‘Future of cybersecurity’ event is for arts and STEM students alike

The campus and IBM are inviting students to a free lunchtime event on the future of cybersecurity, and students of the liberal arts or engineering are just as welcome as future computer scientists.

Photo of Shannon Chee
Shannon Chee

As are future economists, communicators, psychologists—you get the idea. Cybersecurity will require contributions from people with a sweeping range of interests, and leaders in the field are throwing open the doors.

The UC Davis event, from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 30 in the Student Community Center multi-purpose room, has two parts: a 30-minute discussion/Q&A with four people from IBM, followed by a half hour when students can talk one-to-one with panelists about cybersecurity, careers in the field, and related subjects.

There’s no cost to attend, and free pizza will be available as long as it lasts. No RSVP is needed—just show up.

Shannon Chee, founder and former president of the campus student Cyber Security Club, will moderate the panel.

“This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the work, and how people with different interests and skills can contribute to and build a career in the field,” said Cheryl Washington, chief information security officer for UC Davis.

IBM, a multinational IT company founded in 1911, is a research powerhouse whose creations include the AI-based Watson supercomputer. IBM’s major areas of focus include data analytics and cloud computing.