At Boise State University, students like Kacey Wheeler are gearing up to enter the dynamic field of cybersecurity, armed with passion, purpose, and a relentless drive to protect the digital world we all depend on. Kacey Wheeler, a senior at Boise State University, is working towards a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Kacey’s fascination with computers began long before university. She explains, “I always knew I wanted to do something related to computers because, in high school, I took a few computer science and engineering-related courses.” However, she soon discovered that her true calling lies within cybersecurity. “I knew I liked it, but I didn’t love programming at a high level. So then I learned about the CORe program that BSU offered since it went more into the cybersecurity field of it all,” she reflects.
In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, adaptability and exploration are key. Kacey emphasized the importance of being open to new things. “Everything in cybersecurity is rapidly changing, and new areas start existing out of thin air,” she notes. At the Institute for Pervasive Cybersecurity’s Cyberdome initiative- a collaborative and hands-on workspace for competency-based development, she is learning to explore the vast opportunities within the field.
One of Kacey’s proudest moments was pitching her cybersecurity education concept at Hackfort, a cybersecurity event through the Venture College that brings together technologists, creators, and innovators. “I pitched an idea about cybersecurity education to make it more accessible, fun, and engaging. I won funding for my business idea and have worked with the Venture College ever since to make it a reality.” Kacey’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication are evident as she strives to make cybersecurity engaging. Kacey’s business, Encryptrix, is focused on teaching children about cybersecurity. The course includes basic digital literacy to be an overall safe cyber citizen. “I have worked teaching children about password cracking tools and what makes a good password so they can avoid being scammed,” says Kacey.
Looking forward, Wheeler has clear goals. She plans to secure a job in cybersecurity, leveraging the skills she has learned in the Cyberdome and her academic coursework. Additionally, she aspires to pursue a master’s degree and continue building her business.
When asked about a dream job, Kacey lights up with excitement. “The industry I want to be a part of is healthcare cybersecurity,” she shares. Kacey’s enthusiasm for this field started with her experiences at DEFCON, an annual event in Las Vegas where tech-savvy experts give talks and presentations on vulnerability research, malware analysis, cybersecurity efforts in the healthcare industry, and more. She explains, “I learned a lot about how valuable it is to have a strong cybersecurity foundation in a hospital because they are saving people’s lives by preventing these attacks from happening to the medical software that keeps people alive.”
In the never-ending field of cybersecurity, Kacey is eager to continue her education and explore new frontiers. “I just want to get my feet wet,” she says. “Learning from this daily will help me reach my goal of working in the healthcare industry.”
As Kacey Wheeler continues her journey into the world of cybersecurity, her passions, adaptability, and commitment to safeguarding our digital future serve as an inspiration to aspiring cybersecurity professionals. With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, individuals like Kacey play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our interconnected society.