Hello, my name is Hajar Nourozi. I was born and raised in Iran, the daughter of an academic and political activist. My father was executed by the Khomeini regime when I was eleven years old, despite all of the challenges my family and I faced, I completed my university education in Iran and earned my undergraduate degree in computer software engineering.
Shortly thereafter, I immigrated to the United States of America (USA) with my husband. It was not easy entering the USA without a support group in place, and before I was able to comprehend the differences of this new culture and community, I was expecting my daughter. I was new to motherhood and new to America.
Earning my graduate degree was always my dream. After a few years of experience in the workplace, I started to research graduate programs. I first heard about the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) in my research on the best cybersecurity masters degree programs in the area. Through my online research and gathering intel from my peers, I found out that UMBC offered a M.P.S. in Cybersecurity at USG. It was the most renowned and established program of all my options.
As a result of all the wonderful things I heard about USG, I decided to attend an open house. When I stepped onto the campus I knew I had found the school for me, the environment was exceptionally warm and welcoming. Whenever I mentioned that I was looking into UMBC’s Cybersecurity program, people’s eyes widened and they immediately encouraged me to pursue my educational career at USG.
So I applied to UMBC and was accepted. On my application I selected the option to take my classes on the Shady Grove campus. Now I am the President of the Cybersecurity Association. This Association informs the community on the latest in cybersecurity through blogs, speakers, and other communication channels. I enjoy working with my fellow students to raise awareness about cybersecurity.
I also recently earned my Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certificate and I will become an Auditor. In the near future, I would like to open my own cybersecurity consulting company and one day obtain my Ph.D in Data Security.