Metadata Matters Scholarship

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.