UK ITS student workers: bridging education and real-world experience

University of Kentucky Information Technology Services (UK ITS) provides hands-on experience for many UK students. UK ITS student employees gain real life experience in the computer science, cybersecurity and information technology fields.

From analyzing data to cybersecurity assessments, these students provide valuable support for UK ITS.

Here are some of UK ITS’s newest student workers. 

My name is Sing Hieng (James) Wong. I came to the US from Malaysia in 2017. I'm a recent graduate from BCTC with an associate in science degree. This upcoming semester, I'll transfer to the University of Kentucky to major in computer science. I love problem-solving, coding, computer science and math. I work as a cybersecurity analyst assistant, which I find very rewarding. Badminton is my favorite sport, and I also enjoy playing video games, especially first-person shooters. 

Hi! I'm Ayah Abdeldayem. I am a current junior at the UK college of engineering, majoring in computer science. I am a student worker on the cybersecurity team at UK ITS!  Throughout this experience, I have helped with data configurations and displays through our data platform Splunk, as well as done a few outreach events locally, and even got to speak on the career panel at last year's CyberCon! I have grown a huge passion for cybersecurity within this job, as well as my summer internship at Lexmark as a SOC analyst on the cybersecurity team as well! Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending time with my family and doing outdoor activities.  

My name is Logan Andrews, I was born in Texas but have spent most of my life in Lexington. I am an upcoming sophomore majoring in computer science. I like movies, card games (mainly Pokémon and sometimes Magic), board games and video games (my game taste is everywhere). I have loved working as a cybersecurity analyst assistant and hope to get even more experience in cybersecurity. 

My name is Jacob Alteri, I am a computer science senior and an assistant cybersecurity analyst here at UK ITS. I have worked here for a year now, and my duties revolve around Splunk visualization, incident response and Microsoft Defender. In my free time I enjoy climbing, playing guitar and basketball. 

I am Knox Garland a fourth year computer science major at the University of Kentucky. During my time at UK, I have developed strong basics in programming and am practicing those skills and learning more in the cybersecurity department. My interests include all things in nature, live music and board games. 

Hello everyone! My name is Eva Schwiers, and I am a new student intern for the ITS CSE team. I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am going into my senior year at the University of Kentucky and am majoring in marketing and business management. I am also working towards an undergraduate certificate in sales. I am on the University of Kentucky dance team. I am passionate about dancing at football and basketball games and showing my UK spirit. When I am not at work or practice, I enjoy spending time with my friends and reading. Attending the University of Kentucky has been a dream come true, and I am so happy for the opportunity to work with ITS and be a part of this community! Go Cats!  

My name is Kaleigh Hunt, and I'm a senior at the University of Kentucky. I'm studying integrated strategic communications with a minor in writing, rhetoric and digital studies. I enjoy working with social media, ranging from curating fun and digestible content for Instagram posts and TikToks to occasionally writing short blurbs for blogs. I also love to read; my favorite books are "The Song of Achilles" and the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series.  

Hi! I'm Tamana Rahimi, a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in information communication technology. I'm thrilled to work as a marketing and promotion assistant with the UK ITS team. I'm multilingual, speaking Pashto, Dari, English, Turkish, Urdu, and Hindi, which helps me connect with people from all walks of life.

I've had the chance to work with amazing organizations like OSUN (Open Society University Network), AUCA (American University of Central Asia), IOM (International Organization for Migrants) and Tarjimly, where I've managed projects, mentored students and coordinated community programs. Outside of work and school, I love cooking and doing crafts. These hobbies let me unwind and bring a bit of creativity into everything I do.

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