Computer Scientist at the Laboratory for Advanced Cyber Security Research
Published 13 Jul 2020
Tags: computer-science, cybersecurityWhy did you choose to pursue this career? What made you certain this was the right path?
Well…In some sense I followed the path of least resistance. I enjoyed my Computer Science classes and was given (extraordinary, really) opportunities to purse the field.
What events, prior employment, or educational experiences led you to your current job?
My dad (through his work) would bring computers home, and so from a young age, I got to play around with and programming them. I took Computer Science classes in high-school and landed a chance research assistant position my Sophomore year in college. The position was funded by my current workplace. When I finished school, I was immediately offered a job and that was that.
What schooling, education, and/or certifications did you complete to prepare you for this career?
CS classes in HS. A BS, MS, and PhD in CS. No certifications.
How did you make the best use of your time in both your education and career?
Becoming involved in the CS community (really, my subspecialty of CS).
What advice would you give to a high school or college student interested in pursuing this field of work?
I’m not convinced the world needs even more Computer Scientists, and I worry about students being exploited — my brother-in-law graduated from college with a BS in CS and hundreds of thousands of dollars in student debt. Certainly the career can be worthwhile, but the market seems flooded for what is essentially a degree in complicated mathematics, maybe due to people incorrectly equating their joy using a computer with the study of the science behind computation.
What opportunities would you suggest high school students participate in?
There are often computer clubs and programming contests in HS.
What opportunities did you take as a student that helped advance your career (research, internships, etc.)
I was able to do an independent study in CS during HS.
What does a typical day at your job look like?
I believe that a typical day is similar to any office job. I work with groups of people to build tools and techniques that improve the security of computers.