Summary
I’m Zeinab Shariff, a Cybersecurity Engineering student with a strong interest in building secure, practical, and human-centered cyber solutions. I care deeply about making cybersecurity more approachable, especially for students and early-career professionals navigating the field.
At onAir, I serve as a Cyber Hub Curator, where I help curate content, support community engagement, and contribute to discussions that make cybersecurity easier to understand and more relevant to real-world problems. My focus is on fostering a space where people can learn, ask questions, and grow together in a field that can often feel overwhelming or inaccessible.
I’m really glad you’re here, and I hope this hub helps you learn something new and useful along the way:)
OnAir Post: Zeinab Jafar Shariff
About
I’m currently based in Northern Virginia and pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering at George Mason University, where I am also a member of the Honors College. Over time, I’ve developed a strong interest in how systems fail, how security vulnerabilities emerge, and how technical decisions impact real people.
My interest in cybersecurity goes beyond theory. Through coursework, labs, and projects, I’ve explored secure software engineering, cryptography, system security, hardware and cyber-physical systems, and digital forensics. I’m especially drawn to areas of cybersecurity that combine technical depth with communication, usability, and education.
Outside of academics, I’ve gained leadership and operational experience through managing a family-owned business and working in customer-facing roles, which has strengthened my communication skills, adaptability, and ability to work under pressure.
With professional experience in high-paced customer environments, I’ve developed excellent communication, multitasking, and analytical skills that translate into technical roles. I’m fluent in Arabic and English, thrive under pressure, and am driven by problem-solving challenges.
Currently seeking opportunities to grow in the cybersecurity field, especially in areas like system hardening, digital forensics, and network defense.
Education and Work
I am currently a Senior at George Mason University, majoring in Cybersecurity Engineering, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. I am also accepted into George Mason University’s Accelerated Master’s Program in Digital Forensics, reflecting my academic performance and interest in advanced cybersecurity study. I’ve consistently been recognized for academic achievement through honors scholarships and Dean’s List recognition
Projects and Applied Experience
- AI-Enhanced Incident & Tabletop Scenario Generator
George Mason University | Fall 2025 – Present
I am currently working on an AI-driven cybersecurity training tool developed in collaboration with Veritus Labs LLC. The project focuses on generating realistic cyber incident scenarios for tabletop exercises, supporting incident response training through structured threat modeling and scenario design.
My contributions include supporting scenario development, threat intelligence curation, documentation, and testing, while strengthening my understanding of Python, cybersecurity fundamentals, and AI-assisted tools
Formal Work Experience
- Cyber Hub Curator
Cybersecurity onAir Hub
As a Cyber Hub Curator, I contribute to content curation and community engagement, helping maintain an inclusive and informative platform for cybersecurity discussion and learning.
- Operations Manager
Family-Owned Restaurant | May 2025 – Present
I oversee operational, administrative, and compliance processes, manage vendors and staff, and handle day-to-day business decision-making, strengthening my leadership and organizational skills
- Prestige Beauty Advisor
Ulta Beauty, Inc. | January 2021 – Present
I work directly with clients to provide personalized service, collaborate with team members, and maintain inventory, building strong communication and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced environment
Listed Skills
- Adaptability
- Analytical Skills
- Communication (verbal and written)
- Critical Thinking
- Customer Service
- Fluent in Arabic and English
- Mathematics
- Microsoft Office
- Multitasking
- Operating Systems (Windows 10, Linux, iOS)
- Problem Solving
- Programming (Python, C)
- Research & Analysis
- Team Collaboration
- Technical Documentation
- Technical Troubleshooting
- VMWare/VirtualBox
