Trusted CI welcomed 18 students to the 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit, nine more than attended in 2023. They enjoyed four days of hands-on training, talks, panels, networking, and mentoring.
Here’s what students had to say about their experiences at the Summit with networking, capture the flag, poster sessions, and Summit courses.
On Networking
Konstantin Metz - University of Central Florida, MS Cybersecurity and Privacy
“The event is unlike any other in the industry! It brings together industry professionals, faculty, and students from across the globe to learn, network, and collaborate on current and emerging cybersecurity issues. It gives students an unparalleled opportunity to learn and grow while showcasing some of their own work. I am honored to have been selected to present and cannot wait for next year!”
Abigail Whittle - Oregon State University, BS in Computer Science
“I had the opportunity to meet some incredibly interesting individuals. Overall, I would highly recommend this experience to other students in the future, as it was beneficial both professionally and educationally, and I took away a lot from it.”
Istiak Chowdhury - University of Alabama at Birmingham, PhD in Computer Science
“One of the highlights was the social event at the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural
History, a memorable gathering that facilitated great networking opportunities in a relaxed setting.”
On Capture the Flag
Nana Sarfo Dwomoh - Sam Houston State University, MS Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
“The biggest Summit highlight was the Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge, where students worked in teams to solve cybersecurity puzzles by finding vulnerabilities and cracking systems.”
Dignora Castillo-Soto - Bay Path University, MS in Cyber Security
“The CTF session provided a hands-on experience that challenged my problem-solving skills. It was refreshing to participate in a group project, as collaboration helped me gain new insights that I wouldn’t have achieved working solo.”
Iwinosa Aideyan - Clemson University, PhD Computer Engineering
“Another part of the summit I thoroughly enjoyed was participating in the CTF challenges. It was informative and exciting as we researched, learned new things, and collaborated with our teammates. It was a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of practical cybersecurity concepts while strengthening connections within the team.”
On the Poster Session
Nana Sarfo Dwomoh - Sam Houston State University, MS Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
“The 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit was a big, unforgettable platform for me as a Cybercorp Scholar, where I presented my poster, "Defending Electoral Integrity in the Age of Cyber Warfare," which gave me the chance to share my research on how digital disinformation, botnets, and deepfakes are impacting elections.”
Md Fazle Rabbi - Idaho State University, PhD in Computer Science
“I thoroughly enjoyed presenting my research poster. It was a great opportunity to receive constructive feedback from industry and academic experts. Their suggestions will undoubtedly help me refine my work and explore new avenues for future research.”
Riddhi Mahajan - University of Cincinnati, BS Information Technology
“I had the opportunity to present a poster showcasing my summer activities and ongoing projects, which was both exciting and rewarding. It was great to share my journey and hear about others’ experiences as well.”
On Summit Courses
Owen Seltzer - Northeastern University, MS Cybersecurity
“The talks and panel discussions were not only engaging but also thought-provoking, covering topics ranging from emerging threats to innovative protection strategies. As someone still exploring career paths in cybersecurity, I found the presentations particularly enlightening.”
Shameer Rao - Morgan State University, PhD Secure Embedded Systems
“The Summit was filled with engaging talks from top experts, which really broadened my understanding of the challenges we face in securing critical infrastructure. Overall, the Summit was an incredible mix of professional growth, hands-on activities, and connecting with like-minded individuals in the field.”
Dignora Castillo-Soto - Bay Path University, MS in Cyber Security
“What resonated with me most about the Cyberinsurance Challenges and Solutions session was the open and transparent dialogue. Having seasoned CISOs in the room added valuable perspective and fostered an honest conversation about the evolving landscape.”
On the Mentor Program
Sandra Darkson - University of New Haven, MS in Cybersecurity and Networks
“My mentor (Carolyn Ellis) is really one of a kind; she is among those few individuals who sees the potential in me and, at the same time, believes so much in me that this belief drives me to work harder, and strive for excellence. I am so fortunate enough to have her as my guide and mentor on my path.”
What’s Next for the Student Program
Going forward, there are plans to enhance the Trusted CI Student Program. The goal is to deepen engagement with students over a longer period and to bring more underrepresented groups into the cybersecurity workforce.
First, Hawa Naaata, the project lead for the Student Program, will gather feedback from current and past participants to assess program strengths, weaknesses, and areas for enhancement. Next, there will be more efforts to publicize the program.
More workshops and events will be added to impart practical skills and insights about cybersecurity. Also, there will be a sustained effort to facilitate attendance at the Summit, ensuring students gain exposure to industry discussions and professional development.
Finally, students will be encouraged to share insights, lessons learned, and personal success stories within their academic and professional networks.
