What made you decide to choose your specific major?
I chose the Polytechnic Institute because the appeal of being able to be hands-on from the first week was too good of an opportunity to pass up and go somewhere else. Being able to actually work with different hardware, software, and technology within that first week or two of classes is a great way of learning and getting the most of out everything while I'm here. Cybersecurity was my choice specifically because of the different lab spaces that are available and learning opportunities, specifically the forensic side of Cybersecurity.
What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?
One of my favorite things about my program of study is the way that you get to learn a bit of everything throughout your time here. Once you get to your upper-level classes, you get to be a bit more specific or particular about an area within Cybersecurity you wish to study, like networking or forensic work. But as someone who was interested in Cybersecurity but not sure what I wanted to do, getting to learn about all the different parts or areas was super cool and eye-opening to how much opportunity there is out there.
What has been one of your favorite class projects?
One of my favorite class projects or labs that I've gotten to do was in my CNIT 323 Basic Cyber Forensics class. Throughout the course, I got to learn about how data is stored on different technology and practice utilizing different techniques to find deleted or traces of data left on these devices. The big lab at the end of the year was a case study or practice where we got to act like investigators and take safe copies of a laptop to then find a certain number of artifacts that could be used as evidence. It was super cool and hands-on to get that experience using the different technologies that they would use in real-world scenarios and investigations.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
Besides being a Purdue Polytechnic Ambassador, I am also a Student Office Assistant for the Office of Recruitment that puts on the different events for prospective and admitted students. In terms of clubs, I am a part of Women in Technology (WiT) on campus! Last year, as a junior, I got to be the Publicity Chair, but for my senior year will step into the role of Vice President! This is a great club for women to connect, find a community, and grow in their professional life.
What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?
The classes are going to be challenging, but the payoff makes it so worth it. I knew coming into college that classes were going to be a step up, but the amount of opportunity you get to learn new things can be super overwhelming and a lot, but by the end of the semester, you can't help but look back and be proud of all that you've accomplished.
What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?
Join a club! Whether it's an academically focused club or just a fun club, go do it! It's a great way to get to know people and make new friends in a new environment. Purdue can feel like a super big campus and can be intimidating, but finding a group or reason to leave your dorm is a great way to keep that school and personal life balance intact.