Trinity College alumnus Matthew Birnhak ’25, who recently earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science, has been named a NobleReach Scholar and will receive a one-year placement in a public service tech role.
The NobleReach Scholars Program connects recent college graduates with fully compensated technical roles focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, information technology, business, engineering, and more within government agencies and mission-driven industry organizations that tackle complex challenges.
Birnhak said that he was both excited and grateful to learn of his acceptance into this program. “I immediately recognized how valuable the experience would be, not only for my own growth but also for the chance to collaborate with peers who share similar goals,” he said. “I feel incredibly fortunate and eager to meet the other scholars and begin engaging with all that the program has to offer.”
Beginning in September, the 2025 NobleReach Scholars will embark on yearlong placements at 15 federal, state, and local government organizations and five mission-driven private sector partners. In addition to full-time employment by their host organization, scholars will receive a pre-placement stipend to cover relocation and setup costs, an orientation bootcamp, quarterly professional development workshops, and one-on-one mentorship from leading public and private sector leaders.
The second-ever cohort includes 28 recent graduates and early-career professionals who have demonstrated exceptional technical skills. The scholars were selected from a pool of more than 1,200 applicants from more than 100 universities nationwide.
NobleReach CEO Arun Gupta said, “The depth and dedication of our applicant pool shows that young people continue to be extremely interested in public service. We’re in a moment when all levels of government are refreshing traditional ways of managing their workforces to better fit the demands of today’s mission, and we must be ready with a pipeline of top mission-oriented talent to meet that need.”
Birnhak said that he deeply admires the dedication of those in federal law enforcement who put themselves at risk to protect others. “I see government work as one of the few areas where your contributions can directly impact tens of millions of people,” he said. “That scale of influence is inspiring to me, and I believe computer science can play a critical role in making government services more secure, efficient, and accessible. At this point in my career, I feel strongly about applying my technical skills to public service in order to make a positive difference.”
Ewa Syta, Charles A. Dana Research Associate Professor of Computer Science, said that Birnhak was one of Trinity’s best computer science students. “He has decided to dedicate his career to public service—an admirable goal, especially with his skill set,” Syta said. “Given his expertise in cybersecurity, he will be an asset to any organization he joins.”
Birnhak, of Dix Hills, New York, was a goalkeeper on Trinity’s men’s soccer team and also participated in the Trinity Boxing Club. He conducted neuroscience research in the lab of Sarah A. Raskin, associate dean for faculty development and Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, and also collaborated with Syta on an NSF-funded project and on her Fulbright research. “Between athletics and research, I’ve had the chance to grow in different ways, and those experiences have definitely shaped how I approach challenges and work with others,” Birnhak said.
“Trinity has given me a strong foundation to build on as I begin this program,” he added. “I discovered how my passions for computer science and law enforcement intersected in the field of cybersecurity during a course with Professor Syta, who has since become an invaluable mentor. The NobleReach program feels like a natural next step; it will allow me to build on the knowledge and mentorship I’ve received at Trinity by applying my skills to real-world challenges in the public sector, deepening both my technical abilities and my commitment to public service.”
