Capture the Flag (CTF) is usually how I spend uneventful weekends. CTF challenges players to solve computer science and cybersecurity puzzles to obtain “flags” which can be submitted for points. I usually compete with my team Cosmic Bit Flip (and sometimes mergers or friends on other teams). I am currently trying to improve my skills in exploiting memory corruption vulnerabilities (pwn).

CyberPatriot is a cybersecurity competition which challenges competitors to secure Linux and Windows machines and simulated network topologies. Within the years I have participated in CyberPatriot, I have took on the role of securing Linux machines for my team.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a robotics competition targeted toward high schoolers. I am currently competing with my team 12499 Gear Up, in which I lead the development of computer vision software to give the robot awareness. My contributions range from writing object detection algorithms to programming automated aim assist for the robot game.

I enjoy competing in various hackathons and miscellaneous computing competitions because each event brings unique experiences. Cal Poly’s Space Grand Challenge is a perfect example of this as it was the first competition I participated in to gamify cybersecurity in the context of space exploration.