Student connection: A Cyber Security Awareness Month panel event

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Join us for an engaging panel event where you’ll hear directly from students, the next generation of cyber security professionals. Students from the University of Toronto and McMaster University will share their hopes and fears as they step into the field of cyber security, offering a fresh perspective on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Discover how this generation views the evolving landscape of cyber security and what drives their passion. Learn about the exciting cyber security initiatives students are involved in and explore how educators and administrators can better support and nurture their enthusiasm for cyber security. 

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and be inspired by the future leaders of cyber security!

Session moderators:

Donna Kidwell, Acting Chief Information Officer, U of T 

Tracy Dallaire, Director Information Security Services and Client Services, McMaster University 

Meet your panelists:

William Khem Marquez
Computer Engineering, U of T, 2026 
President, U of T’s Capture the Flag club 

"Cybersecurity taps into my natural curiosity and excitement for solving problems. I enjoy looking for ways systems can be broken. The challenge of constantly outsmarting the system and discovering new vulnerabilities is thrilling. What makes cybersecurity even more fulfilling is that it allows me to channel this excitement ethically by contributing to the safety and security of the digital world. There's something incredibly rewarding about identifying weaknesses in a system and then using that knowledge to make it stronger."

Tyler Cong 
Computer Science, U of T, 2026 
Member of U of T’s Capture the Flag club 

"I enjoy solving problems and understanding how things work at a deeper level. Cybersecurity allows me to fully explore how computers work at a lower level while still remaining applied. Additionally, I really enjoy being challenged by new things and constantly learning. Since security is an ever-changing field, it gives me the opportunity to fully dive into my love for learning."

Tim Philip
Computer Engineering, McMaster University, 2026 

"I find the field of cyber security incredibly fascinating. The variety of tools one can use to gain unauthorized access to a company's IT infrastructure is scary. Staying ahead of these evolving threats is what fuels my motivation. Knowing that my work could prevent potential breaches and protect both the organization and its stakeholders is incredibly rewarding."

Zehra Naqvi
Communication, Culture, Information & Technology and Psychology, U of T, 2025

"I believe that cyber security plays a very significant role in today’s day and age where everyone is constantly using the internet. It is important that individuals and organizations know what is going on in the virtual world and are aware of the risks at large."

Dre Cura 
Mental Health Studies, U of T, 2025

"I like learning new things, solving problems, figuring out how things work, and breaking them!"