What made you decide to choose your specific major?
I chose the Polytechnic Institute because I wanted to be in an environment that is very hands-on and an applied learning environment rather than a purely theoretical one. I've always been interested in working in technology, but I specifically chose cybersecurity because it sits at the intersection of problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world impact. I liked that the program focuses on practical skills, like system administration, networking, and security analysis, that directly translate to industry. Polytechnic's emphasis on learning by doing made it feel like the best fit for how I learn and what I want to do long-term.
What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?
One of my favorite things about the cybersecurity program is how hands on it is. The things I am learning in my labs I have been able to apply to my internships and real world opportunities. You're not just learning concepts, you're actually configuring systems, analyzing traffic, and testing security controls. I also really appreciate how collaborative the program is; many classes involve group labs and projects that mirror how teams work in real security environments. It's challenging, but it's rewarding because you can clearly see your progress.
What has been on of your favorite class projects?
One of my favorite class projects is one of my more recent ones. I am taking in a class called CNIT 344: Network Engineering Fundamentals. We analyzed network traffic using Wireshark and performed security testing on systems we configured ourselves. Being able to see how data moves across a network and how vulnerabilities can be identified in real time made everything click. It felt very realistic and reinforced why cybersecurity is such an important field.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
Some of the academic activities I am involved include Women in Technology, Women in Cybersecurity and Ethical Hackers of Purdue. Some of the less academic clubs that I am involved in include: Purdue Grand Prix Foundation and Purdue University Dance Marathon.
What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?
The time you put in is what you get out. All the effort and time I put into the labs and definitely showed me how difficult my field can be. Cybersecurity can be very time intensive, I also didn't realize how much documentation and technical writing would be involved, which is actually a valuable skill. Knowing this earlier would have helped me prepare mentally and organize my schedule better from the start.
What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?
My biggest pieces of advice would be to get involved early, not be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of all the opportunities provided to you. Whether it's going to office hours, joining student organizations, or talking to upperclassmen, those connections make a huge difference. Purdue can feel overwhelming at first, but once you take advantage of the resources available, it becomes an incredibly supportive and rewarding experience.