Senior Brings Together Passions for Cybersecurity and Theater

During his time at the University, Killian Meehan '23 could be found in front of a computer – or, perhaps, on stage in front of an audience. An active member of the University community, he's found a variety of ways to pursue his interests in theater and cybersecurity.

President of the Pineapple Johnny's Improv Club on campus, Meehan has been involved with the organization – as well as the Dungeons and Dragons Club – since his first year. He has also been involved with the University's Hacking Team.

"These clubs and activities have given me the opportunity to express myself," he said. "I've met some lifelong friends that I never would've encountered otherwise."

Meehan, who will accept his degree in cybersecurity and networks as part of Spring Commencement, says it's difficult to choose a single favorite memory of his time as a Charger. Rather, he says he has many "wonderful moments" that he's shared with his friends. He considers performing in the University's theater programs and putting on improv shows, as well as working in the Center for Learning Resources, to be among his most cherished memories.

A theater minor, Meehan says the Center for Student Success and his internship with Grimm, a cybersecurity company, have prepared him to excel.

"I landed an awesome internship in the exact field I wanted, thanks to the resume tips I was given at the University," he said. "During this internship, I got an opportunity to experience firsthand how the industry worked. It was truly an amazing opportunity, and I learned so many incredible things."

A professional voiceover artist and regional theater actor, Meehan plans to spend the next year creating. He says his time as a Charger taught him how to learn, and he feels confident that he's prepared to continue to learn and to succeed in his future endeavors.

"I am currently in the process of working on a handful of personal programming projects and furthering my work with my capstone team to see if we can bring our product to market," he said. "I also plan to create in the performing-arts field. Ideally, you will see me on the Broadway stage, TV, or film by day, and on a cybersecurity Red Team by night."