CYBER-DEFENCE FELLOWSHIPS: Janina Inauen

• How did you find out about the CYD Fellowships and what motivated you to apply?

I found out about the Fellowship program from an email sent by our study administrator.

At the time, I was starting to look for a master thesis topic, and as I was (and still am) very interested in cyber security, it sounded like the perfect opportunity. The fact that there were many projects already proposed made it even better, because I had no clue what I wanted to focus on in my thesis.

• What was your CYD Fellowship project about?

Mine might be a bit different from many other projects at the CYD campus, as it did not focus on the detailed technical aspects of cyber security. My project is titled “Prediction and Analysis of Crowdsourced Network Dynamics” and it examines the dynamics and people behind the OpenSky Network. For the first part, data analysis and prediction models are employed to investigate the network’s growth patterns, and for the latter a user survey was conducted to find out about the demographics and the motivations of OpenSky members.

• What were the advantages of conducting your master thesis project at the CYD Campus?

A big plus is having a great workspace, with comfy chairs and huge screens, where you can always go. It was also very helpful to work in close cooperation and have regular meetings with Martin (my CYD supervisor), which I was not used to from other university projects. It helped a lot to exchange ideas and discuss the direction the project was taking. It also served to keep myself accountable and not to procrastinate all too much. And, last but not least, the fact that I got the fellowship meant I could quit my part-time job at a café without worrying about my finances, which gave me much more time to focus on the project than I would have had otherwise.

• Did you as a child dream of working in cyber-defence?

I do not think I knew of cyber-defence when I was a child. To be honest, I only became aware of the topic towards the end of my bachelor’s (in International Affairs) and then really got into it when I started my master’s and simultaneously started work as a Research Assistant for a Researcher who focuses on cyber security – the more political aspects of it. the more political aspects of it. Through that work and some additional classes, I became fascinated with this modern challenges and hopefully will have the chance to go on working in this field after graduating.

• What is driving you to pursue research in cyber-defence?

I think the fact that cyber security/cyber-defence is a dynamic and constantly evolving field, which is increasingly shaping global security, politics, and society – that’s the reason I’m drawn to it. With my social science background, I’m particularly interested in these political and human factors, and the opportunity to work on such current, real-world challenges is very exciting.

• What is the most important lesson you have learned in your scientific career so far?

I haven’t really had a scientific career so far, but one general lesson I have learned during university might be to discuss challenges you’re facing with colleagues, friends, flatmates or whoever might have a different background or ideas. Just trying to explain a problem out loud to someone unfamiliar with your topics of interest can be immensely helpful and if you’re stuck, a fresh perspective can help you see things that you might not have considered before.

• What are you most proud of in your career to date?

I think I will be proud once I hand in my thesis and complete my degree.

• Outside the lab, what do you enjoy doing most?

I don’t really have a specific hobby, but I enjoy spending time with friends and family and being in the mountains, either hiking or snowboarding. I also enjoy just chilling at home and binge watch series sometimes.

• What were your expectations about the CYD Fellowships?

Honestly, I didn’t have specific expectations. My main hope - aside from completing my thesis - was to learn more about the work being done at the CYD campus and get to know its people, which, by now, I have had the chance to do.

• Could you share some tips with future applicants who are considering applying for the CYD Fellowships?

I’d say try it, even if you’re unsure! If you don’t have a topic already, check out the list of proposed projects and try get in touch with the researcher who proposed it, to discuss the project and learn about their expectations – projects can often be adapted to your specific skills. If you decide to work with the CYD campus, definitely do apply for the Fellowship. Even if you don’t get it, the work you need to do for the application is helpful for your thesis anyways, so you can’t lose.