February 23, 2026<\/p>\n
More than 60 St. John\u2019s University students eager to collaborate in the design, construction, and presentation of original tech projects attended a two-day computer science showcase hosted by The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies<\/a> (CCPS) on February 7\u20138.<\/p>\n \u201cSt. John\u2019s Hacks,\u201d held in St. Augustine Hall, encouraged undergraduate and graduate students, as well as some recent alumni, to innovate, apply knowledge, and search for solutions to computer science challenges. The hackathon, which was open to all skill levels, including beginners, explored emerging themes in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and machine learning, emphasizing the real-world application of technical skills.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n Students formed teams of two to four members, selected a computer science challenge, and worked throughout the two-day event to develop functional solutions. One of the challenges came courtesy of Headstarter<\/a>, an engineering and tech company founded by alumnus and former President of St. John\u2019s chapter<\/a> of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Faizan Ahmed \u201922CCPS, \u201923M.S.<\/p>\n Alumni and current members of the St. John\u2019s ACM executive board mentored less experienced students. Winning team members in the two challenges shared a small cash prize. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a truly transformative experience for students of any programming level,\u201d said graduate student Lauren Rodriguez, who is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Data Science<\/a>. \u201cIt was inspiring to see students work alongside each other toward a common goal beyond the classroom\u2014building meaningful solutions that open doors to real-world opportunities like internships and career growth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt affirmed my belief that hackathons are catalysts for positive change and are vital in a technologist’s life,\u201d added Tomas Santo Yciano, who is also pursuing a master\u2019s degree in data science. \u201cWe are committed to bringing the best possible hackathons to the St. John\u2019s community each year.\u201d<\/p>\n Hackathons<\/a> are intensive training experiences often held over one or two days in which teams of designers and developers work to solve specific challenges, often collaborating to build working software or hardware prototypes. The intense, hands-on experience enables rapid skill development.<\/p>\n St. John\u2019s and CCPS have been hosting hackathons for several years. The 60-plus students represented the largest participant turnout in school history. It also marked the first time \u201cSt. John\u2019s Hacks\u201d expanded into a two-day, 30-hour experience.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was inspiring to see more than 60 students attend the event and collaborate on projects, showcasing what they learn in the classroom,\u201d said Joan E. DeBello, Ed.D.,<\/a> Professor and Chair, Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science<\/a> at CCPS. \u201cI was proud of our executive board students, who worked tirelessly for months planning such a successful event.\u201d<\/p>\n Students said the experience simulated real-world product development in a deadline environment, cultivating skills that will be essential in their lives as programmers, cybersecurity professionals, and other related professions.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWorking within a limited time frame to design, build, and present a solution strengthened my technical skills while also driving personal growth and self-awareness,\u201d graduate student Sebastian Torres said. \u201cIt forced rapid decision making, prioritization, and collaboration, which is important and applicable in the real world.\u201d<\/p>\n Students were even surprised by a visit from Johnny Thunderbird<\/a>, who brought his own energy to the event. \u201cIt was an excellent opportunity to gain a sense of real-world programming,\u201d junior Justin Cracchiolo said. \u201cThe format enabled participants to encounter every part of modern programming\u2014design, implementation, the bug-testing phase, and presentation.\u201d<\/p>\n