Samantha Kissa

Built an offline LLM-powered assistant that generates documentation directly from Python source, entered in a national deep-tech AI competition. Designed for local/offline inference constraints, requiring attention to model size, latency, and resource-constrained deployment.

Conducted hands-on security assessments in virtual labs using Kali Linux, Nmap, and Wireshark, including port scanning, packet analysis, and vulnerability reconnaissance. Configured and tested RBAC policies in Active Directory and performed wireless security audits and simulated penetration tests.

Conducted vulnerability assessments and web application security reviews aligned to NIST CSF 2.0, ISO 27001:2022, and MITRE D3FEND. Performed attack surface analysis on live web applications and produced formal security assessment documentation.

Completed a full 7-stage SOC analyst training capstone built around a simulated incident response scenario at a fictional fintech client, with certification issued for each stage. Investigated simulated auth logs, decoded cipher payloads, mapped attack surfaces, and produced incident response and governance documentation.

Built a document-to-generation pipeline for an AI-powered African recipe web app, integrating LLM providers for recipe generation and cooking tips. Owned the system end to end, from prompt design and API integration to backend and frontend deployment.

Operated Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology across 100+ formal education institutions nationwide, ensuring data quality and integrity. Built trust with school administrators, teachers, and community members to drive adoption of digital data collection systems in low-connectivity contexts.

Pursuing a Bachelor of Information Technology with coursework in database systems, systems administration, and Python programming, expected to graduate in 2026.

Completed cybersecurity training covering network defence, ethical hacking, cryptography, and governance, risk, and compliance.