“Design. Create. Inspire.
“Collaboration Sparks Innovation: Making STEM Education Engaging and Inclusive“
“Innovation Meets Education: Unlocking Potential with Makerspace Creativity.“
“Fostering Creativity and Problem-Solving Through Technology-Driven Education.“
“Empowering Communities Through Innovation: Hands-On Learning for Tomorrow’s Leaders.“
Teaching Today for a Smarter, Safer Tomorrow.
UNIV 068
Course Description:
UNIV 068 is a tuition free, zero credit course for graduate students participating in Work Based learning on and off campus.
Upon completion of the course, students will need to complete a student feedback survey and a reflective assignment in the form of an e-portfolio or written assignment.
Once these items are completed along with an employer survey, participants will earn a Pass for the course to be reflected on their transcript.
Impact of Cybersecurity
The advancement of technology has guaranteed that it plays a significant role in our lives. We utilize it throughout the day as part of our everyday routine. This phenomenon demonstrates our reliance on ever-strengthened technology. Moreover, the digital revolution has transformed and continues to affect the world and our lives. Even though technological improvements have a positive impact on our lives, there is overwhelming evidence that digital technology might have a harmful impact on human behavior, ethics, and small businesses.
Human Behavior: Cyber Stalking/Cyber Harassment
According to Hazelwood and Magnin (2013), cyber stalking and cyber harassment have become widespread issues that demand criminologists’ and criminal justice experts’ attention. Although there are no nationwide assessments of the scope and pervasiveness of these crimes, research of various towns and universities raises concerns. The Department of Justice (1999) estimated that roughly 20% of stalking cases in Los Angeles and 40% of stalking cases in New York used the Internet as the medium for this criminal conduct in a discussion of the scope of cyber stalking. According to recent research, over 40% of college students have experienced cyberstalking at some time in their life (Reyns et al., 2012). Based on these figures, as well as the rising usage and availability of electronic gadgets, I think it is apparent that cyberstalking and cyber harassment deserve the criminal justice system’s attention.
Cyber Harassment (CH)
Cyber harassment entails tormenting, annoyance, terrorizing, offending, or threatening an individual over email, instant chat, or other means with the purpose of injuring that person. Harassing communications includes all aspects of conventional harassment, but also includes the use of technological devices to send messages that make a person feel personally targeted for damage. Creating a Facebook account in someone else’s name and using that profile to insult others is an example of CH. Additional instances of CH include sending improper text messages (e.g., of a frightening or sexual nature) or building a website with photo-shopped photographs of an uninformed individual engaged in sexual actions (Hazelwood & Magnin, 2013).
Cyber Stalking (CS)
Cyberstalking is defined as “the repeated pursuit of an individual utilizing electronic or Internet-capable devices” in its simplest form (Reyns et al., 2012, p. 1). Any unsolicited electronic messages that are threatening, coercive, or frightening are considered repeated pursues. In the end, stalking is a crime that causes the victim to feel dread, terror, intimidation, tension, or worry. The victim may lose a sense of control over his or her own life as a result of the stalker’s repeated nature, as the victim never knows when the stalker may emerge or contact him or her again. The stalker’s ability to access the victim at any time and from any distance undermines the victim’s feeling of security and can lead to a perpetual state of terror (Hazelwood & Magnin, 2013).
UNIV 068 ePortfolio
Introduction: My Journey as a Program Assistant Intern
As a rising senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, I have cultivated a diverse array of experiences that reflect my passion for technology, education, and innovation. My academic journey and professional engagements have positioned me to make meaningful contributions in fields like IoT security, deep learning, and machine learning-based threat detection. Through my education and hands-on experiences, I aim to leverage technology to enhance cybersecurity measures, protect businesses, and inspire future generations to engage with STEM fields. This portfolio encapsulates my learning experiences, professional growth, and career aspirations, underscoring how my internship at The Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center has prepared me for the next steps in my career.
Professional Goals Upon Graduation
Overview of the Company
The Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center is a dynamic hub that focuses on fostering community engagement, education, and innovation. The center provides resources and programs to encourage learning, creativity, and skill development among individuals of all ages. As an organization committed to equity and access, Brooks Crossing plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between technology and the community, making STEM education and innovation accessible to underrepresented populations. My internship at Brooks Crossing allowed me to immerse myself in its mission and contribute to its impactful initiatives.
Job Title and Duties
During my time at Brooks Crossing, I served as a Program Assistant Intern, a role that involved multifaceted responsibilities. My primary duty was to conduct hands-on makerspace sessions for K-12 students, teaching them how to use tools like Tinkercad and 3D printers to create practical projects. Additionally, I played a vital role in the organization and execution of community events, assisting with event setup, facilitation, and cleanup. I collaborated with team members to develop new programs using the available equipment and materials, tailoring activities to the needs of diverse age groups. These responsibilities required strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to varied audiences.
Impact of Work
My work at Brooks Crossing had a significant impact on both the students and the broader community. By introducing K-12 students to STEM concepts through interactive sessions, I helped spark their curiosity and encouraged them to explore technology-driven solutions. One notable example was guiding high school students in designing and 3D printing boats for a buoyancy challenge, which allowed them to apply physics principles in a tangible and engaging way. Through these efforts, I contributed to enhancing the educational resources available at Brooks Crossing, leaving a lasting impression on students and their families. The projects I facilitated not only improved students’ technical skills but also fostered creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Projects to Showcase
Among the projects I completed during my internship, the buoyancy challenge stands out as a prime example of impactful engagement. Using Tinkercad and 3D printing technology, students designed and tested boat models, optimizing their efficiency and stability. This project combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on application, making STEM concepts accessible and enjoyable. The accompanying resources, including CAD designs and workshop outlines, serve as valuable artifacts that showcase the innovative nature of my contributions during this internship.
Reflection on Experiences
Reflecting on my internship, I recognize it as a period of profound personal and professional growth. I successfully met my learning objectives by developing and facilitating educational activities that bridged STEM concepts and practical applications. One of my most powerful learning moments came from seeing students’ excitement and sense of accomplishment as they successfully completed challenging projects. These experiences affirmed the importance of making STEM education engaging and accessible.
However, the internship was not without its challenges. Managing large groups of students and adapting activities to accommodate different learning styles required patience and quick thinking. These moments taught me the value of flexibility and problem-solving in a fast-paced educational environment. The most important skills I developed include effective communication, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to new technologies and tools. If I were to go through this experience again, I would focus on refining my time management skills to ensure seamless execution of events and workshops.
To future interns, my advice would be to remain open to learning and to embrace the challenges that come with working in an innovative and community-focused environment. Success in such roles requires adaptability, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Connecting to Career
This internship experience has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, particularly in areas that involve community engagement and education. The skills I developed while teaching STEM concepts to students—such as simplifying complex ideas, fostering curiosity, and encouraging hands-on problem-solving—are directly applicable to cybersecurity training and awareness campaigns. Additionally, my work at Brooks Crossing emphasized the importance of making technology accessible, a principle that aligns with my long-term goal of using cybersecurity to create inclusive and secure digital environments. By combining technical expertise with a passion for education and outreach, I aim to address cybersecurity challenges in innovative and impactful ways.
Resume
My updated resume includes detailed descriptions of my internships, highlighting my accomplishments and the skills I developed. It also features my academic achievements, previous internships, and technical proficiencies. A copy of my resume is embedded in this ePortfolio (below) and linked for convenient access. https://sites.wp.odu.edu/wjacob/about/
This ePortfolio serves as a testament to the knowledge, skills, and experiences I have gained through my UNIV 068 internship. It reflects my commitment to professional growth and my readiness to contribute to the field of cybersecurity. By documenting and reflecting on these experiences, I have not only strengthened my professional identity but also prepared myself for the next chapter in my academic and career journey.
Key Experiences
Engaging K–12 Students in Cybersecurity Education
Building on my role at the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, I taught hands-on sessions designed to introduce K–12 students to the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Using interactive tools and relatable examples, I demonstrated how everyday activities, such as creating passwords and avoiding suspicious links, contribute to digital safety. These sessions were designed to:
Spark interest in technology and cybersecurity careers.
Empower students with skills to protect themselves online.
Highlight the societal impact of cybersecurity practices.
Stay connected.
Welcome to a platform where cybersecurity becomes more than a skill—it's a passion. Let's embark on this transformative journey together. Welcome aboard, Cyber Defender!