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Ashley Kang
Software Security Engineer - MS CS '22 - RTC Fellow
Professional Background
Ashley Kang, MS, is a passionate and innovative security engineer who is making significant strides in the fields of security usability and web accessibility. Currently, she is actively engaged in security usability projects during the winter season, and she has plans to participate in red teaming initiatives over the summer. With an impressive academic background and professional experience, Ashley stands out as a dedicated advocate for making technology more user-friendly and secure for diverse audiences.
Along with her engineering expertise, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge as a contributor to the open-source JavaScript library, p5.js, which is widely known for empowering users to create graphics and interactive content, all while focusing on accessibility. Her work is not only innovative but also reflects her commitment to inclusivity in technology, ensuring that security solutions are designed with the end user's experience in mind.
Education and Achievements
Ashley earned her Master of Science in Computer Science in 2022, with a specialized focus on cybersecurity, equipping her with the critical knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges of today's digital landscape. Her academic journey didn't start with traditional coursework; in a remarkable display of intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinarity, Ashley designed her own major that integrated studio art, media studies, and computer science. This unique foundation has provided her with a diverse perspective that she continues to apply in her professional work.
In addition to her studies, Ashley has proven herself to be an active and engaged member of her professional community. She is notably a member of Color Coded, an organization committed to building a network of technologists of color. Furthermore, she serves as a co-leader of the NYU Gallatin Alumni Working Group in Technology, where she connects and empowers fellow alumni while fostering discussions about technology's impact on society. Her involvement in these groups indicates her dedication to mentoring and supporting others in the tech industry.
Achievements
Ashley has made considerable contributions to the domain of cybersecurity, with an emphasis on enhancing security usability and promoting accessibility across digital platforms. Her hands-on experience in red teaming allows her to view security from a multifaceted angle, evaluating systems from the perspective of potential attackers to ensure robust protective measures are in place. Her projects reflect her belief that security should not only be effective but also remember and address user needs, which is critical in fostering trust in technology.
Through her engagement with p5.js and her collaborative work within various tech communities, Ashley is paving the way for a more inclusive tech environment. Her interdisciplinary background serves as an asset as she merges art and technology to create solutions that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. With an eye toward future advancements, Ashley continues to explore the intersection of security, usability, and the visual experience, striving to build a safer and more inclusive web for everyone.
