Past Winners

Trong Nguyen

First Place, Cyber Problem-Solving Category

Trong Nguyen completed his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Cal State Long Beach and is pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science from Cal Poly Pomona. Trong is finishing a master's project that will aid California Consumer Privacy Act to protect consumers' privacy. He has received a Scholarship for Service (SFS) from the National Science Foundation and commits to working for the government upon graduation. He has participated in research and competitions about IoT security, reverse engineering, and data privacy. He was invited to speak at ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) Spring Conference 2022 to present his research on the security of vacuum robots. Trong's interests in other field of computer science include being a computer vision lead of the Tail-Sitter UAV project sponsored by Lockheed Martin to make a drone that can rescue drowning victims. He also participates in the DroneFox project from the PolySec lab that enhances the performance of a drone mitigation system to protect US air space. When working with the United States Space Force, Trong took a chance to discuss the Space Force's vision, the future of DoD, and AI capability with senior leaders. He also assisted with Digital Workforce and Digital University project to deliver technology influence to the armed forces. In addition, he engaged in a project that implemented Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to increase efficiency in the DoD business processes. He will graduate in May 2022 and will contribute his skills to protect US digital assets and make our cyberspace safer.

Danica Cariaga

Second Place, Cyber Problem-Solving Category

Danica Cariaga is in her final year as a Computer Science major at Cal Poly Pomona. She is a scholar for the Scholarship for Service (SFS) program and currently works as an IT Student Assistant at Cal Poly Pomona. As a student assistant, she has done research and reviews and has helped increase web accessibility for the campus. She also helped organize CPP’s Cyber Security Awareness Fair, and participated in the annual research poster contest, resulting in the second-place research award. As a woman in STEM, she is an active member of the schools ACM-W club, SheCodes, and offers advice and tutoring to fellow students as a peer mentor. Additionally, she has led a semester-long project in cyber security for the National Cyber League competition and has competed in the SANS Institute CyberStart game. Danica is looking to pursue a career in cyber security. She will graduate in May 2022 with honors.

Amber Thomas

Second Place, Cyber Problem-Solving Category

Amber Thomas is a senior at Cal Poly Pomona studying electrical engineering. Her projects at Cal Poly Pomona include the Cybersecurity Awareness Poster Contest, the National Cyber League competition, designing and building an electric vehicle charging station, and designing and building a California wildfire mobile application. She also has engineering experience working with the Department of Defense at the Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track (SNORT). Prior to her studies she worked in the automotive industry and has over 10 years of work and leadership experience.  Amber is an active member on campus and has been involved in several clubs including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), SheCodes, and Undergraduate Missiles, Ballistics and Rockets Association (UMBRA). She is also a Mentor for incoming Freshman with the Bronco Navigators Program.