Metadata Matters Scholarship

Funded by

Metadata Forensics, LLC

Eligibility Requirements

Career Path:

Digital Forensics

Education Level:

High school senior, undergraduate

Career Path:

Education Level:

Digital Forensics

High school senior, undergraduate

Digital forensics is a field that is rapidly growing.

Research conducted has estimated the market for digital forensics to increase by a compound annual growth rate of 9.3% between now and 2028. As technology continues to advance, digital forensic work becomes increasingly more important. Computer crime will only continue to grow as technology develops, making the future of digital forensics more important now than it has ever been before. The Metadata Matters Scholarships will help promote the field of Digital Forensics and encourage students to pursue careers in the field through higher education.

This scholarship is designed for high school seniors and undergraduates who are currently, or will be pursuing a degree in Digital Forensics at a four-year undergraduate institution. To apply, write about why you chose to join the digital forensics field, what your primary interest is in the field, and how you learned about it.

Selection Criteria:

Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile

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Published December 7, 2022

Essay Topic

Why do you want to join the field of Digital Forensics? What is your primary interest in digital forensics? How did you learn about the field of digital forensics?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

June 2023

Winners

Hannah Hatley

Brigham Young University-Provo

Finalists

Winning Application

Hannah Hatley

Brigham Young University-ProvoAuburn, WA

My first exposure to the concept of digital footprint came in middle school. Several students were sent things that they shouldn’t have been. It was a pretty big event for a middle schooler. Although we weren't given a lot of details as to who the individual was that sent those images, there was an investigation that resulted in the individual that was responsible for sending those items being identified and charged with a crime. One thing I learned as I put safeguards in place to protect myself; there are constant and ever-changing threats to be aware of. Throughout the years I learned that these threats are everywhere, and it affects individuals, businesses, systems, and countries. I have always been incredibly passionate about science and math. Some of my earliest memories were of me performing science experiments in the kitchen. It was a fantastic feeling to wait and observe what combining this, or how adding this would affect that. Science and math are and have always been my favorite classes in school. In addition to classes in school, my parents provided me with opportunities to attend summer coding camps and clinics; I believe that is probably how I first learned about different career pathways you can take within Information Technology; digital forensics being one of them. Although I am still in the beginning phases of exploring my career path. The area that captures my interest the most in digital forensics, is network forensics. What stood out the most to me was that network forensics is a continually evolving field. As threats are constantly changing; the way that people use networks to commit their crimes changes. Safeguards and security systems have to evolve to try to prevent these crimes, but I believe our techniques have to change so that we can successfully identify and investigate those crimes. Living in a suburb of Seattle, many family and friends work in computer and technology fields. Some of the knowledge that I have gained about cyber security and digital forensics has come from these individuals. In addition to the mentoring that I have received, I have also taken classes as well as completing my own research on different career paths. Lastly, I see digital forensics as a career where my passion for math, science, and technology can be used to also help others. I have always had an inquisitive nature and like to understand how something works, so the concept of being a digital detective is exciting.