For years, Elizabeth DuPeza was a server at Disney World. The job paid well, but she was looking for something more.
Through Wilmington University’s partnership with Disney and Guild Education, she enrolled in the Computer and Network Security (CNS) program at WilmU. Her coursework included SEC465, Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things, taught by Dr. Mark J. Hufe, Director, Cyber Security Education.
“Lizz was not afraid to step out of her comfort zone. She signed up for SEC465 as an elective. This is a course in which students take responsibility for their own learning. They pick a project and set about seeing if they can get it to work, with no guarantee of the outcome,” Dr. Hufe says. “Not only did Lizz step up to take on this challenge with little to no electrical background; she also stepped up to compete in the National Cyber League (NCL) cybersecurity competition.”
Midway through the class, DuPeza was furloughed from her job at Disney due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She was able to continue her studies and complete her degree, and was hired at WilmU to teach SEC 480, Experiential Learning in Cybersecurity, which is based on the NCL competition season. She is now part of Disney’s Global Cybersecurity group.
Dr. Hufe says DuPeza is a shining example of an individual who thrives by working hard to overcome obstacles.
“Lizz is undaunted, determined, and she perseveres,” he says.