by Becky Gipson

When Davvid Cole first arrived at Tulane University, he was a Biology major with a minor in Marine Biology and a deep love for the ocean. Today, he's graduating with a bachelor's degree in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity from the School of Professional Advancement (SOPA), and he's on a mission to protect the very infrastructure that keeps the world connected.

"The majority of the internet's lifeline is underwater," Davvid explains, "and those cables are constantly under attack. I want to make a difference by being a role model for protecting our oceans and protecting free access to human networking across the world." It's a vision that is equal parts technical and poetic and entirely his own.

A Pivot Powered by Passion

Davvid's path to cybersecurity wasn't a straight line. After realizing that dissecting animals wasn't for him, he didn't abandon his love of the sea, he redirected it. By blending his fascination with marine life and his growing passion for technology, he found a niche that few others are pursuing: underwater cable defense. It's a field where the stakes are as vast as the ocean itself, and Davvid is positioning himself at its frontier.

His experience in the SOPA program gave him the academic foundation to make that vision a reality. "My professors are motivational and always find new and unique ways to teach," he says. "They utilize digital tools and ensure that our education in this field is built from the ground up — meeting you where you are." That student-centered approach made all the difference for a young man navigating one of the most demanding technical programs in the region.

A Safe Harbor at Tulane Libraries

Throughout his time at Tulane, Davvid found more than just a place to work — he found a community. As a student intern at Tulane University Libraries, he gained hands-on experience managing databases and performing data entry, skills he says are invaluable in the tech industry.

"Being in the tech industry, data is a key part of how we collect and utilize information," he reflects. "Just handling data at all in my experience is worth millions in the tech industry." But the professional development was only part of what made his time at the Libraries so meaningful.

"Working at Tulane Libraries allowed me to always have a safe space to be and do my homework," Davvid says. "Having a community that motivates me and is constantly checking in with me helped me push through some of the most difficult times in my life." Whether he needed support on an assignment, a proofread, or a resume edit, someone was always there. He gives special thanks to Josh Windham and Lisa Hooper in Media Services, whose motivational check-ins and genuine care gave him a sense of belonging on campus.

An Ocean in Motion

For Davvid, graduation is deeply personal. He grew up in Gayle St. Mary, Jamaica, and carries the weight and the pride of that community with him as he crosses the stage.

"It may be a drop in the bucket, but for me, it's an ocean in motion," he says. "I am a cog in a wheel that can show other cogs that came from my neighborhood that there is more than one path in life — and this is another one that they can take."

That sense of purpose extends to the advice he offers fellow students: "If you intend to play hard, you have to intend to work hard. Giving half your energy to one thing and your full attention to another leaves you unfulfilled. Take advantage of every opportunity — even if it doesn't work out, you gained knowledge that can be valuable to you."

What's Next

After graduation, Davvid is celebrating another major milestone: he's getting married. He's also actively job searching, with his sights set on the Washington, D.C. area, where he hopes to break into the tech and cybersecurity field. He extends his deepest gratitude to his parents, his fiancée, his mentors at College Track, and the entire Tulane Libraries team for helping him reach this moment.

Tulane University Libraries congratulates Davvid and all graduating students in the Class of 2026.