
Alok Ishwar
MEDIA, Pa. — Alok Ishwar, a fourth-year cybersecurity analytics and operations major, reflects on his Brandywine experience thus far and discusses how his coursework and professional experiences have helped him succeed.
“The main reason I chose to attend Penn State Brandywine was its proximity to home, allowing me to stay near my family while pursuing my degree,” Ishwar said. “Additionally, the cybersecurity program resonated with my career interests, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to enroll here.”
Ishwar chose to major in cybersecurity due to his lifelong fascination with technology. Upon graduating from Penn State in May, he hopes to become a cloud security architect.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and security, especially with how we protect sensitive information in an increasingly digital world,” he said.
“Cybersecurity stood out as a field where I could make a meaningful impact. In the future, I plan to use my degree to become a cloud security architect, ensuring that cloud-based systems are secure from evolving threats.”
Ishwar is currently involved in the Schreyer Honors College and is working on his thesis, which focuses on government access to cloud storage data. He chose to focus on this topic because it’s something he’s very passionate about and it’s very relevant in today’s society.
“I chose this subject because of its relevance to privacy, data security and global regulations—critical issues in the cybersecurity field. This aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a cloud security architect, as it involves developing solutions to safeguard sensitive information stored in the cloud,” he said.
Through his thesis, Ishwar hopes to create a framework that helps organizations navigate the complexities of cloud data security, particularly concerning government oversight. He also wants to use the research to enhance his expertise and contribute meaningful insights to the cloud security field.
In addition to his involvement with Schreyer, Ishwar is involved with the National Society of Leadership and Success, interned at Lockheed Martin, and is currently conducting research on cloud data security. He noted that his time as an intern at Lockheed Martin and his research have benefited him greatly, as he was able to get hands-on experience in his desired field.
“At Lockheed Martin, I gained hands-on experience working on many systems. This role allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing my technical skills and understanding of secure systems development,” he said.
“Additionally, I am currently conducting research on cloud data security, focusing on government access to cloud storage data and related legal and technical considerations. This research has further honed my analytical skills and deepened my expertise in a field critical to my long-term career goals.”
Whether it’s managing tough assignments, juggling different responsibilities, or learning new skills in my cybersecurity courses, I’ve realized that being flexible and willing to learn makes all the difference.—Alok Ishwar , fourth-year student, Penn State Brandywine
Ishwar stated the most valuable lesson he’s learned during his time at Brandywine is how important it is to adapt.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned at Brandywine is how important it is to stay adaptable,” he said. “Whether it’s managing tough assignments, juggling different responsibilities, or learning new skills in my cybersecurity courses, I’ve realized that being flexible and willing to learn makes all the difference. It’s taught me how to tackle challenges head-on and be ready for anything, especially in a field that’s always evolving like cybersecurity.”