Lousindy Mitton, a graduate student in Computer Engineering at FIU, is making strides in both academia and technology. In 2024, she earned the prestigious Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center. This award recognizes future leaders who bridge technology and diplomacy to tackle global challenges.
Balancing graduate school, research, leadership roles, and motherhood isn’t easy—but Lousindy makes it look possible. With a stellar GPA and 12 graduate credits completed during the Fall 2024 semester, she’s shown that hard work and determination can lead to incredible success. Her research, supported by the DHS-sponsored ADMIRE (Advanced education and research for Machine learning-driven critical Infrastructure Resilience Center) fellowship at FIU, focuses on machine learning applications for protecting healthcare infrastructure—work that aligns with the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to strengthen critical infrastructure resilience.
“I owe many thanks to my mentor, Dr. Ruimin Sun,” Lousindy says. “Her guidance throughout the ADMIRE fellowship has been invaluable, from interviewing me for the fellowship to supporting my research journey.”
Dr. Sun highlights Lousindy’s remarkable contributions: “Her research into machine learning-driven intrusion detection for healthcare industrial control systems addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity and national security. She combines technical expertise with exceptional communication skills, making her a standout in the ADMIRE Center.”
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Perseverance
Lousindy’s path to engineering wasn’t straightforward. She initially studied biology with aspirations of becoming a doctor but discovered engineering as a way to merge creativity and problem-solving with global impact. “Switching to engineering was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she shares. “It gives me the chance to create solutions that make a difference while balancing my professional goals with being the mom I’ve always wanted to be.”
Beyond academics, Lousindy serves on FIU’s Graduate Advisory Board, advocating for the graduate student community and helping enhance the academic experience. When she’s not studying or conducting research, she’s homeschooling her daughter, mentoring others in STEM, and enjoying FIU’s vibrant campus. Her favorite spots – the Graham Center and the engineering campus – fuel her inspiration and connection to the FIU community.
Looking ahead, Lousindy is eager to make a lasting impact in the Department of Homeland Security, using her skills in machine learning and cybersecurity to protect and empower communities. Long-term, she envisions developing innovative solutions to tackle global challenges and leaving a legacy of hope.
For Lousindy, engineering is about more than just technology—it’s about breaking barriers, building connections, and dreaming big.