Jumping Into the Deep End of App Development
M.S., Computer Science, 2023
Zeeshan started as a Cloud Computing Intern at the CCI in June of 2018. At the time, he was a Computer Engineering major, but his work at the CCI, as well as fellow students he met there, helped him realize his interest in software development and management. He is now completing his senior year studying Computer Science and will join Cal Poly’s M.S. Computer Science this fall. When I asked him what his biggest accomplishment was at the CCI, he said his first project stuck out to him because he realized his passion for working with clients directly and managing a project.
This project was an app to help first responders collect digital evidence from devices such as laptops, cell phones, hard drives, and more. Zeeshan got to dive into use cases, technical cases, the needs of first responders, and existing privacy and compliance laws in relation to the technical needs of local law enforcement. To address the technical knowledge gap first responders face in collecting digital devices, Zeeshan collaborated with Amazon Web Services Digital Transformation Hub (DxHub) at Cal Poly to design an app that guides first responders through the proper data and device collection process. This way, first responders can seize the device, track the chain of custody, and make sure all data is collected with total legal compliance.
Being at the CCI taught Zeeshan about how to broaden his skillsets beyond software engineering. Through his work in interdisciplinary projects, he gained experience in business and policy skills, managing teams, and modern penetration testing techniques. His experiences at the CCI readied him for future roles at companies like Bugcrowd and Chevron. Most recently, he was a Cybersecurity and Privacy Engineering Intern at PwC.