Talented teenagers impress Congressman Gaetz at UWF
October 27, 2018
Teenagers with creative minds and a passion for STEM and cybersecurity showcased their talents for U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and a distinguished panel of judges on Oct. 27 on the University of West Florida campus.
Niceville High School students Sam Cota, Josh Delamater and Ethan Shelstad won the second annual Congressional App Challenge & STEM/Cybersecurity Expo with their “Vanguard Volunteering” app.
“I am so grateful that we were able to have folks come and share their ideas and thoughts and talents and that I was able to ask a lot of questions and learn what was going on in the minds of truly some of the most capable young people we have in our district,” Gaetz said.
Gaetz asked the contestants questions, but he left the judging in the hands of educators, industry executives and military personnel. Gaetz spoke afterward at the reception about the importance of cybersecurity from local to federal government.
“There isn’t anything we do in Washington that doesn’t require an element of security for the networks and systems and all of the communications,” he said.
Gaetz commended the University of West Florida for its nationally-designated cybersecurity program. Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, UWF Center for Cybersecurity director, presented at the awards ceremony. El-Sheikh said the Center for Cybersecurity emphasizes cybersecurity hygiene for the entire community.
“We’ve worked with our community to continue to build pathways to cybersecurity, starting with the K12 level,” El-Sheikh said. “… We’re thrilled to continue to work with our community to continue to advance and expand cybersecurity initiatives.
“We live in a community that is supportive and collaborative and growing to be the Cyber Coast. “From our strong military assets to our growing private sector to our government, we are working together to be the Cyber Coast.”
Dr. Richard P. Hallion, a consultant for Science and Technology Policy Institute, FloridaWest Communications Director Sena Maddison, Lt. Col. David Case, 96th Communications Squadron of Eglin Air Force Base, and UWF alumna Michelle Ward followed El-Sheikh as presenters.
In 2015, Ward founded Cyber Safe Workforce LLC. She shared her background with the students and encouraged them to seek real-world experience through internships and co-ops. She advised the students to jumpstart their futures by installing Terminix and learning Linux commands.
Industry reps from Northrop Grumman, Digital Software Solutions and Bevilacqua Research Corporation among others set up displays and interacted with students, parents and educators as part of the Expo. The Center for Cybersecurity Ambassadors occupied one of the booths and performed an audio steganography demo.
"Cybersecurity doesn't just start here," Cybersecurity Ambassador Carson Wilber said. "We need to pique the interest in these students now with demonstrations that capture their attention, show them what we can do and serve as role models for what you can accomplish with the right work and study ethic."
The Congressional App Challenge capped an active National Cybersecurity Awareness Month for the UWF Center for Cybersecurity team that included hosting or participating in three events.
