'Conducting research here has been a transformative experience'

Meet Dr Ildiko Pete, a postdoc in our Cambridge Cybercrime Centre where she works at the intersection of machine learning and cybersecurity.

Tell us about your work?
The Cambridge Cybercrime Centre is a multi-disciplinary initiative combining expertise from this Department and the University's, Institute of Criminology and Faculty of Law. As part of my work, and in collaboration with social scientists, I analyse underground forum data, aiming to better understand networks formed on these forums.

Why are you interested in this?
Not a single day can pass by without considering cybersecurity and privacy-related questions in everyday scenarios - for example simply by being a user on any platform. While a basic knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals is essential for everyone, I highly value the opportunity to be exposed to state-of-the-art research in the field and to explore problems in the area, which pose many interesting questions.

Some of these questions are specific to computer science, while there is plenty of work that lends itself to an interdisciplinary approach - which is exactly what I have the chance to do in my current position.  

What led you to this field of research?
I first became involved in cybersecurity through another position, where I applied machine learning techniques to detect network attacks. I applied for my current postdoc position because I was interested in pursuing this work in an academic setting, which provides more space to explore the different aspects of this problem and other related problems within cybersecurity.

My current work not only fulfils this wish, but I’ve also had a chance to apply techniques from the field of network science, which studies networks that are present in every aspect of life, such as the interconnected devices that make up the internet, or individual actors forming communities at different levels and eventually society as a whole. It is an area I’ve been fascinated by since my PhD.  

What do you see yourself doing in future?
I’ve been lucky to gain experience both in academia and industry, which has provided valuable insights to how both work. In my experience academic work provides growth opportunities equally at the personal and professional level. Personally, I believe conducting research is the most worthwhile activity I can spend my time on, in an environment with like-minded people.

Having had the chance to conduct research has been a transformative experience, shaping who I am, allowing me to cultivate critical thinking and developing interests in new areas. Professionally, I highly value contributing to knowledge and furthering a field. 

How does being affiliated to a college help you?
While working in an interdisciplinary team has provided me exposure to different research ideas and versatile activities during my time as a research associate, I decided to apply for college affiliation at Lucy Cavendish College because of my wish to belong to a community of fellow researchers and academics, and to further shape my research ideas and interests through discussions that take place within the supportive environment of the College. I particularly value the focus the College places on tackling 21st century issues. I also believe that events and participating in the everyday life of the College offer excellent opportunities to develop collaborations.

• This story first appeared on the Lucy Cavendish College website. We are grateful to them for allowing us to reproduce it here.