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Log Entry: Genesis Protocol

Snapshot: Who I Am

I'm a recent graduate from Florida Polytechnic University with a unique Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Engineering, an Applied Mathematics Certification, and the CompTIA Security+ certification. My passion lies in leveraging my engineering skills, leadership experience, and love for complex problem-solving to make a real-world impact in cybersecurity, driven by a commitment to continuous learning and contribution.

The Genesis: My Cybersecurity Calling

My path to cybersecurity started in high school. Before leading my CyberPatriots team as captain, my computer knowledge was self-taught, born from troubleshooting my own, friends', and family's computers by watching YouTube videos. I found great satisfaction in tinkering with technology, but my experience with CyberPatriots proved to be a revelation. Working with a team to solve fascinating forensics problems and learning Linux opened my eyes. I began to see cybersecurity as a way to protect people, much like a police officer safeguards the community.

This vision led me to Florida Polytechnic University, Florida's only all-STEM institution, specifically for its Cyber Security Engineering program – a key reason I chose the university. I didn't want a standard computer science degree; I wanted to be an engineer, blending the hardware expertise of computer engineering with the specialized software and security knowledge of a cybersecurity-focused computer scientist. This unique program has equipped me with a versatile skillset, preparing me for diverse fields ranging from Industrial Control Systems and embedded engineering to security analysis. I am proud to be one of the 1st pioneering students of this specialized degree!

University & Leadership: Forging Skills and Community

My university years were defined by active engagement, professional experience, and leadership. I secured a SOC Analyst internship at ReliaQuest the summer after my freshman year, diving headfirst into real-world operations. There, I triaged active security alerts and gained hands-on experience with industry-standard SIEMs like Splunk, GrayMatter, QRadar, and LogRhythm. I also learned to communicate effectively across departments by creating detailed tuning tickets to help engineers fix broken alerts, bridging the gap between detection and resolution.

Building on this momentum, I served as President of the Cybersecurity Club for two years, spearheading its growth to over 90 active members and making it the #1 club on campus in multiple areas. A significant achievement was leading our newly-formed Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) team to Regionals in our very first year. Our club's CTF team also saw tremendous success, securing wins at major events like Tampa BSides and Orlando BSides, and consistently placing in the top 5% in numerous online competitions.

In the realm of Capture The Flag competitions, I particularly enjoy challenges in cryptography, reverse engineering, and forensics, though I'm comfortable across most categories. One of my most memorable CTF moments was solving a complex online hardware challenge that, by the competition's end, had only one other solve globally. I submitted my solution just minutes before the deadline. My detailed write-up for that challenge was later featured on the competition's GitHub, and it was gratifying to note that in my analysis, I even identified a small flaw in the challenge design that had inadvertently increased its difficulty. These experiences – the thrill of the puzzle, the continuous learning, and the opportunity to push boundaries – are what keep me energized and on the cutting edge.

Parallel to my cybersecurity pursuits, my love for mathematics flourished. I earned an official Applied Mathematics Certification, which involved taking seven additional advanced math courses, including Calculus 3, Computational Linear Algebra, Applied Partial Differential Equations, Optimization Theory, Discrete Mathematics II, and Numerical Analysis. I'm particularly fascinated by number theory and its profound connections to cryptography, and this strong mathematical foundation significantly enhances my ability to excel in high-level cryptographic concepts.

Beyond Digital: Applied Leadership in the Field

My commitment to leadership and mentorship extends beyond the academic and digital. As an Orienteering coach, I've had the privilege of instructing hundreds of ROTC students. This role involves leading large, diverse groups and honing my ability to identify and nurture individual strengths. I'm constantly thinking about how students learn best and how I can refine our training methods, always willing to put in the effort to turn good ideas into reality. Delegation and clear communication are also key skills I've developed through this experience.

One of the most challenging aspects of coaching Orienteering is effectively teaching complex map reading techniques and navigation skills within a short timeframe, often just an hour, before heading out with 20+ students into the woods. The goal is to provide hands-on guidance to each individual, ensuring no one gets lost or feels left behind, and critically, encouraging them to think for themselves rather than just follow others. Motivating students through challenging terrain and conditions is also paramount. The reward is immense when students, some new to the sport, gain the confidence and skills to complete an intermediate "orange" course independently. It's deeply satisfying to know they've learned, had a positive experience, and achieved something significant. For me, leadership is about serving others and enhancing their experience.

Guiding Philosophy: Contribution, Curiosity, and Growth

My core philosophy is simple: strive to contribute more to the world than I take. It's not about personal accolades, but about the positive impact I can have on others' lives. I see this as a form of public service—a direct extension of that initial desire to protect and help people. In a field like cybersecurity, where knowledge can sometimes be complex and gatekept, I am driven to open those gates. I believe in making security concepts accessible, sharing knowledge freely, and empowering others to protect themselves and their organizations. This drive to teach, mentor, and make a tangible difference is what fuels my passion and my work every single day. Life is a grand, unfolding adventure, and I believe my purpose within it is to use my skills to leave things better than I found them.