Hi, I'm Aabha!
I'm in my second year of a Master of Cyber Security with specialisation in Criminology. I caught up with the Women in Computing community to share advice for new cyber security students on navigating the program successfully.
What (or who) sparked your interest in your degree, and how did you know it was the right path for you?
My interest in cyber security and criminology was sparked by a deep curiosity about how technology can both empower and endanger people. During my Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science, I became fascinated by cases where digital systems were misused, and I realised I wanted to be part of building safer, fairer online spaces. Choosing UQ for my Master of Cyber Security with specialisation in Criminology confirmed this path — combining my love for technology with my passion for justice and digital safety.
What makes studying at UQ exciting for someone interested in technology and innovation?
UQ offers a unique ecosystem where technical skills and real-world impact meet. For me, the excitement lies in applying cutting-edge cyber security knowledge to practical challenges, from digital forensics to online safety. UQ’s strong support networks, such as Women in Computing, make it even more inspiring by showing how diverse voices and ideas can shape the future of technology and innovation.
What’s one thing you’ve discovered about your degree that surprised you or exceeded your expectations?
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how interdisciplinary cyber security is. It’s not just about coding or networks — it’s about people, behaviour, law, and ethics. This degree has shown me how technology and criminology intersect, and how understanding human vulnerabilities is just as important as designing technical solutions.
What’s a project or achievement from your studies that you’re most proud of, and why?
The project I am most proud of is my current research on “Why is it difficult to prosecute online child grooming cases when using non-verbal cues?” This work is meaningful to me because it goes beyond technical theory and addresses a real-world justice challenge. Online grooming often relies on subtle behaviours — such as emojis, images, or tone — that are difficult to interpret as evidence in court. By exploring how criminology and cyber security intersect in these cases, I hope to contribute to improving digital safety frameworks and victim protection. It’s a project that reminds me that technology should not only innovate but also safeguard vulnerable communities.
Have you had the chance to work on real-world challenges, like internships, hackathons, or research projects? What’s been the highlight?
Yes, I’ve had several opportunities. During my time as a System Engineer at Oracle Cerner, I resolved over 500 IT tickets for international healthcare clients, which taught me the importance of secure and ethical data handling in critical industries. More recently, mentoring first-year UQ students on digital literacy has been a highlight — because it combined technical problem-solving with real human impact.
What’s your dream job in the tech world, and how has your degree helped you work towards it?
My dream job is to work in cyber security and policy, focusing on digital crime prevention and victim protection. I want to help bridge the gap between technology and justice systems. UQ’s program has prepared me by giving me both the technical foundation in cyber security and the criminological lens to understand how technology impacts people and society.
Are you a member of any student societies or participate in extracurricular activities? Tell us a bit about it.
I’ve been involved in several extracurricular activities that connect technology with community. At UQ, I’ve volunteered at events such as the Alumni Book Fair and Cultural Diversity Day, which gave me opportunities to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and promote inclusivity. I also mentored first-year students through the GET SET & YAP program, focusing on digital literacy and smooth academic transitions. Alongside this, I contributed to Women in Computing events, where I occasionally helped facilitate workshops. These experiences have shown me the importance of building supportive networks and using technology as a tool for connection and empowerment.
What advice would you give a high school student who loves tech but isn’t sure if Computer Science or IT is the right fit?
I’d say — don’t be afraid to explore. Tech isn’t just about coding; it’s about solving problems, helping people, and shaping the world we live in. Try out different areas, whether it’s design, data, cyber security , or robotics, and see what excites you most. Most importantly, remember that your unique perspective is valuable — technology needs diverse voices to create meaningful change.
