Students

Olivia is currently a PhD student in information sciences and technology with a concentration in cybersecurity and data analytics. She has a background in computer science and game development, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Science. Olivia’s undergraduate honors thesis pursued her passion in applying game-based learning with cybersecurity by creating an anti-phishing training simulator for high school students to help reduce human vulnerability in businesses when transitioning from academia to early career industry. She currently serves as the UAlbany ASIS&T Student Chapter Graduate Communications Officer. 

Related Professional, Scholarly, Creative Activities: 

She previously served as a community manager for the UAlbany Innovation Center from 2021-2024, where she managed the incubator social media and marketing, web development, and event planning. Additionally, Olivia has 3 years of experience teaching elementary through middle school students programming and game development (2020-2023). She was also a peer educator for a python programming course in Fall of 2021.

Olivia’s current research interests are anti-social engineering, risk mitigation strategies, cryptographic protocol, game-based learning, serious games, emerging technologies, and machine learning.  

Ryan is currently a senior at the University At Albany, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity with a minor in Business in May 2025.  Before transferring to the University At Albany in his junior year, Ryan Completed his Associates degree in Liberal Arts at SUNY Rockland Community College.

Related Professional, Scholarly, Creative Activities: 

Ryan is a member of the UAlbany Club Lacrosse Team.  In his free time, Ryan enjoys cooking, watching movies, playing videogames, and watching football.

After his graduation in December 2024, Ryan plans on starting his career in Cybersecurity, specializing in incedent response.

Abdelrahman is currently a senior at the University At Albany, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity in May 2025.

Related Professional, Scholarly, Creative Activities: 

Abdelrahman is a member of The VICEROY (Virtual Institute for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ) aimed at developing essential cyber operational skills. As well as The Cyber Cascade Risk Lab. In his free time he likes to read books by Brandon Sanderson.

Abdelrahman is pursuing his Security + certifications aimed to have it before May 2025. And has plans on becoming a (SOC) Security Operations Center analyst after graduation.

Cole is currently a senior at the University At Albany, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity with a minor in Business in May 2025.

Related Professional, Scholarly, Creative Activities: 

Cole is a member of The National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS), As well as The Order of the Sword and Shield Honor Society. In his free time he enjoys snowboarding and improving his skills in penetration testing using HackTheBox.

Cole will be pursuing his Security + and CEH certifications starting May 2025. and has plans to join the military to further build his cybersecurity skills and knowledge.

Angelo is currently a junior at the University at Albany, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity and a minor in Homeland Security in Spring 2026.

Related Professional, Scholarly, Creative Activities: 

Angelo serves as the Treasurer for Epsilon Delta Psi, the first and only co-ed, pre-professional fraternity in the nation dedicated to Criminal Justice, Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity.

His current research focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in both hot and cold cryptocurrency wallets, as well as emerging threats to the financial blockchain.

After graduation, Angelo plans to pursue a career as a Blockchain Analyst, specializing in the emerging security field of cryptocurrency.

Max is currently a freshman at the University At Albany, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity with a minor in Business in May 2028.

Related Professional, Scholarly, Creative Activities: 

Max is a marketer on the E-Board for the Lucky Sevens Car Group of Albany. Currently, he is conducting a research on car theft, and also serves as a peer mentor for Professor Jeff Yates. Beyond academics, Max is passionate about fitness and is training to become a powerlifter. As a dedicated car enthusiast, he manages an Instagram page showcasing his automotive photography, with a particular interest for German and American muscle cars.

Max plans to pursue a career in Cybersecurity as a penetration tester or enter the automotive industry as a full-time car buyer for J&S Autohaus in Ewing, NJ. Long term, he aims to establish his own cybersecurity automotive business and eventually acquire the BMW dealership in North Scottsdale, while hoping to build an impressive car collection. 

Emma is currently a senior at the University At Albany, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Informatics and Information Technology on December 2025.

Related Professional, Scholarly, Creative Activities: 

Emma is a student inern in the Cybersecurity & Cryptography Lab, as well as the Makerspace and Play Pit located in the University's basement. She is actively working toward publishing an academic research paper on AI Governance and Health Informatics, alongside her co-authors. In addition to her research endeavors, Emma is involved in hands-on projects within the Makerspace, which are helping her strenghten her graduate school applications and explore opportunities for a prospective Ph.D.program.

Beyond academics, Emma is the President and Founder of UAlbany Stomp N' Shake, an HBCU-Styled Cheerleading organization, where she fosters community and school spirit through performance and leadership.