Students from Oregon Tech’s Applied Computing & Geomatics (ACG) Department traveled to Missouri State University this spring to compete in America’s Innovate IT Collegiate Conference (AITCC), a national competition featuring hands-on, real-world challenges in information technology and cybersecurity. Oregon Tech students earned multiple top finishes across several events, including first- and third-place awards.
Cybersecurity and Information Technology student participants included Gabriel Dearie, Dominik Kuller, Cole Bentley, Max Espinoza, Uriel Aguilar Torres, and Aiden Kimberling. The students were guided by faculty mentors Praveen Kumar Guraja, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity & Information Technology, and Manish Nalluri, Visiting Instructor of Cybersecurity & Information Technology.
“It is super cool to really test and apply our knowledge and actually see how far we have come,” said Aiden Kimberling. Aiden and teammate Uriel placed first in the Analyze IT Challenge.
“In the Analyze IT Challenge, my teammate and I earned first place by applying data analysis, statistical reasoning, and predictive modeling to a real-world dataset. This success was largely due to the strong foundation we built in our Business Analytics and Finance classes, which helped us approach the problem strategically,” said Uriel Aguilar Torres. “Overall, AITCC was a valuable learning experience that helped me better understand my strengths and areas for improvement.”
Full results include:
- Analyze IT Challenge
- 1st Place: Aiden Kimberling and Uriel Aguilar Torres
- 3rd Place: Cole Bentley and Dominik Kuller
- Cyber Sentinel Challenge (Capture the Flag)
- Honorable Mention: Uriel Aguilar Torres and Dominik Kuller, Aiden Kimberling and Max Espinoza (Top 10)
- Troubleshoot IT Challenge
- Honorable Mention: Cole Bentley (4th Place)
“One thing that stood out to me was how fast the field is constantly evolving,” said Dominik Kuller. “It made it clear that cybersecurity isn’t something you can just learn once; you must keep adapting and staying up to date. I also learned that while technical skills are extremely important, employers place a lot of value on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Being able to explain issues clearly and work effectively with others is just as critical as understanding the technology itself.”
Guraja said the results reflect sustained academic and experiential progress within the department. “This performance is a testament to the preparation, technical depth, and competitive spirit of our students. Oregon Tech’s success at AITCC 2026 reflects the quality of our programs and the talent within our student community.”
Support for event attendance was provided by the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management. Dean Neslihan Alp shared that the accomplishment reflects the strength of Oregon Tech’s applied, hands-on education model and the dedication of both students and faculty. “Our students are not only learning cutting-edge technologies but also applying them to solve real-world problems—exactly the kind of preparation that sets them apart in national competitions and in the workforce,” said Alp. “We are very proud of their success and the continued growth of our Applied Computing & Geomatics programs.”
This competition is part of a broader year of Oregon Tech’s Applied Computing & Geomatics Department, which has recently expanded applied learning opportunities, launched new facilities and clinics, secured $248,530 - Digital Connectivity Technology Program federal funding in collaboration with the Oregon Tech Library, and introduced a new bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence.
For more information about Oregon Tech’s Applied Computing & Geomatics programs, visit www.oit.edu/academics/engineering-technology-management/applied-computing-geomatics-department.
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