Q&A: SC State cybersecurity student wants to make the internet more secure as forensics expert
South Carolina State University student Tellajah Chalk says it’s all about internet security.
The 21-year-old cybersecurity major is one of four SC State students who attended a recent national artificial intelligence conference at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
University Relations asked Clark to answer a few questions about her experience at the conference and her education at SC State.
Q: What are your goals for using your degree?
Chalk: I want to use my Computer Science and Cyber Security degree to do more than achieve personal success. I have a main goal: to encourage more young women to join the tech industry. I want to break down barriers and make the field more diverse. I also want to address the gender pay gap and make sure women have the same opportunities as men in tech.
Specifically, I want to be a Computer Forensics professional. I want to use my skills to contribute to making the Internet more secure. I hope to work for a company where I can help improve security and protect important digital information. I also want to be involved in programs that empower women in tech. I hope to inspire more women to pursue careers in technology. Overall, I'm driven by a passion for fairness, security, and making a positive impact on the tech world.
Q: How did the Harvard/MIT conference contribute to your professional development?
Chalk: This experience, being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, has not only boosted my confidence but has also provided me with unique insights and skills that will shape my future endeavors.
Coming from an HBCU, stepping into a room with students my age who might have had more opportunities initially was a powerful experience. It highlighted the importance of diversity and the impact that individuals from historically black colleges and universities can bring to the table. As an HBCU attendee, I felt a sense of pride in representing diversity and fostering positive change in academic spaces like Harvard.
This achievement has expanded my horizons, allowing me to connect with a broader network of peers and professionals. The exposure to a different academic environment has sharpened my adaptability and enriched my perspective. Overall, attending Harvard has been not only a privilege and honor for me but also an opportunity for mutual growth and exchange of ideas.
Q: Why did you choose your major?
Chalk: I chose to study computer science and cybersecurity in college, which was a surprising but important decision for me. Originally, I wanted to be a dietician, but I ended up discovering the vast world of technology even though I didn't know much about computer science or cybersecurity. This new interest led me to explore the field further, and I realized how much it shapes our world today. Seeing how STEM disciplines like computer science contribute to innovation and progress was fascinating. I understood that technology is a powerful and everlasting tool. The excitement of the constantly changing field and the endless possibilities in Computer Science and cyber security convinced me that it's crucial to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital world. This recognition, combined with the understanding that technology plays a big role in our daily lives, inspired me to choose a major that not only fits the future but also allows me to contribute to the ongoing development of our connected world.
Q: Tell us about your campus involvement at SC.
Chalk: I'm very active on campus, taking on important roles to make our SC State University community more lively. I'm in charge of planning exciting events and bringing students together as the Chief of Staff for the Campus Activities Board. Also, I'm part of DOLLS (Dedicated Outstanding Ladies Living Strong), where young women support and uplift each other.
In the tech world, I lead the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), connecting with fellow students who love computing. This role lets me create a friendly environment and encourage the growth of tech enthusiasts. Plus, I'm part of the Bulldogs Leadership Program, showing how committed I am to growing both personally and professionally. This program gives me useful skills and insights that will help me in the future.
Q: Please share a personal story that has helped shape your life.
Chalk: In the journey of my life, I am my mother's rainbow baby, a symbol of hope after a storm. Born as a special needs child, the odds were stacked against me, with predictions that I might never walk or talk. It was a challenging start, filled with uncertainty and obstacles. However, against all expectations, I defied those early predictions.
Slowly but surely, I conquered each milestone that was initially deemed unattainable. Learning to walk and talk became significant victories, marking milestones that shaped the trajectory of my life. These seemingly ordinary accomplishments held extraordinary significance, turning the narrative of limitations into one of resilience and triumph.
Now, as I navigate through life, I am living a story that was once considered improbable. This journey has instilled in me a profound gratitude for every step I take and every word I speak. It's a testament to the strength within, the support of my loved ones, and the belief that even in the face of adversity, a rainbow can emerge, painting the sky with the colors of possibility and resilience.
Q. Who in your life or education has shaped your worldview and how?
Chalk: Several important people have shaped how I see the world. My mentor, Kristen Jackson, and my Uncle Keith Mobley Sr. have been like guides, helping me through my education. Kristen's and Keith's advice didn't just help me do well in school, but it also made me more determined and stronger.
My mom is also a big influence. She always supported me and taught me important things like hard work and not giving up. These values guide me in my life.
My church family has also played a big part. They teach about having faith in God, and it has helped me grow personally and in my studies. They showed me that with faith, I can overcome anything.
All these people, my mentors, and my family, have not only helped me in life but also made a place where I could do well in school. Their influence, along with the good values they taught me, has been crucial in achieving what I have and keeps guiding me in my personal and professional journey.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – How does a passion for fairness fit into a computer science degree?
South Carolina State University student Tellajah Chalk says it’s all about internet security.
The 21-year-old cybersecurity major is one of four SC State students who attended a recent national artificial intelligence conference at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
University Relations asked Clark to answer a few questions about her experience at the conference and her education at SC State.
Q: What are your goals for using your degree?
Chalk: I want to use my Computer Science and Cyber Security degree to do more than achieve personal success. I have a main goal: to encourage more young women to join the tech industry. I want to break down barriers and make the field more diverse. I also want to address the gender pay gap and make sure women have the same opportunities as men in tech.
Specifically, I want to be a Computer Forensics professional. I want to use my skills to contribute to making the Internet more secure. I hope to work for a company where I can help improve security and protect important digital information. I also want to be involved in programs that empower women in tech. I hope to inspire more women to pursue careers in technology. Overall, I'm driven by a passion for fairness, security, and making a positive impact on the tech world.
Q: How did the Harvard/MIT conference contribute to your professional development?
Chalk: This experience, being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, has not only boosted my confidence but has also provided me with unique insights and skills that will shape my future endeavors.
Coming from an HBCU, stepping into a room with students my age who might have had more opportunities initially was a powerful experience. It highlighted the importance of diversity and the impact that individuals from historically black colleges and universities can bring to the table. As an HBCU attendee, I felt a sense of pride in representing diversity and fostering positive change in academic spaces like Harvard.
This achievement has expanded my horizons, allowing me to connect with a broader network of peers and professionals. The exposure to a different academic environment has sharpened my adaptability and enriched my perspective. Overall, attending Harvard has been not only a privilege and honor for me but also an opportunity for mutual growth and exchange of ideas.
Q: Why did you choose your major?
Chalk: I chose to study computer science and cybersecurity in college, which was a surprising but important decision for me. Originally, I wanted to be a dietician, but I ended up discovering the vast world of technology even though I didn't know much about computer science or cybersecurity. This new interest led me to explore the field further, and I realized how much it shapes our world today. Seeing how STEM disciplines like computer science contribute to innovation and progress was fascinating. I understood that technology is a powerful and everlasting tool. The excitement of the constantly changing field and the endless possibilities in Computer Science and cyber security convinced me that it's crucial to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital world. This recognition, combined with the understanding that technology plays a big role in our daily lives, inspired me to choose a major that not only fits the future but also allows me to contribute to the ongoing development of our connected world.
Q: Tell us about your campus involvement at SC.
Chalk: I'm very active on campus, taking on important roles to make our SC State University community more lively. I'm in charge of planning exciting events and bringing students together as the Chief of Staff for the Campus Activities Board. Also, I'm part of DOLLS (Dedicated Outstanding Ladies Living Strong), where young women support and uplift each other.
In the tech world, I lead the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), connecting with fellow students who love computing. This role lets me create a friendly environment and encourage the growth of tech enthusiasts. Plus, I'm part of the Bulldogs Leadership Program, showing how committed I am to growing both personally and professionally. This program gives me useful skills and insights that will help me in the future.
Q: Please share a personal story that has helped shape your life.
Chalk: In the journey of my life, I am my mother's rainbow baby, a symbol of hope after a storm. Born as a special needs child, the odds were stacked against me, with predictions that I might never walk or talk. It was a challenging start, filled with uncertainty and obstacles. However, against all expectations, I defied those early predictions.
Slowly but surely, I conquered each milestone that was initially deemed unattainable. Learning to walk and talk became significant victories, marking milestones that shaped the trajectory of my life. These seemingly ordinary accomplishments held extraordinary significance, turning the narrative of limitations into one of resilience and triumph.
Now, as I navigate through life, I am living a story that was once considered improbable. This journey has instilled in me a profound gratitude for every step I take and every word I speak. It's a testament to the strength within, the support of my loved ones, and the belief that even in the face of adversity, a rainbow can emerge, painting the sky with the colors of possibility and resilience.
Q. Who in your life or education has shaped your worldview and how?
Chalk: Several important people have shaped how I see the world. My mentor, Kristen Jackson, and my Uncle Keith Mobley Sr. have been like guides, helping me through my education. Kristen's and Keith's advice didn't just help me do well in school, but it also made me more determined and stronger.
My mom is also a big influence. She always supported me and taught me important things like hard work and not giving up. These values guide me in my life.
My church family has also played a big part. They teach about having faith in God, and it has helped me grow personally and in my studies. They showed me that with faith, I can overcome anything.
All these people, my mentors, and my family, have not only helped me in life but also made a place where I could do well in school. Their influence, along with the good values they taught me, has been crucial in achieving what I have and keeps guiding me in my personal and professional journey.
About South Carolina State University
Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.