Xander Levine

Empowering the Campus Community: Xander Levine’s Work at CCI

Journalism, 2026

What drew you to come work at the Cal Poly California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI)?

Xander was particularly intrigued by the opportunity to work at the CCI after his conversation with Dustin DeBrum, CCI Operations Director. As a journalism major, Xander recognized the importance of cybersecurity awareness and the CCI's role as an innovation hub on campus. He was eager to leverage his communication skills to help connect the campus community and the broader cybersecurity industry with the groundbreaking research and initiatives happening at the Institute. The prospect of being able to inform and educate people about the critical importance of cybersecurity in their daily lives was a key factor in Xander's decision to join the CCI team.

What were you involved in before joining the Cal Poly California Cybersecurity Institute, whether at Cal Poly or elsewhere?

Prior to joining the CCI, Xander had an extensive background in campus involvement and leadership. He had been serving for the past two years in a variety of roles within ASI Student Government, representing the student voice on multiple campus-wide committees, including the Campus Dining Advisory Committee, the Substance Abuse Advisory Committee, and the College of Liberal Arts Advisory Board. Additionally, Xander competed for the poly triathlon team and served as the chair of club sports, overseeing 32 club sport teams and managing a significant budget of approximately $85,000 in annual funding. This diverse experience in student government and athletics demonstrated Xander's passion for making an impact on his campus community.

What interests you about cybersecurity or technology?

Xander's interest in cybersecurity and technology stemmed from his valuable experience as a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. During his time in the nation's capital, he gained a deeper understanding of the importance of government and tech regulation, as well as the need for an informed society and citizenry. This experience reinforced Xander's belief that cybersecurity awareness is crucial, as the digital and physical worlds are increasingly intertwined. He recognized the importance of ensuring that people understand the impact of technology and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect their daily lives.

What part of your role at CCI are you most eager to dive into, and why?

As he joined the CCI, Xander was most eager to dive into the aspect of his role that focused on connecting more people with the work of the Institute. He recognized the significance of the CCI's research and initiatives, and he wanted to help raise awareness and engagement within the campus community and the broader cybersecurity industry. Xander was driven by the desire to effectively communicate the importance of cybersecurity to a wide audience, ensuring that everyone, from his own mother to industry professionals, could understand and appreciate the critical work being done at the CCI.

How does the Cal Poly California Cybersecurity Institute fit in your future career?

Xander believed that his role at the Cal Poly California Cybersecurity Institute would provide him with valuable real-world experience in communicating complex topics to a non-expert audience. This aligns with his future career goals, as he aims to effectively convey important information to the public. By learning how to translate technical cybersecurity concepts into accessible and engaging content, Xander saw this opportunity as a steppingstone towards his aspirations of becoming a skilled communicator and advocate for important societal issues.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work or school that you think helps you in cybersecurity?

Xander's enjoyment of spending time outdoors and in nature was not just a personal passion, but he also saw it as a way to better understand the interconnectedness of the digital and physical worlds. He felt that this connection gave him a deeper appreciation for the importance of technology and system safety. Xander believed that this unique perspective would be beneficial in his cybersecurity-related work, as he could draw parallels between the need for harmony in the natural world and the critical role of secure and reliable digital systems in our daily lives.

What are you excited to work on or learn about with the CCI coming up in the future?

As Xander embarked on his journey with the CCI, he was genuinely excited to learn more about the field of cybersecurity and to make a tangible impact on his campus community. He looked forward to the opportunity to inform and educate his fellow students about the significance of cybersecurity in their daily lives, helping to raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of the CCI's groundbreaking work. Xander's enthusiasm to dive into this new domain and contribute to the Institute's mission was a testament to his commitment to making a positive difference through his role.