Cybersecurity Student Blazes Trail at Penn state Schuylkill
Schuylkill Haven, Pa.— In an era defined by digital threats, cybersecurity stands as a critical and constantly evolving field. At Penn State Schuylkill,Kyle Kaminski is not only embracing this challenge but actively shaping his future within it. The senior, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity analytics and operations, has augmented his expertise by adding criminal justice as a second major, a decision influenced by both a friend and his father’s career as a police officer.
From Community College to Campus Leader
Kaminski’s journey to Penn State Schuylkill began unconventionally. Originally enrolled at a community college in New Jersey, a visit to his high school friend, Andrew Sepp, who played basketball at Schuylkill, proved pivotal. He found himself drawn to the campus’s close-knit environment and strong academic programs.
It became an easy choice to me, with all thes different factors, that I would undoubtedly call Penn State Schuylkill my next home.
Revitalizing Student Life
Kaminski’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Recognizing a need for greater student engagement,he spearheaded the revival of several key organizations:
- Criminal Justice Club: as president,Kaminski revitalized the club,organizing trips to Fort Indiantown Gap for training with the Army national Guard and tours of the Eastern State Penitentiary. Future plans include engaging with law enforcement agencies, such as a visit to the Pennsylvania State Police Headquarters in Harrisburg.
- Winter Sports Club: Kaminski founded the club and secured discounted access to Blue Mountain Ski Resort for students.
- Intramural Sports: He relaunched intramural sports, founding the Pickleball Club and planning activities like kickball, glow-in-the-dark dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, and basketball.
Academic Pursuits and Research
Balancing extracurriculars with academics, Kaminski works as a peer tutor and academic coach, serves as treasurer of the Penn State Schuylkill Cybersecurity Club, and is a member of the Student Government Association, the Blue and White Society, and Chi Alpha Sigma, the National college Athlete Honor Society.
These jobs have allowed me to not only make money while at college but also to be able to interact with our student body. These two jobs have allowed me to make different connections and become more professional in a college setting.
He is also involved in academic research with Joseph Squillace, assistant teaching professor of cybersecurity. Their project, Exploring the Integration of AI in Global Law Enforcement,
examines the implementation of artificial intelligence in law enforcement agencies across the United States, Germany, Turkey, and Portugal. Kaminski will present this research in Denver, Colorado, this spring.
Real-World Experience Through Internships
Kaminski’s career growth includes internships at the Clifton Police Department and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office in New Jersey. At the Clifton Police Department, he worked in the Community Policing division and Detective Bureau, helping him determine his niche in criminal justice. His internship at the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office provided insight into law enforcement technology.
These officers all had different experiences with technology and guided me through my internship,teaching me different things and how I can use my cybersecurity degree.
Seizing Opportunities
Kaminski emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities. His time at Penn state Schuylkill has allowed him to explore diverse experiences, benefiting both his personal and professional growth and the campus community.
You only get one life,and you get no redo,so it is best to make the most of it the first time around.
Interview Highlights
Insights from Kyle Kaminski on his experiences at Penn State Schuylkill:
Faculty and staff Support
There are so many different faculty and staff members that have helped me throughout my years on campus that it would be hard to name them all, and I would feel awful if I missed anyone. I would like to thank those who helped me, and you no who you are. I will not forget those who helped me, whether our interactions were small or large.
Favorite Memory
My favorite Penn State Schuylkill memories have involved traveling out of the county.I have studied criminal justice in London with Dr. Can; participated in service trips in Portugal and with Bryan Valentine, with another planned in Australia; and I have visited Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic with Dr. Squillace to study cybersecurity. Before coming to Penn State Schuylkill, I had never even been on a plane. These trips have allowed me to explore and become more independant. I have been able to learn about diverse cultures and meet different people. I am still in contact with some of the people I have met on these trips who live in other countries. Being able to go to these other countries with my friends are opportunities that I will never be able to get again once I am out of college.
What He’ll Miss Most
The thing I will miss the most about our campus is all the different people. Living in New Jersey, I am not close to our campus. It is known that a majority of our campus is made up of local students. I have made more friends and connections out here than I can even count. I go to sporting events and concerts, on vacations and to other various activities with the people that I am close with outside here. this is something that I will cherish and although distance may be inconvenient, I will not let it take away these memories from me. I will continue to have a bond with everyone and take advantage of these opportunities.
Advice for Incoming Students
The advice I would give to an incoming student is that they truly mean it when they say you’re not just a number here. You are part of a tight-knit community and family. You will be granted different opportunities that you will not get at another college. Obviously, academics come first; though, you must make the best of your time here. Don’t sit around and wait for opportunities to come and find you. If there are things you want to do on this campus,there are people here to help you achieve those goals. Be a leader and leave a lasting impact and a legacy on campus, just as I’ve tried to do.
