Hometown
Deerfield, Illinois
Major and Graduation
Bachelor of Science in Computer and Cybersecurity Engineering with a specialization in Cybersecurity and Hardware, Master of Science in Computer Engineering, Expected Graduation: 2023
Student Organization Involvement
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, CyberHawk Security, Limitless Dance Crew, Martial Arts Club, VanderCook Jazz Band, IIT A Cappella, Chess Club, Art Club
Why did you choose your major/what do you want to do with your degree?
Nothing thrills me more than being the mastermind of a complex plan and seeing that plan come to fruition. I want to perform "heists" (legally of course) so my ideal job would be as head of a red team physical and cyber penetration testing company: a company that's hired to break into large corporations. Arguably, the most difficult portion of that is breaching cybersecurity, and realistically, this knowledge on its own is very in-demand even if I can't have my ideal job. Therefore, I'm pursuing the technical side of cybersecurity so that I can at the very least become a penetration tester. I'm also fascinated by computers at the lowest level and enjoy programming for hours on end.
What is your favorite thing about the Camras Scholars Program?
The tuition coverage if I'm being honest because my participation in the program has been limited. However, I like that it brings like-minded passionate individuals into Illinois Tech, and I have a couple very good friends among Camras scholars.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
I take life one step at a time.
How do you think you best represent what it means to be a Camras scholar?
Society is so focused on "success" in one niche area that I think we often lose sight of the value in well-roundedness and the ability to bring people together. People describe me as a jack-of-all-trades and I think that really helps me connect with others. To keep this brief: I program, develop exploits, do my own independent research in cybersecurity under the ECE department, tutor in multiple topics, dance most forms of dance, play multiple instruments, train in the Korean martial arts, draw and paint, ride horseback, debate and watch debates, play chess, bake, make bubble tea, sing a little, sail, ... Name any hobby, it's more than likely I got really into it at some point in my life. I've been in a number of leadership positions including giving seminars on cybersecurity and heading cybersecurity projects, teaching dance classes, and leading singing groups. I'm on the executive boards of multiple organizations, and I have a published IEEE paper in artificial intelligence (and another one in the making). I'm a perfectionist and "all-or-nothing" in everything that I do, which is both a huge blessing and a huge curse, but I consider it one of my defining traits and one that makes me very successful in my achievements.
Contact
Email: jford11@hawk.iit.edu