Laura Pugh B.A. Mathematics & Computer Science, Hood College Research Analyst, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory’s (JHU/APL) Computer Security Research Group

During my undergraduate career, I interned with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory’s (JHU/APL) Computer Security Research Group. This internship led to my full-time position at JHU/APL. I am also pursuing a Masters degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics at the Johns Hopkins University.   JHU/APL is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to solving critical national problems. At JHU/APL, I model, simulate, and analyze aspects of computer networks in order to enhance our understanding of the impact of computer network attacks. This work is leading to a new understanding of the parameters that drive security performance. I have applied many concepts that I learned in my education such as Markov processes, computer programming, and graph theory. However, my education also prepared me to learn new concepts such as computer vulnerabilities and statistical testing methods which are critical to my job. My colleagues with mathematical backgrounds work on an assortment of other projects including software development, aviation, and transportation safety.   I love my job because it combines mathematics and computer science for the purpose of solving information security problems that really make a difference in our country.