Bridgewater has helped me figure out the career that I really wanted and pushed me to pursue this passion.
When Aaliyah Oliveira’s parents face computer problems, they rely on her to figure out what is wrong. With a cybersecurity degree now within reach, Aaliyah is eager to put her tech savviness to use on a much larger scale.
“Being able to help people is a big factor,” Aaliyah, of Brockton, said of pursuing a cybersecurity and digital forensics degree at BSU. “Bridgewater has helped me figure out the career that I really wanted and pushed me to pursue this passion.”
As she begins her senior year, Aaliyah, who is of Cabo Verdean descent, is also excited to help diversify an industry responsible for protecting organizations and personal data. Just 4 percent of cybersecurity workers are Black women, she said.
Aaliyah has taken full advantage of BSU’s extensive opportunities for transformative, hands-on education. This summer, she completed an internship at Waters Corp., a Milford-based manufacturer of medical equipment and software. She also studied the prevalence of cyberattacks on health care organizations before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with support from BSU’s Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work.
Aaliyah recently began interning at the Security Operations Center, a new facility on the BSU campus that provides real-time threat monitoring and consulting services.
“Being able to apply what I’m learning in class to the real world is useful,” she said. “It’s not like I’m learning the material just to learn.”
She first dabbled in research as a freshman through the PISCES Scholars program, which provides scholarships, mentorship and resources to a select group of students pursuing STEM majors. Through PISCES, Aaliyah also became a tutor and worked with youngsters who visited BSU for the annual Open Lab Night.
Aaliyah praised the support of Bridgewater faculty and staff including Katie Vagen, associate director of internships and career development. Vagen offered resume guidance that proved instrumental in securing an internship. Meanwhile, Dr. Cory Yeo, an assistant professor of computer science, has been a consistent mentor for Aaliyah.
“Dr. Yeo is the biggest supporter,” she said. “He’s given me advice, resources and study materials for certification exams.”
These connections, Aaliyah said, make a significant difference in helping her achieve her goals.
“I’ve gotten to know my professors and classmates one-on-one,” she said. “I’ve fostered a lot of relationships through Bridgewater.”
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