{"id":455,"date":"2025-02-03T19:00:57","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T19:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/elizabethsimpkinsesimp003\/?page_id=455"},"modified":"2025-04-25T13:58:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T13:58:04","slug":"about-me","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/elizabethsimpkinsesimp003\/about-me\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"
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Elizabeth Simpkins<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

About Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hello,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Figure 2: Social Science Law and Cybersecurity<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Involvement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CyberOps: CTF & Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Cybersecurity Bootcamp Intro Course<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

CS2A (Cybersecurity Student Association) Member<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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WiCys (Women in Cybersecurity) Member<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Volunteer Work – Alternative Spring Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Virginia Beach Aquarium, Virginia Beach, VA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n