What is your academic background?

My academic background is in Anthropology (M.A.) and International Development (M.Sc.).

What made you apply to the CDT?

I applied to the CDT because it looked like a great opportunity to bring Anthropology closer to Cybersecurity. Traditionally, there hasn’t been a deep academic connection between those two subjects but for me it seemed an obvious thing to intersect a deeply human subject with one that depends on humans. So, when I saw that the CDT emphasised interdisciplinarity (and really meant it!), I felt like this was a chance I could not pass up on.

What’s been the best thing so far about the CDT?

I think the best thing so far about the CDT is that you get to have an appropriate introduction to a field you’re not familiar with and the level of support you receive from the lecturers. The entire team seems really keen on helping you and also learning from your perspective and it’s great to be appreciated. Being able to go through this process with like-minded individuals who come from social and technical backgrounds is a unique experience.

What excites you about cyber security?

Through cybersecurity I’m able to make a real impact on the world. It has always been my passion to learn about humans, cultures, and the world that surrounds us, but I could never make a difference with the knowledge in my previous disciplines. Cybersecurity is great for allowing you to develop something that really breaks through to help people, be it through technology or understanding security issues from a different perspective.

Where do you want to be in 10 years time?

In all honesty I don’t plan that far ahead but I think having an academic role would be great since I thoroughly enjoy doing research. I hope that I’ll be able to be in a position where I can help people through my research, and I can show the struggles that marginalised groups go through.