Deema Ali Zaher
Boston University
4
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Knowledgeable Cybersecurity Practitioner with expertise in security awareness, cyber threat research, and digital safety education. Specializes in distilling complex cybersecurity concepts into actionable guidance and enhancing cyber resilience through education and awareness initiatives. Currently pursuing an M.S. in Criminal Justice with a focus on Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity.
Work History
Research Assistant (Part-Time)
4 Months- Support faculty-led research on decision-making, behavioral analysis, and evaluation processes, enhancing understanding of key research areas.
- Review and synthesize academic literature to identify trends and evidence-based insights.
- Contribute to research documentation, reporting, and presentation of findings.
- Contribute to documentation, reporting, and presentation of findings, facilitating clear communication of research outcomes.
- Apply analytical and critical-thinking skills to evaluate complex human and organizational behaviors, informing future research directions.
Cyber Security Researcher
4 Years- Conducted cybersecurity research on threat activity, attacker behavior, phishing campaigns, and emerging cyber risks to inform proactive defense strategies.
- Performed vulnerability and exposure assessments across web, network, and cloud environments using Nessus and Qualys.
- Investigated exposed services, security misconfigurations, and publicly available indicators to identify potential threat vectors.
- Validated findings and assessed severity based on impact and exploitability to support remediation prioritization.
- Contributed to ISO 27001-aligned reviews, security documentation, and risk assessment activities.
- Produced technical summaries, research findings, and remediation recommendations to effectively communicate complex security issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
Cybersecurity Educator & Program Support
3 Years 7 Months- Delivered 25+ cybersecurity awareness sessions on phishing, account compromise, malware, and social engineering risks, enhancing participant understanding of key threats.
- Developed accessible security materials for non-technical audiences.
- Supported digital safety outreach and curriculum development initiatives.
- Coordinated and delivered a cybersecurity fireside chat with a senior advisor from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), fostering community engagement in cybersecurity practices.
- Simplified cybersecurity principles to effectively communicate essential information, fostering improved digital safety awareness in diverse audiences.
- Facilitated collaborative learning environments that encouraged student participation and critical thinking.
Customer Support & Technical Assistance
1 Year 2 Months- Secured devices, accounts, and home networks for customers, enhancing overall safety.
- Guided customers on malware risks, account compromise, and device hardening to improve security posture.
- Communicated complex security concepts to diverse client audiences, facilitating better understanding.
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
- Concentrations in Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity
- Part-time, Online, Expected Graduation: 2027
- Term Dean's List, Spring 2026, 4.0 GPA
- Completed Coursework: Criminology and Crime Policy, Research & Evaluation Methods, White-Collar Crime
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management Information Systems
Skills
Threat detection and response
Threat intelligence analysis
Risk assessment and prioritization
Cloud computing expertise
Security Frameworks
Data Visualization
Stakeholder Engagement
Qualitative Research
Certification
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT)
- SANS GCIH CTF Challenge Coin Recipient
- Qualys Vulnerability Management Foundations
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer
- AI at Boston University
ACADEMIC RESEARCH
- Conducted graduate-level research on cybercrime, digital investigations, criminal decision-making, and emerging cybersecurity threats.
- Produced analytical reports, briefing papers, and research papers using academic and criminal justice research methodologies.
- Evaluated scholarly literature, government publications, and industry research to identify trends and evidence-based findings.
- Applied critical analysis, investigative thinking, and written communication skills to complex cybersecurity and criminal justice topics.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Toastmasters International
- Vice President Education
- Led member education programs, speech development, and meeting quality initiatives.
- Coached members on structured communication and executive-level presentation skills.
- Delivered speeches that incorporated cybersecurity themes, including phishing, social engineering, and digital safety scenarios.
- Strengthened leadership, facilitation, and technical communication abilities.
Timeline
Research Assistant (Part-Time)
Boston University
05.2026 - CurrentRead More
Customer Support & Technical Assistance
Best Buy Canada
11.2023 - 01.2025Read More
Cyber Security Researcher
Independent Research & Security Projects
05.2022 - 05.2026Read More
Cybersecurity Educator & Program Support
Necessities for Children
04.2022 - 11.2025Read More
Boston University
Master of Science from Criminal Justice
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University of Houston
Bachelor of Business Administration from Management Information Systems
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