SPS Stories
Alumni Spotlight
Melanie Stavenow’s Cybersecurity Career Takes Off
Fast Facts
- Originally from Sweden, Melanie Stavenow is NCFTA's first international employee
- As a student, she was part of the Cyber Policy Professional Society and participated in the U.S. Army War College International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise
- In her free time, Stavenow enjoys exploring New York City, finding restaurants with live music, and reading at cozy coffee shops
<p><span class="p-body">In the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/masters-degrees/ms-in-global-security--conflict--and-cybercrime.html">MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime</a> program at NYU SPS, students have the opportunity to learn about cybercrime through a social sciences lens. This is especially exciting for students like Melanie Stavenow, who came to the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/center-for-global-affairs.html">Center for Global Affairs (CGA)</a> with a background in political science. Now that she has graduated from the program, we were thrilled to speak with her about her experience as a student, her advice for incoming students, and where she is now.</span></p>
From Uppsala to NYC
<p><span class="p-body">Stavenow is from the historic city of Uppsala, Sweden. Growing up in a city known for its prestigious university, Stavenow was exposed to a rich cultural and educational environment. Her parents encouraged travel, sparking a lifelong curiosity about different cultures and global affairs. This curiosity led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Uppsala University, with minors in Arabic and Modern Philosophy and World Views.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Stavenow was drawn to the MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime program because it combined STEM education with global affairs, perfectly aligning with her interests. The program offered a rare opportunity to study cyber threats from a global perspective. The cultural diversity and opportunities in New York City were additional incentives.</span></p>
For me, studying cyber at NYU was an opportunity to get the best of both worlds. I admire how NYU has become such an integrated part of the community around Washington Square Park, and that was something I knew I wanted to be a part of. It is, at the same time, an outward-looking school with a global footprint.“
<p><span class="p-body">As an international student at NYU, Stavenow made the most of her time by engaging in various activities. She joined the Cyber Policy Professional Society, participated in the US Army War College International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise, and explored virtual reality at the<a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/metaverse/boot-camp/agenda.html"> NYU SPS Metaverse and Blockchain Foundations Bootcamp</a>. These experiences enriched her academic and personal life, helping her build a strong professional network and lifelong friendships.</span></p>
Current Role and NYU's Impact
<p><span class="p-body">During her final semester, Stavenow participated in a consulting practicum project for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Her team developed recommendations to optimize domestic cyber capabilities and enhance emergency response. This experience taught her the importance of teamwork and practical application of academic concepts, resulting in a successful final product delivered to DHS. This also served as the launching point for her current role.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Today, Stavenow works as an intelligence analyst on the Malware and Cyber Threats team at the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA). Her role involves analyzing and consolidating intelligence on cyber investigations for law enforcement and private industry stakeholders. A big part of her work is recognizing patterns, trends, and seeing the bigger picture. She adds, “My time at NYU prepared me well for this by giving me a robust foundation in the technical and global aspects of cybersecurity and cybercrime.”</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Stavenow takes pride in being NCFTA's first international employee and received a promotion within six months of joining. These achievements came with challenges, such as adapting to a new country and professional environment. However, the support from her colleagues and mentors has been invaluable, helping her navigate these challenges successfully.</span></p>
Looking Ahead and Advice for New Students
<p><span class="p-body">Stavenow is dedicated to continuing her work in cybersecurity, striving to make cyberspace safer every day. She aims to further develop her skills and eventually focus on helping regions like Latin America and the global south, where many cyber issues are more complex.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Stavenow advises new NYU SPS students to engage with their professors and peers, as they are invaluable parts of your network. “Your professors are not just instructors but mentors who can provide guidance, support, and opportunities that can shape your career,” she explains. Networking is crucial, and the connections made at NYU can significantly impact your professional journey.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Stavenow also recommends subscribing to <a href="https://www.wired.com/" target="_blank">Wired</a> for cybersecurity and tech coverage and following <a href="https://www.techpolicy.press/" target="_blank">Tech Policy Press</a> for updates on policy developments in cybersecurity and related fields, even before starting the program.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Join other cybersecurity professionals on the road to creating a safer online world when you pursue an <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/masters-degrees/ms-in-global-security--conflict--and-cybercrime.html">MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime</a> at NYU SPS today.</span></p>
