As an ASU Online student, Salvatore Ortega never imagined he would get to compete in a competition with fellow students on campus, and eventually in Washington, D.C.
Ortega entered the Cyber 9/12 Student Challenge, a national competition where students develop and defend policy recommendations to resolve a cyber attack with global implications. The experience, alongside fellow ASU students, bolstered Ortega’s skills learned as a graduate student in emergency management and homeland security.
Armed with collaborative technology, teammates with outstanding problem-solving skills and Ortega’s background in IT and cybersecurity, Ortega and his teammates were able to advance to the semi-final round of the Cyber 9/12 Student Challenge.
“It can be hard at times to feel like part of the ASU campus and experience,” said Ortega. Along with getting to spend time on campus, the Tennessee resident finally understands what ‘Fear the Fork’ truly means, working alongside other Sun Devils as a competitive force to be reckoned with.