Elizabeth Simpkins

About Me

Hello,

My name is Elizabeth Simpkins. I am currently a student at Old Dominion University in my sophomore year, completing my bachelors of science in cybersecurity. I am someone who is always determined to do their best at everything and to go above and beyond at all that I do. I graduated from high school in the top 2% of my class with highest honors. This is also why I am completing my bachelors of science in cybersecurity in 3 years instead of 4, due to my perseverance to complete AP classes in high school and cleps during college. I have attained this drive from my parents who work hard every day and have inspired me to do my very best at everything.

While I know now that I enjoy and want to pursue a career in cybersecurity, this was not always my dream. I only first discovered what I wanted to do when I first started to really experiment and play with computers while I was in online school for high school. This is also when I got practice and training using Linux, OS, and foundational knowledge on a site called Try Hack Me. I also completed an introduction course with ODU during my junior year of high school called cybersecurity bootcamp. I find the ever-evolving prospect of technology exciting.

My ultimate goal is to not only attain my bachelors in cybersecurity, but also a minor in criminal justice and a masters in cybersecurity. I would love to work for the FBI or NSA as a dream job later in my career. My love for solving crimes and researching cybercrime comes from watching or reading crime and detective shows and books. I would also like to get experience as a security analyst as well. I want to have experience in several areas of the cybersecurity realm in order to make myself useful in any scenario.

Figure 2: Social Science Law and Cybersecurity

Involvement

CyberOps: CTF & Conference

I attended the 2024 CyberOps event at ODU. This experience was rewarding and filled with information that greatly helped me grow. I was able to talk with professionals in the field and ask questions about qualifications needed. I also got to talk with upper level classmates who had more experience. The CTF was very fun and it helped me see what I was good at and what I can practice on.

Cybersecurity Bootcamp Intro Course

When I was in high school, I completed and passed a cybersecurity bootcamp introduction course. In this course, I learned about foundational cybersecurity topics and got practice using an OS for the first time. I also got to practice using a terminal and entering commands on Linux. This course helped pave the way for me to choose cybersecurity as my major in college.

CS2A (Cybersecurity Student Association) Member

Last year, I became a member of CS2A, the cybersecurity student association, at ODU. In this club, I was able to connect with other fellow cyber majors, gain helpful insight into the field, and join different events on campus. This is also where I have gotten practice on CTFs.

WiCys (Women in Cybersecurity) Member

Last year, I also became a member of the WiCys, Women in Cybersecurity club, at ODU. This club has been helpful to connect with other women in the cybersecurity field. Since this is historically a male obtained field, this club has helped to inspire women to join the field, input our own perspectives, and support each other in our work.

Volunteer Work – Alternative Spring Break

Virginia Beach Aquarium, Virginia Beach, VA

  • Communicated effectively with my team to divide up the sections and work together to weed the flower beds around the aquarium
  • Developed teamwork by working together to carry bags, share tools, and divide up sections of work.
  • Demonstrated leadership by helping teammates learn how to weed properly due to my prior knowledge of weeding.

Operation Smile & Project Linus, Virginia Beach VA; Norfolk, VA, ODU

  • Demonstrated professionalism when things went wrong in the process of learning to sew.
  • Learned new skills by learning how to sew
  • Executed teamwork by working with my team to complete a blanket for project Linus.

Diaper Distribution, Norfolk, VA, & Broderick Environmental Foundation, Virginia Beach, VA

  • Collaborated with students and ODu faculty to work together to wrap and package diapers
  • Facilitated the assembly line process of packaging and filling boxes
  • Developed skills to use new tools throughout the day to wrap diapers and cut metal fencing for oyster cages.

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Norfolk, VA, & ODU Pantry, Norfolk, VA, ODU

  • Collaborated with food pantry volunteers and students to fill boxes and work together to complete 501 boxes for the foodbank
  • Helped restock and unload boxes full of food and supplies for the ODU food pantry