Madi Brumbelow, ’21 on Professors, Clubs, and Campus Life

A Q&A with Madi Brumbelow, ’21 // Computer & Digital Forensics

Computer & Digital Forensics major Madi Brumbelow, ‘21, is very involved in our local campus community, as well as the global community through Champlain organizations like Techdren. In this interview, we talked with Madi about her active campus life, and her advice for prospective students.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of the Computer & Digital Forensics major?

A: I enjoy having small class sizes, because I can ask specific one-on-one questions with my professors. Plus, I really enjoy that a large part of my major is hands-on work—we get directly into how real professionals do the work and I find that extremely helpful. We use industry tools, and learn how to conduct forensic investigations properly from day one.

Q: What do you like about your Champlain professors?

A: My professors at Champlain break down barriers and are very open to questions. I call my professors by their first names, and really get to know them. We have pretty small class sizes, and it’s nice to have professors build a classroom community that is unique to each class.

Q: Are you involved in any clubs or organizations on campus?

A: I am a member of the Champlain Womxn in Technology Club. It’s a really awesome community built here at Champlain. Along with having fun and doing interesting tech-related activities, we also do professional nights where we build résumés and prepare for conferences. I am also the Lead Technology Officer of the Champlain student-led nonprofit Techdren: Technology for Children. Our main purpose is to help students in Zanzibar, a Tanzanian archipelago—who, like us, have technological aspirations—access technology. I really enjoy our mission, and working with a team of like-minded people to complete it.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Champlain’s campus community?

A: The best thing about living on campus is that there is always something to do! There is an event on campus most days of the week.

Plus, it’s easy to get to know other people. I made friends my first week here and we are really close-knit. I work on campus, am a Resident Assistant, get involved on campus, and meet people in my classes, so I will usually see someone I know wherever I am.

Q: Do you have any advice for prospective Champlain students?

A: My advice to students thinking about coming to Champlain is to go for it! Champlain has its Upside-Down Curriculum, which means you will be able to actually explore your major classes in your first semester. I went to community college before coming to Champlain, and it was frustrating to take classes that had nothing to do with what I wanted to learn. I wish I made the decision to come here sooner!

Do you have a passion for digital forensics? Check out our Computer & Digital Forensics program, and take a look at our Pre-College Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity Academy.