Semester 3 Wrapped

I just finished my third semester at Grand Canyon University!

This has been my busiest semester yet, as not only did I take a full load of classes but I also worked part-time at Cisco!

I’ve learned a lot this semester, not only academically but personally. It’s an adjustment to work part time and attend school full-time, but the experience taught me discipline, flexibility, and perseverance.

Check out my highlights of the semester below!

Coursework

Each of my classes this semester were related to my major in Cybersecurity:

• In System Administration and Maintenance, I learned how to set up and configure a Windows Server environment with Active Directory, Group Policy, and more. Over the course of the semester, I created a 401 page business proposal for a company on how to implement this server layout in their own network, along with Linux servers, different server roles, equipment needed, a Work Breakdown Structure, and detailed, meticulous, step-by-step instructions.
• In Enterprise Routing & Switching, I utilized Cisco Packet Tracer to create an enterprise network for the Star Wars universe. I learned about all aspects of Cisco routing and switching, including VLAN creation and management, RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP dynamic routing protocols, port security, network subnetting, server placement, NAT, Access Lists, VPN tunnel creation, SDNs and SDWANs, and Management Servers. To show my learning, I created a 78 page report for the Star Wars New Republic on how to implement this network including explanations, router and switch configurations, and network diagram screenshots.
• In Programming for Security Professionals, I learned the basics of the C programming language and how to abuse it for security purposes, learning skills such as buffer overflows, memory management, and secure coding practices alongside the basic functions of the C programming language. For my final project, I created a modified Caesar cipher that utilizes a scrambled alphabet to make the algorithm more complex. I incorporated best-practices for secure software development, such as error handling, string checking, and using User-Defined Functions to make the program cleaner. You can check it out on my GitHub at this link: https://github.com/cyberqueenmeg/itt-310-final-proj
• In Professionalism for STEM, I learned the basics of professionalism in the work environment, collaboration, leadership, project management basics, and problem solving. My team and I created a product proposal for our final project that we had to present to our professor and our classmates, which was well received.

Internship

During my semester at Cisco, I continued to build my penetration testing and red team skills, finding a multitude of vulnerabilities and adding significant value to my team. I also spent a significant amount of time studying for my Offensive Security Web Assessor (OSWA) exam, which is a 48 hour live-hacking exam that I will sit for in January.

I also made sure to attend as many team meetings and professional development events as possible, and I even got to virtually meet Chuck Robbins, the CEO of Cisco!

Cocurricular Activities

Throughout the semester, I also participated in many cocurricular activities! Here are the highlights:

• Helped lead my school’s Threat Intelligence Support Unit, which I helped found. We graduated over 40 new Threat Intelligence analysts last week
• Did a weekend-long bootcamp on Agile Project Management and passed the Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) exam
• Volunteered my time to help run the first Arizona Girls in Cyber day run by the Arizona Department of Homeland Security
• Spoke on a panel for a GenCyber Day for underprivileged youth in partnership with Tennessee Tech and the National Institute for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)
• Spoke on a panel at the NICE K-12 conference on the near-peer mentoring model
• Helped run GCU’s “Coding With My Girls” event in partnership with the Society of Women Engineers, where we introduced college women to coding and cybersecurity. These young women will help teach K-12 girls next semester!
• Participated in the GCU String Chamber Ensemble as a violinist and as the Social Media Manager. We performed at the end-of-year ensemble concert and at the Hometown Heroes Toy Drive hosted by AZTV7 News

Overall, this semester has been extremely fufilling. I’m already excited to see what next semester has in store!