Two computer science students earned an opportunity to broaden their horizons by studying abroad, learning new languages and immersing themselves in different cultures, to prepare for careers in public service.
Caroline Krieg and Quianna Numa received the Boren Scholarship, an award given to undergraduates who excel academically and are committed to serving in the federal government upon graduation. Offered by the U.S. Defense Language and National Security Education Office, the award focuses on countries, languages and fields of study deemed critical to national security.
Krieg was one of eight nationwide who was awarded a scholarship to study Portuguese in Brazil. She completed her eight-week trip abroad this past summer. Numa was one of 10 who was awarded a scholarship to study in Korea, and plans to travel there for her yearlong program this month.
Caroline Krieg
When it came time to choose a college, Krieg, a Tampa native, was drawn to UCF for its strong programs in engineering and computer science.
“I also fell in love with the campus during my tour,” she says. “My experience at UCF has been incredible, and I have never had any doubts about my choice.”
Krieg says she chose to study computer science because she had always excelled in math and logic in school, and was interested in learning how to program.
“The first time I ever programmed was during the first semester of my freshman year, and I quickly realized I enjoyed it,” she says. “I decided it was a career path where I could make a meaningful impact.”
Brazil was her top destination for the Boren award program, as she had always been fascinated by Latin American history and culture. Krieg already learned Spanish as a second language, but she was eager to learn Portuguese as well. With Brazil being the only country in Latin America that speaks Portuguese, she was eager to experience what made it unique.
As part of her studies, she had the opportunity immerse herself in Brazilian culture, explore the country and take in some of its most iconic sites.
“I was most looking forward to seeing the Christ the Redeemer statue, and I had the incredible opportunity to hike up Corcovado Mountain to see it,” Krieg says. “It was a surreal experience that I will never forget.”
She plans to serve the federal government in intelligence services, a career path that combines her analytical and technical skills with language abilities and cultural knowledge.
“This experience will greatly benefit me when applying for roles in the federal government and will help me stand out from other applicants,” she says. “Over these past eight short weeks in Brazil, my Portuguese has improved from nearly beginner level to the point where I can hold effective and meaningful conversations.”
Quianna Numa
Numa grew up traveling the world with both her parents serving in the U.S. Army. She had a number of aspirations as a child — doctor, firefighter, teacher, lawyer — but that all changed in middle school when her mom showed Iron Man during a family movie night.
“The films showed me the endless applications of technology and just how boundless the possibilities truly are,” Numa says. “Since math and science had always been my favorite subjects — two crucial foundations for computer science — this felt like the perfect match.”
UCF was the ideal fit for her, offering strong computer science programs, electives like machine learning and artificial intelligence, and professional networking and hands-on experiences offered by student organizations like Hack@UCF and AI@UCF. She’s also had the opportunity to develop her leadership skills through service-based activities as a LEAD scholar.
She chose Korea as her study abroad destination with a bit of first-hand knowledge of what she could experience as a Boren scholar, having lived there as a child. This time however, Numa’s focus is on using the opportunity to gain valuable experiences that will support her future career as a public servant.
“Korea remains my favorite place I’ve ever lived — the culture, food and incredibly efficient transportation system left lasting impressions on me,” she says. “More importantly, South Korea’s leadership in AI and technology makes it the perfect place to deepen my understanding of how these innovations can strengthen international partnerships and national security.”
Numa says the Boren Scholarship will be transformational for both her academic and professional development. Her goal is to use AI solutions to bolster U.S. security capabilities by working at agencies like the Department of Defense Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office or the National Security Agency.
“Living independently in Korea will strengthen the adaptability skills I first developed as a military child — qualities essential for working in dynamic, high-stakes national security environments,” she says. “Professionally, this experience will make me uniquely qualified for positions that require both technical AI expertise and deep cultural understanding of one of America’s most important technological allies.”
She’s also looking forward to studying in Korea for a year, and all the experiences that come with the opportunity to live overseas.
”Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m most excited about the food! Having lived in Korea briefly as a child, I already know where to find some incredible spots,” Numa says. “Beyond that, I’m thrilled about the solo experience overseas — meeting new people, trying new things and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I’m also eager to immerse myself fully in Korean language and culture in a way I couldn’t as a sixth-grader.”
- Written by Bel Huston