Degree: B.S. in Cyber Operations
How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship provided the means to holistically develop my foundational understanding of the current cyber domain, which in turn enabled my ongoing research of how to increase security in this space. This included international experiences in Estonia and Brussels to visit the NATO Cyber Centers of Excellence, as well as internships with both private and public sector security firms domestically. It additionally provided professional training by supporting stationing’s with the National Security Agency in Texas as well as with their UK counterpart GCHQ. These experiences have already precipitated into measured results, as the cyber policy team I lead here at the Naval Academy placed first among all US undergraduates at the Atlantic Councils Cyber 9/12 Challenge in DC and 2nd in the world at their Switzerland International competition. While the Academy already offers unbelievable opportunities and agamic rigor, the Stamps scholarship broke down financial and logistic barriers to allow me the chance to fully leverage all of that my institution had to offer.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
Never Avoid Volunteering Yourself (NAVY)! Any chance you have to reach out in service or step up to a new challenge take it.
Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
Miriam Stanicic. Miriam is the Community Relations Director here at the Naval Academy and the faculty representative for the Midshipmen Action Group which acts as the primary service club at USNA. From my first semester here, she has consistently offered me unprecedented leadership experiences coupled with unwavering support and mentorship. Her guidance set me on a path the lead MAG last semester. This opportunity was by far the most rewarding and memorable I had while attending the Naval Academy.
Please share your most memorable Stamps Scholar experience.
I had the chance to visit the International Cyber Armed Conflict Conference (CyCon) in Tallin, Estonia my sophomore summer. CyCon brings together academics, professionals, and military leaders in the domain of cyber together from around the world to talk about the emerging challenges and successes with cyber security on the global stage. A chance to participate in this international conference attended by world leaders, as a 19 year old student, ignited my passion for studying the larger facets of cyber warfare and diplomacy. Additionally, this was my first time ever visiting Europe, which was an incredible cultural experience in and of itself.
Plans after graduation?
Attending the University of Cambridge to study for an MPhil in Technology Policy through a Gates Scholarship. I will then follow that degree with a MS in Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University. At the conclusion of this education plan I will serve my naval obligation as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer.