About Me
I recently graduated from Colorado State University with a BSc in Computer Science, but my passion for computing started long before that. As early as middle school, I had a habit of taking things apart just to see how they worked. I wanted to understand everything about electrical systems, even if it meant breaking a few small appliances along the way. Eventually, I channeled that curiosity into something more constructive—building my first computer during my freshman year of high school.
From that moment on, I was hooked. Computers, to most people, were just another tool or even pure magic, but I wanted to know more. Unfortunately, my high school didn’t offer computer science classes, so I turned to engineering as the next best thing. I loved math and physics, and since engineers worked with computers daily, how different could it be? As it turned out, very different. I quickly realized engineering wasn’t for me and found myself at a crossroads—stay in a field that didn’t excite me or switch to something else.
After some research, I discovered CSU’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) program, which blended business and computer science. It seemed like a practical choice, so I gave it a shot. However, after one semester, I realized the business side didn’t interest me, and the computer science courses barely scratched the surface of what I wanted to learn.
That summer, I had the opportunity to shadow family members working in cybersecurity. Seeing their work firsthand made everything click—I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I switched my major to Computer Science with a concentration in Networks & Security, and I never looked back.
With my new focus, I fully embraced learning. Programming, problem-solving, hardware, software, networking, security principles—I absorbed everything I could. I landed a job at CSU’s IT department, where I gained hands-on experience troubleshooting systems, configuring networks, building workstations, and even leading training sessions for non-IT departments. This role gave me exposure to different IT teams and strengthened my technical and communication skills.
In my senior year, I took my experience a step further by interning at Woodward, Inc. as an IT Cybersecurity Intern. Initially, I worked with SIEM tools and monitoring systems, which introduced me to a new side of IT—Operational Technology (OT) in a manufacturing environment. IT security in this space was entirely different from traditional enterprise IT, and learning about its unique challenges was eye-opening.
Later in my internship, I shifted toward compliance and risk management, where I tested AI-driven compliance management tools and conducted third-party risk assessments. I loved this work because it allowed me to collaborate with diverse teams while gaining a deeper understanding of security frameworks and governance.
Now, I’m looking for a full-time role in IT or Cybersecurity, where I can apply my skills, continue learning, and contribute to a team that values security, efficiency, and innovation.
Education
Colorado State University
BSc Computer Science
2020 - 2024
The main function of education is to teach one to think sensibly and critically. It is not about acquiring knowledge, but about fostering the ability to think, question, and understand. Intelligence combined with character - that is the ultimate goal of a true education. - Alan Turing
During my time at CSU, I gained a solid foundation in computer science. My coursework covered a wide range of topics, including general programming and OOP’s principles, data structures and algorithms, large scale software development, and electives in web development and ethical computing practices.
On top of that my concentration in Networks & Security gave me a deeper understanding of network protocols, security principles, and hands-on experience with network administration and cybersecurity tools. I learned many skills including safe programming practices, secure network design, network protocols, cryptography, and secure system configuration.
CompTIA
Security+
2025
I am currently taking a prep course for the Security+ certification. The course covers a wide range of topics including security controls, risk management, network security, IAM, cryptography, operational security, compliance, resilience, and incident response. This course builds on my prior knowledge from college and will help me prepare for a career in cybersecurity. I plan to take the exam in April.
Experience
Solving complex IT problems day in and day out
The IT department at CSU was my first real exposure to IT support and working in the tech industry. I worked as a student technician, where I was responsible for troubleshooting and resolving technical issues for faculty, and staff. After I graduated I was hired on as a full-time IT Support Specialist. In this role, I have gained experience in a wide range of IT support tasks including troubleshooting hardware and software issues,imaging new workstations using PDQ Smart Deploy, managing and managing a small database. I also got the opportunity to lead a vulnerability assessment and remediation project for the department. This project involved using the Tenable cloud environment to scan for vulnerabilities and then remediating them through patching and configuration changes. Lastly, I was involved in a large file migration and server decommissioning project. This project involved moving files from an old server to various SharePoint sites for over 30 sub departments of the student center, and then ensuring old data was securely deleted and inaccessible. Overall, this role has given me a lot of experience in IT support and has helped me develop my technical and communication skills.
Securing data in IT and OT environments
At Woodward, I worked as an IT Cybersecurity Intern. I was responsible for monitoring and maintaining the security of the company’s IT systems. I worked with SIEM tools, monitoring systems, and compliance management tools. Towards the end of my internship I mostly conducted third-party risk assessments and worked with diverse teams to ensure the company’s security posture was up to date. I also did some testing on an AI compliance tool to speed up risk reviews and audits. To add, I documented new policies and procedures a new 3rd Party Risk Management framework and system. I would present any findings or issues to upper management on a weekly basis as well. This internship gave me a lot of experience in the cybersecurity field and helped me understand the unique challenges of IT security in a manufacturing environment.
Skills
Programming Languages
- C++
- C#
- Python
- Scala
- PowerShell
- Bash
Networking
- Network Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP/S, DNS, DHCP, ARP
- Network Security: Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS
- Network Administration: VLANs, Subnetting
- Network Tools: Wireshark, Nmap, TraceRoute
Security
- Security Principles: CIA Triad, Defense in Depth
- Security Tools: Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, SIEM, XDR/EDR, Vulnerability Scanners
- Security Practices: Secure Development Lifecycle
- Security Frameworks: NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, CIS Controls v8, DISA STIGs
Projects
I started this project as a simple way to learn more about the tools in Kali Linux. I set out initially to learning some basics of network programming in Python by focusing on OSINT on domains and IP addresses. This eventually will grow into basic exploitation and post-exploitation tools. Overall the goal is to emulate the tools used day in and day by Red Teams and get a better sense of what goes into penetration testing.
A Little More About Me
Alongside my interests in networks and cybersecurity some of my other interests and hobbies are:
- Camping
- Fishing
- Snowboarding
- Building Computers
- Playing Video Games
- Reading bio’s of inspirational people
