Student Spotlight - Daniel Box
Daniel Box, a junior in Auburn University's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, came to Auburn in the fall of 2002 with big ambition—to earn dual degrees in software engineering and applied math.
With an ACT score of 35, the National Merit Finalist from Good Hope High School in Good Hope, Ala., was invited to join Auburn University's Honors College and was offered a number of scholarships including the Parmer Scholarship, the Engineering National Merit Scholarship, the University National Merit Scholarship, and the John and Rosemary Brown Scholarship for the College of Science and Math.
Box's interest in software began in high school when he wrote code for simple games that he and his friends would play. A member of his high school math team, Box says, "I have always been good at math and math ties into coding and encryption."
Juggling two majors is challenging and Box says he spends much of his time studying or tutoring other engineering students in the Office of Engineering Student Services.
"I've always liked to study in a group setting," says Box. "Being a tutor helps reinforce my own learning."
Box is currently the only undergraduate student employed by Auburn University's National Security Agency (NSA) Information Assurance Lab (IAL). Researchers at the lab study and develop new techniques of assuring secure and accurate data transmission and reception. Box's duties include writing research findings and researching information for the graduate team.
"Daniel is an important contributor to my graduate research team," said Drew Hamilton, a member of the computer science and software engineering faculty and IAL director. "Additionally he is a key player on the ACM Programming Team and the Auburn Digital Combat Exercise Team."
In his spare time, Box is an active member of many clubs and projects -- both on and off campus. He is a member of the University Program Council and helped organize last semester's Revolution Band concert. He will help organize the council's upcoming Battle of the Bands.
He also helps program the tracking software for ballooning experiments for the Auburn University Student Space Program, and he was involved in last semester's Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) competition in Baton Rouge. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Opelika where he helps out with Sunday night services.
Although his schedule is filled with school, work and service activities, Box does find some down time to play NCAA Football and Halo on his Xbox and hang out with his friends.
He expects to receive his bachelor's degree in software engineering and applied math in 2006 and his master's degree in engineering in 2008. He would like to work for NASA or the NSA in the area of computer security.
Box's advice to entering freshmen: "Start out studying hard and don't stress out. Take time to get to know your fellow students. Networking is very important."
