WASHINGTON — Alabama A&M University students came away with top honors at the inaugural 1890 Cyber & AI Games.
The competition in Washington helped mark the 135th anniversary celebration of the Second Morrill Act.
Under the name “25 Hack Street,” AAMU rose to the top against students from 19 historically Black land-grant universities – while President Daniel K. Wims and his cabinet cheered them on.
“We talked this into existence,” said Charquenta Dishmon. “We knew we were going to win before we arrived. We went to several competitions together, studied together, and bonded.
“We’re a family, and that’s why we won – because we’re family.”
The Bulldogs also excelled in individual challenges.
The team won the USDA Jailbreaking Challenge, securing the only cash prize of the day. In addition, Sijan Mainali was the only student to solve the CT Edge AI Challenge, which led to an unexpected job offer from Tom Bendien, CEO and president of CT Edge.
“He told me he wants to work with me to help protect their AI products,” said Mainali. “I was in shock. I couldn’t find a job or internship this past summer.”
The event featured a capture the flag format, challenging students with real-world cybersecurity scenarios including digital forensics, web security, RFID hacking, cryptography, reconnaissance, lock picking, and even escape room challenges.
Before the competition, students were inspired by Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and current interim dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University. Bronaugh emphasized the legacy of the 1890 Morrill Act, which established funding for land-grant universities serving Black students.
“We are here celebrating 135 years and the signing of the 1890 Morrill Act that established all of our 1890 universities,” Bronaugh said. “Our 1890 universities are the top public HBCUs in this country. You should be proud. You are what carries this legacy forward.”
She also stressed the relevance of cybersecurity in agriculture, citing the 2021 ransomware attack on JBS, which cost the world’s largest meat processing company $11 million.
“You’re here to mix cybersecurity with food and agriculture because it’s a real deal,” she said. “You’re being introduced to a field that could shape your future career path.”
The AAMU winning team included Charquenta Dishmon, Sydney Fleming, Sijan Mainali, Brandon Ramadan, and Karyn Rose.
The victory earned the Bulldogs free testing services from Kaplan and highlighted the skill, resilience, and innovation of Alabama A&M students while honoring the 135-year legacy of the Morrill Act.
“I would say I can’t believe it, but like my teammate said, we really prepared,” said Rose. “I’m just so grateful we had this opportunity.”
“Our teamwork got us here,” said Fleming. “I’m proud to represent Alabama A&M and ready to celebrate on The Hill!”
Wims congratulated the students personally.
“No matter what room you walk into, no one is better than you – no one!” he said.
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