Lizette Gonzales ’24 named Outstanding Islander Graduate for College of Engineering and Computer Science

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The path for Lizette Gonzales ’24 into the world of cybersecurity has been a journey shaped by persistence and the discovery of her strengths. Growing up in Uvalde, Texas, as the daughter of two Mexican-born parents, Gonzales always felt grounded in her roots. Her mother’s upbringing near the coast of western Mexico gave her a sense of connection to the water, which made Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi stand out not just for its strong cybersecurity programs, but also for its unique island location.

Her passion for academics and campus involvement led to her selection as Fall 2024 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. She will earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science on Saturday, Dec. 14.

As a first-generation college student, Gonzales’ interest in computer science and cybersecurity began while she was a student at Uvalde High School. There, she was involved with Girls Who Code, a nonprofit program aimed at encouraging young women to explore computer science. After her high school graduation in 2019, she began teaching coding concepts to middle school students, which she said directly led to her desire to transfer from Southwest Texas Junior College, where she earned two associate degrees, to TAMU-CC.

“I found my true passion within computer science and TAMU-CC had the programs and concentration I was looking for in my academic journey,” she reflected.

As an Islander, Gonzales deepened her technical skills through hands-on work experience and classroom projects. As a Student Analyst Intern at the Maritime Transportation System Information Sharing and Analysis Center, she analyzed phishing emails and firewall logs, worked on identifying emerging threat patterns, and developed IP-blocking strategies.

“Each of these tasks strengthened my confidence in tackling complex cybersecurity challenges,” she said.

Gonzales also participated in university projects, such as building web applications and optimizing game-collector platforms, that gave her a strong foundation in programming and app development. She was also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Honors Program, and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“Lizette is an incredibly hardworking student who always strives for excellence in her coursework,” said Julia Norrell, Program Coordinator of TRIO-SSS STEM program. “She is dedicated to achieving the best grades and consistently puts in the effort to excel. Beyond her own studies, I’ve seen her go out of her way to help underclassmen, providing guidance with programs and coding support.”

During her second semester on campus, Gonzales became a Resident Assistant (RA) for Islander Housing, a role that allowed her to build relationships with students from diverse backgrounds while gaining practical leadership skills.

“This job is both professional and exciting as it taught me skills on working with prospective students, contracts, office duties, and professional staff,” Gonzales said. “Being an RA challenged me to become more outspoken and social, and transformed me from a quiet student into someone who could navigate complex social interactions, manage conflicts, and connect with others on a deep level.”

Beyond academics and her on-campus job, Gonzales stayed connected to her interests by co-founding the university’s K-Pop Club, which aims to introduce and celebrate Korean pop culture by sharing a mutual passion for the music, food, culture, and rich history of Korea.

“I enjoyed spending time with my fellow officers,” she recalled. “These experiences created a sense of belonging that became a core part of my college experience.”

Gonzales is now focused on finding a career in cybersecurity where she can keep growing her skills, stay updated on the latest in cybersecurity, and attend conferences that allow her to learn from and network with others in the field.

“I love the cybersecurity field and enjoy creating social connections,” she said. “As an Islander, I’ve laid the groundwork for a career that combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to mentorship and community building.”