and scholar, and has given me the confidence to speak up and stand out in new spaces.
Tell us about the progress you’re making in your studies.
I finished my freshman year at Tuskegee with a 4.0 GPA in both semesters, which I’m incredibly proud of. I’ve made it a priority to stay especially strong in my computer science courses since they directly support my cybersecurity goals. Over the past year, I also began working on industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications and joined several relevant nonprofit organizations, particularly those focused on supporting Black women in the field.
I’m currently interning at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Cyber Warfare Systems, which closely aligns with my long-term goal of working in offensive cybersecurity engineering for the armed forces or government. My work involves cyber-physical systems, software-defined radio (SDR), and advanced network architectures, along with a parallel software development project. There is still so much for me to learn, and I often feel the weight of impostor syndrome. But I remind myself that real growth comes from embracing discomfort. Everyone starts somewhere, and what matters most is staying curious, asking questions, and showing up fully in spaces where I belong. That is how true STEM leaders are made.
Alongside my formal internship projects at APL, I’ve been working on a personal SDR project. I am setting up my own FM radio receiver and exploring its cybersecurity implications by programming the SDR to manipulate, filter, and alter radio frequencies. It has been an exciting way to combine theory with hands-on learning.
Looking back on your freshman year at Tuskegee University, what were some of the biggest challenges and successes you experienced, and how have those experiences shaped your approach to your sophomore year?
My biggest struggle this year was giving myself grace at times. I love being an involved student on campus, but it has partially led me to feel uncomfortable giving myself free time. It’s easy to get caught up in the nonstop movement of campus life and feel the need to be productive at every moment. I had to learn throughout the year that rest wasn’t a reward, it was a necessity.
One of my greatest successes has been establishing myself as a leader on campus. Through SGA, TUBE, and other roles, I’ve learned how to speak up, collaborate across disciplines, and drive initiatives that matter. These experiences have shaped my mindset going into my sophomore year. I’m ready to lean into discomfort and continue growing, even when things feel uncertain—because that’s when the real learning happens.
What extra-curricular activities are you enjoying on campus?
TUBE has definitely been a highlight. Getting to be part of a cross-college collaboration that uplifts both business and engineering students has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s a space where creativity meets professionalism, and where I’ve found some of my closest friends.
I'm also excited to be stepping into a new leadership role as the first-ever Executive Board Vice Chair of the Tuskegee University Student Activities Board (TUSAB)/President of the Student Engagement Council. In this new position, I aim to elevate student life, create more inclusive and dynamic events, and help build a stronger sense of community at Mother Tuskegee.
I think joining SGA was the catalyst for all of this. It gave me the confidence and the network to explore my leadership potential while also making me better known by the student body. Now, I’m eager to keep that momentum going and pour into the campus that’s poured so much into me.
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