Meet
Grant Thompson
Rice University, Class of 2026, Computer Science (major)
Credited with discovery of Apple's "Group Facetime Bug" on iOS 12.1.4
Grant Thompson
Rice University, Class of 2026
Computer Science (major)
About
BACKGROUND
Grant is in his first year at prestigious Rice University in Houston, Texas. He is pursuing a major in Computer Science and actively seeking a 2023 summer internship in the computer science field. His interests include software development, mobile app development, programming and cybersecurity, among others.
With a deep curiosity and a passion for computer technology, at age fourteen, Grant surprised the world by discovering a "bug" in Apple's Group FaceTime app, which had major implications for national security and individual privacy. Grant's discovery resulted in the immediate temporary removal of Apple's FaceTime app, a credit by Apple for its iOS 12.1.4 update, and eventual changes to Apple's Bug Bounty program. He made both national and international news, including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, and appeared for live interviews with the Today Show, Good Morning America, Anderson Cooper's CNN 360, CNBC's Squawk Box, and many more. His discovery cemented his interested in cybersecurity and computer science.
Browse this site to learn more about Grant.
Education
Rice University -- Houston, Texas; Class of 2026
Catalina Foothills High School – Tucson, AZ; May 2022
Honors Diploma, GPA: 4.25
Relevant Computer Courses
Fall 2022:
Computational Thinking (Comp 140)
Introduction to Data Science (DSCI 10)
Multivariable Calculus (MATH 212)
Data Science (DSCI 101)
Spring 2023:
Algorithmic Thinking (COMP 182)
Linear Algebra (MATH 335)
Computer Engineering (ELEC 220)
High School:
AP Computer Science
Software Programming & Applications
Skills & Languages
Python (Pandas)
Swift (UI/UX, Xcode, App Development)
Proficient in Spanish
Relevant Experience
June 2021
Cyber Defense Security Lab, Cisco Systems
July 2021
Skyward Solutions, LLC, Intern
Honors & Awards
Disruptive Innovation Award, Tribeca Film Festival, May 2019
Pwnie Award for "Best Client-Side Bug,"
-Black Hat Security Conference, August 2019
Special Congressional Recognition
-U.S.House of Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (CD2)
Rice University, Trustee Distinguished Scholar
National Hispanic Merit Scholar
National Merit Scholar, Commended
Arizona Seal of Biliteracy, Spanish
CFHS Academic Letter, 2019-2022
AP Scholar
Interests & Hobbies
Mobile App Development
Software Development
Programming
Cybersecurity
Basketball
Traveling
Video Games