Mayank Keshariya

Mayank moved from India to join the University of Canterbury Computer Science program as a Masters' student. 'I was always fascinated with computers, and the Computer Science program at the University of Canterbury was very interesting. The courses offered had a range of options to suit my preferences - particularly with respect to wireless and mobile networking security - and were up-to-date with the latest and upcoming technologies'.

During his Masters program, Mayank joined the Internet Security Research Group and started work in wireless and network security. 'I learnt a lot during the course and especially as a result of the applied nature of the laboratory work. We were given real world problems like how to secure an organisation's network, define security policies and do forensic analysis when something goes wrong. It was fun and opened a new arena for me'.

For the Masters' research and based on the hands-on experience, Mayank and his supervisor (Assoc Prof Ray Hunt) developed a wireless network security model. This model later grabbed the attention of Telecom NZ, and soon the prototype was analysed by the technical team of Telecom. 'It was very exciting. We were thankful that the Computer Science Department allotted us a separate test network and linked us with the live Telecom network.' Mayank says.

Based on the recommendations of the Telecom, the concept was accepted for Technology Industry Fellowship (TIF) and Mayank was transferred to a PhD with three years of full scholarship. 'It all started in the security lab!, ecstatic Mayank says.

During his PhD, Mayank had constant interactions with Telecom and Alcatel-Lucent together with other universities in Germany, Singapore and UK. 'I was given opportunities to present papers and attend conferences in my research field. It was a great learning experience'. A part of Mayank's PhD work was developed as a separate commercial project and was funded under Technology Assessment Project (TAP). 'I was applying my research in a real world while at university. It was simply amazing!', Mayank says.

Mayank continued to be a part of the Internet security research group as a tutor. 'There is so much to learn and the labs provide a perfect platform to play with the latest technology and share thoughts with fellow students.' Mayank explains.

Mayank is currently working in R A Ward Ltd., a network security company which develops emergency alert systems for the Aviation industry. 'I am extremely thankful to the University of Canterbury and the Computer Science Department which helped me learn and develop skills to work in this exciting industry. The work is challenging and fun... everyday'

'I think Computer Science provides a great platform for many different areas. The courses are not "classroom only" and allow us to interact with and solve real world problems. The skills developed are an asset which not only helps in job market but also opens up doors to new opportunities.'