Paula Ticona

GPA 3.54 / 4.0 · Dean's List Fall/Spring 2022 to 2023 · Lynn Merit Scholarship. Transferred to FAU to pursue CS with a Cybersecurity minor.

• Developed an AI-powered chatbot that let developers and auditors self-serve applicable security architecture requirements, standards, and compliance policies for ThinkPad products, reducing the need to consult security architects directly
• Supported the migration and organization of product security standards, improving documentation consistency across engineering teams
• Participated in secure code review meetings and completed Linux security training to build knowledge of secure development practices and product security workflows
• Participated in third-party supplier onboarding meetings and ISO audit questions, gaining exposure to vendor security assessments and compliance processes

• Built a multi-module employee onboarding portal on Google Sites with security awareness training modules covering phishing and vishing scenarios
• Developed an Apps Script web app with a no-code admin interface so non-technical managers can update content without touching code
• Managed a GitHub repository with multiple branches to version control the onboarding dashboard
• Handled professional communications and coordinated with leadership on portal rollout

• Guided travelers through biometric enrollment and TSA verification at FLL
• Managed checkpoint flow and escalated technical issues to staff

• Oversaw checkpoint operations at Kaseya Center managing crowd flow for thousands of fans per event
• Assisted AGM/AOM with daily ops, incident response, and ambassador onboarding
• Co-developed ambassador training manual with NPS customer service standards

• Built an AI-powered Slack bot integrating news APIs and LLMs to auto-summarize cybersecurity and privacy news for the GRC team, reducing manual monitoring by 30%
• Updated NIST 800-53B control documentation to improve compliance tracking and audit readiness
• Conducted malware analysis using Joe Sandbox, reporting findings within the GRC framework
• Designed AI workflows connecting Confluence with automated security summaries during an internal hackathon

• Guided 25+ students through a 10-week CTF-style lab course covering cryptography, Linux, password cracking, malware detection, steganography, social engineering
• Trained students on CyberChef, John the Ripper, VirusTotal CLI, Shodan, and the Social-Engineer Toolkit
• Led ethical hacking discussions and facilitated lab troubleshooting across breakout groups

• Assisted with constituent services, drafting responses to letters and emails
• Conducted legislative research and prepared briefing notes for staff
• Supported event coordination and administrative office operations

• Led events and partnered with industry speakers to empower Latina women in STEM
• Organized mentorship programs, networking events, and professional development spaces

• Helped launch FAU's newest chapter of INIT, a nonprofit that helps students break into tech careers
• Tabled and promoted the new club across campus to build initial membership and awareness