Computer Science and Cybersecurity student Gracie Weymouth ’25 recently interned with the Maine Municipal Association (MMA) where she worked to create a cybersecurity policy and an acceptable use policy for MMA to use for their revamped cyber insurance that they offer to towns and counties across the state.
“I have gained a vast knowledge of cybersecurity policies and acceptable use policies that can be applied to more places than just towns and counties. From the way that we designed the policy originally, I was able to learn about how different industries and organizations might write a policy like this and how to tailor it to that organization. I can use this in the future to create better policies with an understanding of how to tailor them to the organization and balance between security and understanding that I cannot enforce everything I want to because it will disrupt the workflow,” said Gracie.
Gracie says Professor Dr. Frank Appunn encouraged her to apply for this opportunity.
“Dr. Appunn has been a big support in helping me find my voice as a cybersecurity student and in the cybersecurity world and how to navigate my career once I leave Thomas and start to find my way in the world,” she said.
Gracie Weymouth also works as a computer technician at Redington Fairview General Hospital. One of the projects she has taken on recently is to create a presentation to teach the community about cyber awareness and cyber hygiene.
“I was excited but nervous to present it and spent over a month working on the presentation to make sure I covered everything I wanted to talk about, would be easy to understand, and had real-world examples. The class was a success, and I am planning more coming up as well. I really loved doing it and have learned that I want to do more things like it to help the community and spread awareness about how important cyber hygiene is in today’s world,” said Gracie.
Gracie’s dream job is to be a cyber management position like a chief information security officer. She says her classes at Thomas and this internship opportunity has given her experience into the governance side of cybersecurity, which is what she’s interested in.
“I am proud of the experience and skills that I have been able to gain and learn to graduate with a resume that I can be proud of. Currently, I have gained many skills from my internships and classes that I have been able to use in other areas of my schooling and career as well,” she said.