
“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.” - Richard Feyman
I got into cyber through…some of my biggest interests in my early academic life: quantum computing, optical communications, and spacecraft instrumentation. At the intersection of these areas, I found myself at Leidos, where I primarily work on quantum communications and its impacts on cybersecurity and space systems.
For me, a positive cyber mindset is…being logical, patient, thorough, and engaged.
The experience that helped me transition to a career in cyber was…as a sophomore in college, I had an excellent internship with the government where I was able to shape an area of research that I thought would have a substantial impact on national security. For me, that was modeling the security of implementing QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) over space links.
The experience that set me up for success…is my diverse background across various roles, which is uncommon for someone of my experience level. Working as a Machine Learning Intern for the government, a Software Engineer at IBM, a Space Systems Engineer with Raytheon, and a Quantum Technologies Intern at Leidos all before finishing my undergraduate degrees gave me the broadest background that someone entering the workforce could ask for.
My top tip to those interested in transitioning to a career in cybersecurity is…take advantage of the content available across the internet to upskill yourself in your area of interest and any adjacent areas — broaden your own portfolio of skills.
I would tell my younger self…you can do hard things!
The quote I live by is…“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.” – Richard Feyman
The biggest influencer in my life and career is…my dad. He has always fostered and encouraged my intellectual curiosity, which ultimately led me to be interested in mathematics, physics, and programming. I remember him teaching me how to read a binary register in elementary school.
My recommended read…”The Demon-Haunted World” – Carl Sagan
What I thought I wanted to be when I grew up…I was always somewhere in between a neurosurgeon and aerospace engineer until middle school, when I started reading “Quantum Mechanics for Dummies”.
A favorite place of mine is…Any sunny outdoor park or the yoga studio.
My inspiration…Dr. Merritt Moore! She has balanced being an elite professional ballerina and excellent physicist, while not sacrificing one of her interests for the other.
Something few people know about me is…I run marathons. My next one is the Boston Marathon in 2025!
What I most want to be remembered for is…Doing what I love and loving what I do!
My go-to coffee order is…A latte with oat milk and an extra shot of espresso.