Computer Science Student Ranks First in State

Robyn Emison is riding the wave of new technology and has risen to the top of her state.

Representing the Cisco Academy at Eastern Florida State College, Emison ranked first in Florida and 36th in the nation in the annual Cisco Netriders National Contest. She was one of 170 students nationwide that made it to the final round.

Cisco Systems, Inc. is a multinational technology company in California that designs, manufactures, and sells networking equipment.

Students from all over the world who are enrolled in IT essentials courses, such as those offered at Eastern Florida, compete online in the Cisco Netriders contest to learn valuable IT skills and vie for championship of their region. Champions gain visibility among talent recruiters in the growing computer technology and networking fields.

“I think that this was a significant effort that Robyn put forth to achieve this result,” said EFSC Associate Professor of Computer Science Richard Kahler, who teaches Emison in a Cisco Router class at Eastern Florida.

Emison, a resident of Melbourne, plans to pursue the next certification in November, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) after her completion of the Advanced Router class. She then hopes to apply for and receive a promotion to Network Analyst within Brevard Public Schools where she works.

“Robyn also achieved her Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician Certification (CCENT) and plans to take the more advanced certification test after this semester’s Cisco Advanced Router class. This will permit her to pursue a significant promotion in the Brevard School System’s IT department,” said Kahler.

“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to compete and to have done so well,” said Emison. “I learned so much from Professor Kahler and my time at Eastern Florida that I was well prepared for this contest and for passing the certification.”

Eastern Florida has been a Cisco Academy for the past 15 years and uses extensive Cisco Curriculum.

“Through its participation with Cisco, I believe that Eastern Florida State College offers the best path to the Networking Certifications available,” said Kahler.

EFSC offers multiple Associate in Science and Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees in the computing and information technologies field. College Credit Certificate options also map to one or more of the Associate in Science degree programs of study, providing multiple completion points.

Computer IT Industry Certification Tests that EFSC students take each year also bolster their resumes and give them the edge they need to compete for jobs.

Click here to explore EFSC's degrees and certificates in Computer Science and IT.