More than 40 Penn College students and alumni attended this year's "ShmooCon" national conference in Washington, D.C.: three days of cybersecurity keynoters, as well as discussions of relevant and innovative topics with professionals and students from across the country. The campus contingent – largely representing the Information Security Association student organization – was accompanied by faculty members Jacob R. Miller and Sandra Gorka, associate professors of computer science, and Daniel W. Yoas, associate professor of computer information technology.
Among the feedback from attendees, many of whom were sponsored under the event's "Shmooze a Student" initiative:
“ShmooCon is one of the best places to meet professional contacts, as well as learn from some of the best minds in the industry. Professionals fly in from all of the country and have a great attitude for teaching students. I learn more each year from great mentors, alumni and friends as a result of conferences like ShmooCon.”
– Zachary L. Lundberg, an information assurance and cyber security major from Warren
“ShmooCon is an exciting opportunity for students to interact with professionals, getting tips and learning practical skills from them, as well as having fun along the way. This was my first time, and everyone there was accommodating and ready and willing to help people at every level of knowledge. I was very excited to have the opportunity ... and I'm even more excited to go back.”
– ISA President Adam E. Reinard, information assurance and cyber security, Hughesville
"ShmooCon is a great opportunity for students to begin networking with professionals in the field. It has provided students with both internship and job opportunities. With over 20 current students and over 20 graduates in attendance, ShmooCon is a great opportunity for current students, graduates and faculty to interact in a conference environment. Students learn that both professional networking and continued professional development are an integral part of their future careers."
– Sandra Gorka
“ShmooCon is a great place for students to learn new stuff and meet professionals and prospective employers. It is a great opportunity for faculty to meet future employers of our students and interact with graduates of the program. It is a great opportunity for educators, employers, graduates and students to network."
– Jacob R. Miller
Photo provided