Faculty Spotlight Part 1: Stephanie Dachs

In honor of the month of November, we would like to share a slice of what the ACES program is thankful for. The program has two new-hires Stephanie Dachs and Amanda Johnson, both of whom deserve a shoutout for their hard work and dedication towards the classes they teach. We've interviewed both professors to get to know them a bit more and showcase the strengths they add to ACES. Our two part feature spotlights Stephanie Dachs this month and Amanda Johnson in December's article.

Stephanie Dachs

Stephanie Dachs is currently teaching the HACS 208N Digital Forensics course at UMD and is going into her 8th year of working with the government as a digital forensics professional. She first wanted to shout out an appreciation for her current students for “shaping my teaching style and for helping me make better content for future classes. I wish you all well in your futures!” A few fun facts Stephanie mentioned was that she plays a mean guitar hero, she quit Duolingo after losing her 728 day learning streak in Arabic, and she runs a social media account for her backyard bird camera.

Current Career

Stephanie's career path began long before she joined the government, tracing back to an eye-opening field trip in eighth grade to Washington, D.C. That experience sparked her desire to solve crimes, leading her to study mathematics in college and cybersecurity in graduate school. She credits an internship with the FBI as a turning point that opened doors to her career in cryptanalysis before she ultimately transitioned into digital forensics.

In her current role, Stephanie is tasked with uncovering hidden digital evidence on everything from phones to computers to networks. “Digital forensics is like ‘dusting’ for fingerprints, but every device and software is different. The challenge is constantly evolving,” she explains. "It’s a job that literally saves lives, and that’s what makes it so fulfilling."

Thoughts on the Field of Cybersecurity

When asked about what draws her to the world of cybersecurity, Stephanie highlights the pervasive nature of technology and the ever-present threats lurking in cyberspace. “There’s almost no part of our lives that doesn’t involve some form of digital interaction,” she notes. “With that comes risk. Cybercriminals are targeting everything from medical records to state secrets, and it’s essential that we stay ahead of them.”

Her particular area of interest within cybersecurity revolves around ensuring that new devices and software updates are accounted for in analysis tools. "Cybersecurity tools, especially for digital forensics, must keep pace with new technology to remain effective," she explains. "A lot of research in this area is open-source, which helps make digital forensics and cybersecurity more accessible to anyone willing to dive in."

In the future, Stephanie hopes that the field of cybersecurity will be marked by broader accessibility. “As the tools and training in cybersecurity become more affordable and accessible, more diverse minds will be able to contribute to solving these critical problems,” she says. “The field should be open to anyone with the curiosity to learn and the desire to make a difference.”

Advice for Students

For students interested in breaking into the cybersecurity field, Stephanie offers several key pieces of advice:

Get Involved: “Grades are important, but getting involved in clubs or volunteer work can set you apart. Employers want to see initiative and leadership skills,” she advises. “Having examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond is invaluable in interviews.”

Stand Out Academically: While adding a minor or taking additional online courses can help, Stephanie encourages students to focus on subjects they are passionate about. "If you're not interested in AI or data science, don’t force yourself into those areas just because they’re popular," she suggests.

Apply for Everything: “Don’t be afraid to apply for multiple internships,” Stephanie says. “Internships are often used as recruiting tools, and even shadowing someone for a day can help you make connections and get a feel for a company’s culture.”

Stay Ethical: "You represent more than yourself when you join a company or government agency," she warns. “Be mindful of your legal and ethical conduct, as it will be scrutinized during hiring processes.”

Listen to Advice, but Trust Yourself: Finally, Stephanie stresses the importance of following your own instincts when it comes to career decisions. "Everyone has advice, but remember, you’re the one living your journey," she says.

Conclusion

Looking back at her own journey, Stephanie wishes she had known earlier that she had the power to shape her own career path. “You have the ability to choose what you want to do, and it’s important to choose something that you enjoy,” she reflects. “That intrinsic motivation will keep you going through the ups and downs.”

For students just starting their careers, her message is clear: "You’re already on a path to making a difference. Keep going, and make sure to enjoy the ride."

As Stephanie continues to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, her passion for digital forensics and her commitment to teaching remain at the forefront of her career. And for those considering a future in cybersecurity, her advice rings true: “The possibilities are endless, and the field is only getting more exciting.”

Published November 21, 2024